Puerto Rico Casino Guide
Getting Started
Puerto Rico is an interesting region when it comes to gambling. The Puerto Ricans have effectively legalised gambling, but the final say doesn’t actually come down to them. As an unincorporated US territory, the United States ultimately has the final say over many of Puerto Rico’s laws. Naturally, this causes a great deal of confusion for bettors in the region.
Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about that. Our team has perused all the current (and applicable) gambling laws in Puerto Rico, and we’ve cross-checked those with applicable US laws and legislation to provide you with as clear a pathway as possible for gambling in Puerto Rico. Let’s begin by explaining the current situation regarding gambling.
Puerto Rico’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Puerto Rico legalised gambling back in 1948. To date, Title 15, Chapter 5: Games of Chance and the Casino and Gambling Act, sets out what Puerto Ricans can legally bet on. Puerto Ricans are permitted to gamble on all manner of gambling games in physical venues. When it comes to online gambling, the situation is cloudier, but new rules are on their way – if you believe the Puerto Rican authorities.
Since 2021, Puerto Rico has reversed a ban on online gambling. They are in the process of making it legal. However, at present (unless Puerto Rico becomes an independent country), any regulating online gambling industry must still be compliant with US federal laws. Puerto Rico is in the process of legalising online casinos (and regulating them) in much the same manner as US states like New Jersey, Delaware and others currently do.
Sports betting has been actively legal since 2019. The Puerto Rico Sports Betting and Fantasy Contest Regulations overwrites the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. Notably, horse racing is not deemed a part of this act. There are also some questions that remain unresolved when it comes to cock fighting. The US has outlawed this, but Puerto Rico still permits it (while it is illegal on paper), claiming that it is part of their cultural heritage.
Who Regulates and Licenses Puerto Rican Casino Sites?
As touched on above, Puerto Rico aims to regulate and license its own online gambling industry. To date, they have made moves to make all forms of online gambling legal. While this is technically against US federal law, the fact that they intend to regulate the industry has seen them gain significant leeway. It is this back-and-forth battle with US federal laws (of which Puerto Rico has no say or representation) that has seen over 54% of Puerto Ricans side with the independence movement.
While it is not yet in operation, the eventual body in charge of licensing and regulation will be the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission. For now, the Gaming Division of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company currently has jurisdiction over all forms of gambling in the territory.
It is worth noting that Puerto Ricans are not prosecuted for playing at offshore casinos, and there are many of those that are eager to cater to them. Puerto Rico has effectively legalised all forms of online betting, so until the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission is up and running, residents of Puerto Rico can feel free to gamble how they see fit.
Puerto Rico’s Most Popular Gambling Games
As long as you’re eighteen or older, you can gamble on seemingly anything in Puerto Rico. The currently loose gambling laws enable you to wager on sports, casino games, bingo, and lottery games, but also other forms of betting. Technically, cock fighting (a major pastime in Puerto Rico) is illegal, but many Puerto Ricans continue to bet on it. Of the gambling games you’d conventionally see in casinos, it is table games and poker that often prove more alluring to Puerto Rican bettors.
Puerto Rico isn’t home to any major casino software providers. As the region doesn’t have its own legalised online casinos, players are forced to sign up at offshore casinos. Because of this, there are plenty of software developers to choose from. RTG (Real Time Gaming) and BetSoft Gaming are common at US-facing offshore casinos that cater to Americans and Puerto Ricans alike. However, further afield, you can also find games from Playtech, NetEnt and other established brands.
Who Can Play?
Any Puerto Rican is technically free to play at any online casino that will have them, and it is worth noting that players in Puerto Rico won’t be punished for playing at offshore casinos. However, we should also stress that many of these casinos are primarily US-facing betting sites, not specialising in Puerto Rican players per se. Therefore, don’t expect them all to offer gameplay in Spanish.
At the same time, there are a few selected casinos out there that try to market themselves towards Puerto Ricans. As for who can play at these “Puerto Rican-facing casinos”? There are usually few regional blocks at these sites, so seemingly anybody can sign up and play at them.
Online Casino Payment Options
There are several common payment methods exclusive to players in Puerto Rico for online casinos. We have categorized them into Credit/Debit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, and Local Payment Methods for better understanding. Please note that these are specifically tailored to Puerto Rican players and are not restricted in the country.
Credit/Debit Cards:
- ATH Móvil: ATH Móvil is a widely used mobile payment platform in Puerto Rico, allowing users to transfer money and make payments using their smartphones. Many online casinos in Puerto Rico accept ATH Móvil as a payment method, making it easy for players to deposit and withdraw funds. Users can link their bank accounts or credit/debit cards to the app for seamless transactions.
- Banco Popular Credit Cards: Banco Popular is one of the largest banks in Puerto Rico, and its credit cards are widely accepted for online casino payments. Players can use their Banco Popular Visa or Mastercard to deposit funds securely into their online casino accounts.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency worldwide and is accepted as a payment method by several online casinos catering to Puerto Rican players. Bitcoin transactions are fast, secure, and offer a higher level of anonymity compared to traditional payment methods.
- Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency accepted by some online casinos in Puerto Rico. ETH transactions are also fast and secure, with lower fees than most traditional payment methods.
- Litecoin (LTC): Litecoin is a cryptocurrency that offers faster transaction times and lower fees than Bitcoin. It has gained popularity among online casino players and is accepted by some online casinos in Puerto Rico.
Local Payment Methods:
- Coqui Cash: Coqui Cash is an electronic payment system exclusively designed for residents of Puerto Rico. It provides a secure and easy-to-use platform for making payments and transferring funds. Some online casinos in Puerto Rico accept Coqui Cash for deposits and withdrawals.
- Evertec Payment Solutions: Evertec is a leading payment processing company in Puerto Rico, providing a range of payment solutions for businesses and individuals. Some online casinos in Puerto Rico partner with Evertec to offer secure and reliable deposit and withdrawal options.
- CaribePay: CaribePay is a mobile wallet app developed specifically for residents of Puerto Rico. Users can link their bank accounts, credit/debit cards, or prepaid cards to the app and make payments at online casinos that accept CaribePay.
New Online Casinos Puerto Rico 2024
New Online Slots Puerto Rico
F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Puerto Rico?
Online gambling is not explicitly legal in Puerto Rico. However, there is no specific law that prohibits players from participating in online gambling activities through offshore websites. To stay updated on the latest legal developments, visit our Licensing and Regulation guide.
2. Are offshore online casinos safe for Puerto Rican players?
Offshore online casinos can be safe for Puerto Rican players, provided they are licensed and regulated by reputable jurisdictions. To ensure a secure gaming experience, check our Safety and Security guide for tips on choosing a trustworthy online casino.
3. What payment methods are available for Puerto Rican players?
Most international online casinos offer a variety of payment methods for Puerto Rican players, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. Learn more about the available options in our Payment Methods section.
4. Can I play casino games on my mobile device in Puerto Rico?
Yes, most online casinos offer mobile gaming options for players in Puerto Rico. To learn more about mobile gaming and find the best mobile casinos, check out our Mobile Gaming guide.
5. Are online casino games fair and random?
Reputable online casinos use Random Number Generator (RNG) technology to ensure fairness and randomness in their games. To learn more about RNGs and how they work, visit our Software and Technology guide.
6. Can I play live dealer games from Puerto Rico?
Yes, many online casinos offer live dealer games to players in Puerto Rico. To learn more about live dealer games and find the best live dealer casinos, check out our Live Dealers section.
7. Are there any specific responsible gambling resources for Puerto Rican players?
While there may not be specific resources targeting Puerto Rican players, responsible gambling principles apply universally. Check out our Responsible Gambling Principles guide for helpful tips and resources.
8. How can I improve my skills in online casino games?
Our website offers a range of guides and strategies for various casino games, including Roulette, Slots, Blackjack, and many others. Visit our Online Casino Games page to explore different games and improve your skills.
9. What currencies can I use to play at online casinos?
Most online casinos accept a variety of currencies, including US dollars, which is commonly used in Puerto Rico. Some casinos may also accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. For more information on accepted currencies, refer to our Payment Methods section.
10. How can I ensure I am playing at a licensed and regulated online casino?
To ensure you are playing at a licensed and regulated online casino, check for licensing information on the casino’s website, usually found in the footer. You can also refer to our Licensing and Regulation guide for additional tips on finding a reputable online casino.