Dominican Republic Prepares Review and Suspension Process for Irregular Gambling Operations
TL;DR — Teófilo “Quico” Tabar will propose reviews and suspensions of irregular gambling operations once the Dominican Republic’s new Gaming Law passes. The bill, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, targets transparency after years of tolerated irregularities but has drawn industry disagreements. It builds on Decree 63-22 (2022) and Decree 197-26 (2026).
SCCG Take — This marks a regulatory inflection point where client-partners must freeze operational changes and ready compliance documentation to navigate the shift successfully.
Teófilo “Quico” Tabar, coordinator of the Oversight Council for the Regularization of Gambling in the Dominican Republic, has stated that approval of the new Gaming Law will prompt proposals to review all gambling activities operating outside legal limits, with suspension where appropriate.
The bill has already secured approval in the Chamber of Deputies and would create the new General Directorate of Gaming. It has produced disagreements between lawmakers and representatives of gaming companies and industry associations over multiple provisions, as reported by Yogonet International.
In a public statement, Tabar said he would recommend “the immediate suspension of any decisions involving changes to the status of gambling operations to prevent them from becoming associated with actions that could later be questioned.” He expects the legislation, submitted to Congress by President Luis Abinader, to increase transparency and regulation by first correcting operations that have not complied with existing rules.
Tabar urged operators, employees, and public officials to refrain from actions that alter the current status of businesses or permits while the framework is finalized. Any activity outside previous regularization decrees will face evaluation by the new authorities and the Oversight Council.
Background on the Oversight Council and Decrees
Tabar was appointed under Decree 63-22, issued on February 9, 2022. The Executive Branch reactivated the Oversight Council through Decree 197-26, issued on March 26, 2026, expanding its responsibilities to the full range of gambling-related activities beyond lotteries. The proposed law subjects non-compliant operations to review by authorities designated under the legislation and by the Oversight Council, which includes industry representatives from various sectors.
Where the Risk Lies
In my thirty years as a securities and gaming attorney, regulatory transitions of this nature frequently surface execution gaps between stated goals and operational realities. The noted disagreements with industry associations point to potential friction in implementation that could delay transparency objectives or create uncertainty for compliant operators. Client-partners should treat the call to preserve current status as a strict interim discipline while preparing clear records for the mandated evaluations. This convergence on formalized rules offers a structural shift, but only for those positioned to meet the new standards without disruption.
Reporting: Yogonet International
Regulatory reset underway — freeze operational changes now and prepare compliance documentation before the new authority takes charge.
We've worked Latin American regulatory transitions for decades, and this one carries real enforcement intent. The freeze on permit changes and expansion of oversight to all gambling sectors signals a shift from tolerated irregularity to active scrutiny. Operators with Dominican exposure need clarity on what compliance documentation the new Directorate will demand.
- Tabar urges immediate freeze on permit changes and operational expansions pending law passage
- New Gaming Law creates General Directorate of Gaming; already passed Chamber of Deputies
- Non-compliant operations face review and potential suspension under expanded Oversight Council
SCCG angle: SCCG works with regulators and compliance advisors across Latin America. If you're operating in the Dominican Republic or evaluating entry, we can connect you with local legal partners who understand what documentation the new Directorate will require and help you navigate the transition without losing position.