Puerto Rico lawmakers are reviewing Senate Bill 960, a proposal that would expand gambling options across the island. The measure is being studied by the Senate Treasury, Budget and PROMESA Commission.
The review included an on-site inspection at Casino Metro in San Juan. Senator Migdalia Padilla Alvelo, Gaming Commission executive director Juan Santaella Marchán and representatives from the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association took part.
Bill would add new gambling formats
Senate Bill 960 was filed by Senator Roxanna Soto Aguilú. It seeks to amend the law governing the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission and introduce new forms of regulated gambling. The proposal includes separate poker rooms outside traditional casinos. It also covers wider online sports betting, esports betting and interactive electronic lottery games offered through apps and websites.
The bill also includes licensing, oversight and player protection rules. Those controls would cover underage gambling prevention and problem gambling measures.
Casino sector raises concerns
The proposal has drawn concern from parts of Puerto Rico’s casino and tourism sector. Existing casino operators already work under detailed licensing, security and compliance requirements.
Industry representatives warned that the bill could move gambling revenue away from hotel casinos without creating much new revenue. They also raised questions about whether standalone poker rooms would have the same security systems as casino venues.
Puerto Rico’s casino model is linked closely to hotels and tourism. Casino revenue also supports public programmes, including the University of Puerto Rico.
Commission reviews casino controls
The inspection at Casino Metro gave lawmakers a clearer view of current casino procedures. The review covered control systems, gaming technology and security measures used at the venue. The visit is part of the committee’s review before a final report is prepared. More inspections are expected as lawmakers assess whether the proposal needs changes.
Online gambling already exists
Puerto Rico already allows sports betting, esports betting and fantasy contests under its Gaming Commission framework. The current system includes online and land-based betting, with taxes and licence rules set by law and regulation. Senate Bill 960 would expand the existing structure. The main question is how far lawmakers want to expand gambling outside existing casino and betting channels.
