Sports betting is fully legal in Puerto Rico following legislation passed in 2019 that established a comprehensive regulatory framework for both online and retail wagering operations. The Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly passed the sports betting law in mid-2019, making the U.S. territory one of the jurisdictions to act following the Supreme Court's landmark 2018 decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) (2). The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission serves as the primary regulatory authority responsible for licensing, supervision, and oversight of all sports betting activities on the island.
The regulatory framework permits both online betting and retail sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks, as well as affiliated satellite locations such as hotels and off-track betting outlets. However, the law was amended in late 2020 to require online operators to also maintain a retail location and mandates that all betting accounts must be initially created in person at a physical sportsbook venue (2). The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission has granted licenses to multiple operators and suppliers, with operators required to pay a $50,000 licensing fee, while service suppliers pay $5,000 and technology providers pay $15,000 to complete the licensing process (1).
"The sports betting industry is growing under the regulations and supervision of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission. Online betting has the potential of being an important source of jobs."
Licensed sports betting operations in Puerto Rico must comply with U.S. federal laws including the Wire Act and Bank Secrecy Act, while benefiting from the protections of the U.S. legal system. The regulatory framework draws heavily from established jurisdictions like Nevada and New Jersey, creating a robust compliance structure that has attracted major operators including BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel (2). The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission executive director has emphasized that online betting represents an important economic opportunity, stating it "will generate new income for the treasury" while creating jobs and commercial entertainment spaces (1). The territory's unique position as a bridge between the U.S. and Latin American markets, combined with its established gambling infrastructure including casino-hotels and horseracing, positions Puerto Rico as an emerging sports betting destination with significant growth potential.
Source:
https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/licensing/puerto-rico-grants-seven-sports-betting-licences/
https://www.vixio.com/insights/gc-puerto-rico-preparing-sports-betting-super-bowl
Last updated: 24-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
