In 2019, H.B. 2038 was signed into law to open the doors for Puerto Rico gambling online. It’s taken almost four years for the first online sportsbook to finally open its doors, paving the way for (hopefully) many more to come. In this article, we will look at the current landscape for gambling in Puerto Rico and what the future holds.

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The Latest Puerto Rico Gambling News

Gambling in Puerto Rico has been relatively slow, but as brands like BetMGM enter the market, the industry is one that is expected to grow rapidly. Below we’ve outlined the latest Puerto Rico gambling news to highlight what is happening and when.

• June 8, 2023 – BetMGM is the first brand to enter the online market in Puerto Rico. The site is linked to the Casino del Mar in the La Concha Resort, launching with a mobile sports betting app.
• December 21, 2022 – Caesars makes its first move to enter the PR gambling sector as they create a land-based sportsbook within the Casino Metro. This fuels speculation that online options will arise sometime in 2023.
• April 4, 2022 – DraftKings makes ties with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe to bring sports betting to the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. Plans to launch an online option are set in motion and expected for 2023.
• February 9, 2022 – BetMGM becomes the first major operator to utilize the new licensing laws within Puerto Rico by opening a retail sportsbook. Plans for the online platform were put in place for later that year but eventually came to fruition in June 2023.
• November 8, 2021 – The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission opens its doors to applications to create online gambling options. Interest was initially high, but uncertainty around laws, such as tax and legislation, meant that uptake was slower than predicted.
• June 29, 2019 – An iconic date for Puerto Rico online gambling as bill H.B. 2038 is passed and signed into law, allowing sports gambling in Puerto Rico to take place.

Puerto Rico Online Gambling Summary

The table below includes an overview of the current landscape for Puerto Rico online gambling.

Reviews of the Best Puerto Rico Gambling Sites

In this section, we’ve included reviews on the best Puerto Rico gambling sites on the market. It’s worth noting that only BetMGM is currently live, but we’ve included previews of DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars, with all three being anticipated to launch very soon.

1. BetMGM – Best Puerto Rico Gambling Site / $100 Second Chance Bet

• Payout time: 3 -5 days
• Live in the state since: June 2023
• Land-based partner: Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort

Our Verdict (9.2/10)

BetMGM went live in June 2023 and has formed ties with the Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort. The sportsbook is now accessible both online and on mobile. Verification for the online sportsbook can be completed via the website, but for access to the mobile site, you will need to verify in person within the casino.

The sportsbook has a huge range of sports to choose from, with extensive coverage of US-based sports such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Market coverage is extensive, with a huge selection of prop bets and even same-game parlays on selected games.

A standout feature of BetMGM is the inclusion of live streaming. Games can be viewed within the Match Center, which is linked to live betting markets. Where streaming isn’t possible, the live betting section has interactive animations of the game, including live stats, data, and commentary for higher-profile games.

Betting lines at BetMGM are exceptionally good, often benefiting from markets promoted with reduced juice. The only exception to this comes from a handful of spreads, where we’ve seen lines set at a whopping -120, much higher than an industry standard of -110.

Features Overview

• Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 9/10
• Mobile & App Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 6/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Sportsbook: 9/10
• Customer Support: 7/10

Top Sign-Up Offer: Second chance 1^st bet worth up to $100

Pros & Cons:

Upcoming Puerto Rico Gambling Sites

As the landscape around online gambling in Puerto Rico continues to evolve and the introduction of BetMGM as the first gambling site has been announced, there has been lots of talk about who will be next. In this section, we’ve previewed a range of gambling sites that are hotly tipped to enter the Puerto Rico gambling market very soon, along with when we expect to see them and what they might offer.

DraftKings

DraftKings laid the foundation in April 2022 by signing a deal with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe to bring sports betting to the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. It was expected that their sportsbook would arrive later that year, but as such, no further progress has been made.

The introduction of BetMGM will likely accelerate this process and it’s been rumored that they will be going live sometime in the second half of 2023. Users will then be able to access one of the biggest and best online betting sites in the industry, with additional access to a brilliant DFS section.

FanDuel

FanDuel already offers free DFS to users in Puerto Rico, but as yet doesn’t have a license for any real-money transactions for this or their sportsbook. The brand is a little further behind the likes of DraftKings, with no ties to any of the land-based casinos to obtain a license. However, they do state on their websites that they are “working to secure a license”, but we’re not sure on a specific timeframe for this.

Caesars

In 2022, Caesars teamed up with the largest casino in Puerto Rico, Casino Metro. They are now offering land-based betting options within the casino and are hotly tipped to enter the online market soon. The Caesars online gambling platform will most likely come with competitive odds and access to the exclusive loyalty program, Caesars Rewards.

Comparing the Best Puerto Rico Gambling Sites

The table below includes an overview of the best Puerto Rico gambling sites on the market right now. We’ve outlined the types of products that you can access as a PR resident and will keep this updated as soon as more sites and products are accessible.

Is Gambling Legal in Puerto Rico?

Land-based gambling is fully legal in Puerto Rico and is one of the territories main revenue streams, alongside tourism. The island boasts 13 casinos and within each is access to a wide range of casino games and sports betting. On top of this, there is a state-run national lottery along with multiple horse racing tracks, with each holding a full license to take trackside bets.

The online landscape for Puerto Rico gambling laws is a little more restrictive. In 2019, a law was passed to allow online sports betting, esports, and fantasy sports. But uptake on these licenses has been surprisingly slow, with the first application being granted to BetMGM in 2023.

What this does show is that Puerto Rico is opening to gambling of all kinds, and we’re fully expectant that more brands are going to follow in the footsteps of BetMGM in the not-too-distant future.

Who can Gamble Online in Puerto Rico?

The gambling age in Puerto Rico is set at 18, which is younger than the 21 age limit set in most US states. This means that access to land-based sites, such as casinos and racetracks is open to those aged 18+.

However, the landscape is different online, with most sites setting the legal age at 21. The reason for this is that most Puerto Rico gambling sites are based in the US and as long as their minimum age at least matches Puerto Rico, they can set it as high as they please.

Access will be strictly limited to residents and accounts will need to be verified within the casino that the online site is linked to. For example, with BetMGM, their ties are with the Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort and new players will have to verify their accounts (proof address, ID, SSN, etc.) in person within the casino.

Types of Puerto Rico Gambling Sites Available

Gambling isn’t fully accessible across all platforms in Puerto Rico and there are still restrictions over what you can and cannot access. The table below highlights what is currently legal and the year it was legalized.

Sports Gambling Sites

Sports are accessible both online and within land-based sportsbooks. There is no limitation in terms of markets that can be accessed, including parlays, prop bets, futures, same-game parlays, moneyline, spread, and totals. It’s also worth noting that you’re able to bet on all college sports for US-based teams, with no restrictions.

Horse Gambling Sites

Horse racing is limited to specialist betting sites, with none of the current online platforms being accessible in Puerto Rico. However, it is possible to bet in person at one of the multiple racetracks located within the territory.

Esports Gambling Sites

Legislation to access esports gambling was permitted under the 2019 bill passed and as a result, can now be used online. Access to games includes CSGO gambling, DOTA 2, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and League of Legends. Games can be streamed within most sportsbooks, with live betting another prominent feature.

DFS Gambling Sites

DFS gambling sites are on the rise within Puerto Rico. The main sites include DraftKings and FanDuel, which are two that are targeting a sports betting option in the future. Pools, round betting, and season long DFS options are available throughout each, with a regular influx of new and existing player promotions.

Casino Gambling Sites

Online casino gambling is not currently permitted within the territory. However, the legalization of online sports betting coupled with the popularity of land-based casinos means that this option will likely come to fruition in due course. Games will include roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat, and jackpots.

Poker Gambling Sites

Like casinos, online poker is still not an option within Puerto Rico. There are several poker rooms located within the land-based casinos and at the time of writing, these represent the only option for poker fans in Puerto Rico.

Lottery Gambling Sites

The lottery has been live in Puerto Rico since 1947 and there are options to place bets online, albeit not via any of the traditional online sportsbooks that we’ve listed within this article. To do so, residents must wager in person at land-based casinos. Some international lotteries can be accessed as well, such as state-run in the US and across Europe.

Politics Gambling Sites

Politics gambling options are found within most online sportsbooks these days and come to life around the time of elections and state voting. Markets such as next President, next Governor, majority wins, and international voting are popular inclusions.

How to Sign Up to a Gambling Site in Puerto Rico

We’ve taken our top rated Puerto Rico online gambling site, BetMGM, to walk you through the process of how to create an account. Please note that verification will need to take place in person, however, if this changes, we will update the process.

1.   Head to the BetMGM Gambling Site

Open the BetMGM gambling site and click on the “Register” button at the top of the page. It’s worth taking a minute to make sure that this is the Puerto Rico version of the site, which you can check in the top left corner where it states “Puerto Rico” under the BetMGM logo.

2.   Enter Email and Create a Password

The first step will ask you to enter an email address and a password for your account. You only enter this once, which is not ideal, so make sure that your password does not include any typos.

3.   Enter Your Name and SSN

You will now be asked to enter your name and the last four digits of your SSN. Again, take the time to make sure these are correct as you may need to confirm these later down the line.

4.   Enter Your Address and Bonus Code

You now need to enter and verify your address. If you’ve a BetMGM bonus code you can enter it here, but it’s worth noting that you do not need one to claim the welcome bonus currently on offer.

5.   Verify Your Account

If you’re already a member at Casino del Mar, then your account will automatically be linked, and you won’t need to verify your account. If you’re not, you will need to visit the casino in person with your ID and proof of address before your account goes live.

Gambling Bonuses Available in Puerto Rico

One of the benefits of gambling online in Puerto Rico is the wide range of bonuses that are accessible for both new and existing accounts. Below we’ve outlined the range you can expect to claim and a little information on how each works.

• Welcome Bonuses: The welcome bonus is the offer that you can claim for new accounts. This can range but can include second chance bets, deposit bonuses, and bet credits.
• Deposit Match Bonuses: A deposit match bonus will match the deposit that you make and apply a bonus. For example, if you deposit $50 for a 100% match up to $1,000, then you will get an additional $50 bonus.
• On-going Promotions: On-going promotions vary, but can include reload bonuses, bet credits, and even second-chance bets. Bet boosts, free spins, and refer-a-friend bonuses are common.
• Bonus Bets: Bonus bets are where the sportsbook will apply a bet to your account that you can use across a variety of markets. They often have no wagering but won’t include the stake in any winnings.
• Loyalty Bonuses: Loyalty bonuses are applied to accounts that have either been with the site for a long time or have wagered over a certain threshold.

Payment Methods Available at Puerto Rico Gambling Sites

Payment methods are going to vary based on the gambling site that you use, but below we’ve listed a range of types that you can expect to use in Puerto Rico.

• Bank Cards: Popular bank cards include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. These range between credit and debit cards.
• Wire Transfer: Wire transfer is used for larger deposits and withdrawals. Often takes several days to process and can include fees.
• E-Wallets: Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal are popular e-wallets and are one of the quickest payment methods when it comes to processing times.
• Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards can be loaded at shops like 7-Eleven and then used to fund an online gambling account.
• Casino Cage Cashier: All gambling sites are linked to a land-based casino where you can deposit and withdraw at the casino cage.
• Online Banking: Online banking allows users to transfer money from a checking account into their online betting account. Usually will need to get the banking details from customer support and use your account number as a reference.

Who Regulates Gambling in Puerto Rico?

The Gaming Division of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (also known as the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission) oversees gambling within the territory. It’s their role to not only ensure that players are safe when accessing both online and land-based gambling outlets, but also to oversee any licensing and franchising applications as well.

The Commission works to ensure that responsible gambling practices are undertaken by all its licensees. This includes tracking the amount of money wagered and the time people spend gambling. Practices are put in place to not only exclude those that are high risk, but also to get them to help to alleviate any issues.

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Puerto Rico

One of the many highlights of gambling in Puerto Rico is that you won’t be charged any income tax on winnings. Tax is collected from gambling sites based on revenue taken at a rate of 7% for retail and 12% online, but for players, this is omitted.

It’s worth noting that you may still be subject to declaring winnings for foreigners returning to their home country. For example, in the US, you’re likely still going to need to declare any winnings within a Puerto Rico-based casino or sportsbook when you return. You will need to check your local state laws for more information on this.

Puerto Rico Gambling Apps & Mobile Sites

When legislation was passed in 2019 to allow online gambling, one of the main stipulations was that mobile betting would be accessible as well. BetMGM, the first gambling site to go live, provides players access to a brilliant app that can be downloaded on both Android and iPhone.

As more brands proceed with licensing within Puerto Rico, we fully expect that they include access to a mobile gambling app. In fact, most companies are using a mobile-first approach, where the app is becoming a more popular choice for users throughout the territory.

Gambling Sites vs Land-Based Gambling in Puerto Rico

In this section, we’ve looked at why many people are starting to use online gambling sites over land-based gambling sites.

Tips on How to Stay Safe When Gambling Online in Puerto Rico

When gambling online there are always risks involved, especially with territories like Puerto Rico, which are new to the online landscape and have limited options to choose from. In this section, we’ve included tips on how to stay safe with Puerto Rico gambling sites.

1. Check Licensing for the Site

All legal betting sites in Puerto Rico need to be fully licensed to accept players and real money bets. You’re able to check the current status of licensed sites on the Gaming Commission site.

It’s worth noting that all sites we’ve listed on this page are fully licensed and highly reputable companies. We take the time to test and check licensing information as a priority within our reviews and won’t include any that don’t meet the mark.

2. Use Secure Payment Methods

One of the benefits of online gambling is that you’ve got the choice of a wide range of payment methods. You’re able to choose the ones that you’re most comfortable using and will offer you added protection. Reputable sites will outline safety measures that they include when it comes to banking, such as using SSL certificates and encryption tools.

3. Set a Budget

A key aspect of responsible gambling comes in the form of setting a budget. This should be money you can afford to lose and gambling should be seen as a hobby where losing is part of the game. Set a limit as to what you want to spend and then stick to it. Never chase losses and use responsible gambling tools, such as time out and account holidays, if you feel it’s getting out of hand.

4. Use a Secure Connection

While gambling sites are very secure these days, it doesn’t hurt to use a secure internet connection to create an added layer of security. This is usually obtained by using home Wi-Fi services but can also include programs such as a VPN. However, not all sites will allow you to use the latter as they need to verify your location to ensure you’re in Puerto Rico.

5. Avoid Offshore Gambling Sites

There are lots of offshore gambling sites that allow users to access online gambling from within Puerto Rico. The reality is that these are not licensed within the territory and have questionable gaming licenses, if any at all. Use reputable brands, such as BetMGM and the sites listed on this page, which are all fully licensed within Puerto Rico.

How Puerto Rico Gambling Compares to its Neighboring States

Given that Puerto Rico is a Caribbean Island, it’s not technically a US state, which means that comparing it to neighbors is difficult. However, it does need to comply with US federal law, meaning that things such as the licensing process and the brands linked to that are similar.

What is apparent is that the acceptance of online gambling in 2019 is having a big impact on gambling, even following a turbulent time during the global pandemic. In 2022, gambling revenue jumped to $355 million, a 38.98% increase from the following year. As more online gambling sites jump on board, this number is set to rise further still in 2023.

Gambling Locations in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to 17 land-based casinos, many of which will be utilized by brands to apply for licenses for online platforms to enter. Below we’ve included the top five casinos in Puerto Rico, with information about what you can expect to find.

Stellaris Casino at San Juan Marriott

• Address: 1309 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
• Opening hours: 24/7

The Stellaris Casino opened in 1995 and boasts over 12,800 square feet of casino floor. Occupying the floor are more than 450 gaming machines and 26 table games. On-site is a 525-room hotel that comes equipped with a full-service spa, two swimming pools, and five restaurants and lounges.

Ritz Carlton San Juan Hotel and Casino

• Address: Avenida Los Gobernadores, Carolina, Carolina 00979, Puerto Rico
• Opening hours: 24/7

The Ritz Carlton opened in 1997 and is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious casinos on the island, with more than eight acres of beach on its doorstep. In terms of square footage, the casino has over 38,000 across the floor, with a further 30,000 sq ft in convention space. It comes packed with more than 300 slots and 22 table games, with seven restaurants to choose from.

Casino Real at Wyndham Garden

• Address: 170 Candelero Dr, Humacao, 00791, Puerto Rico
• Opening hours: 10am – 2am

Casino Real at Wyndham Garden is located on the south coast of the island. It comes with over 4,000 sq ft of casino floor with 200 machines and 21 table games, boasting blackjack, roulette, and craps. It’s one of few casinos on the island that has an attached golf course along with three top-quality restaurants.

Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino

• Address: 200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
• Opening hours: 24/7

In terms of slots, the Sheraton Puerto Rico is the biggest on the island, with over 500 machines to choose from, as well as 21 table games, ranging from roulette to blackjack. The casino is huge, with over 23,000 sq ft in floor space, as well as 40,000 sq ft in convention floor space. The four-stars hotel provides 503 rooms, as well as seven restaurants, a sports betting lounge, and also includes a golf course.

Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort

• Address: 1077 Ave Dr Ashford, San Juan, San Juan 00907, Puerto Rico
• Opening hours: 24/7

Casino del Mar was opening in 2007 and is currently the only casino that holds a license with an online gambling site in the form of BetMGM. The site has more than 420 gaming machines, 20 table games, and a poker room. The hotel comes with more than 480 rooms, all situated within the beach-front resort.

The Best Gambling Site in Puerto Rico

The best gambling site in Puerto Rico is BetMGM. The site was the first to launch on the island and has been able to create a monopoly based on the lack of competition (so far).

Sports betting is the only product that players can currently access with BetMGM. Luckily this is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The sheer volume of sports and betting markets is superb, with live betting options allowing users to both track and live stream some of the biggest games from around the world.

In terms of promotions, there are excessive amounts for both new and existing players. The second chance first bet worth up to $100 is very easy to claim and features such as cash-out betting and Edit My Bet, make it easy to stick around.

FAQs

Jonathan is a freelance writer working with Techopedia. He has been working within the gambling sector for over 15 years and has been fortunate enough to work with brands that include Gambling.com, CheekyPunter.com, BasketballInsiders.com and Betfair. He specializes in US and UK-based sports and casino content for Techopedia.