Puerto Rico’s Gaming Commission collected more than $45 million over the past 14 months through oversight of slot machines, according to figures presented Thursday by executive director Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán. Of that amount, $17.6 million goes to the Puerto Rico Police Trust, $12 million to the towns and another $12 million to the General Fund.
Of the money destined for towns, $9.5 million has already been distributed through a joint resolution of the Legislative Assembly. Since February, the Commission’s Office of Investigation and Regulation, working with the Police, has carried out more than 60 operations against machines running outside the law, resulting in the seizure of hundreds of machines and fines; no specific count of machines or amount of fines was given.
Interconnection of slot machines began in January, and more than 90 percent of operators have submitted evidence from their service provider. Twenty-one casinos currently operate, with three more under construction in Mayagüez, Ponce and San Juan; the industry contributes about $200 million a year to the government, including funds for the University of Puerto Rico.
Sports betting reached $354.7 million in wagers last year, generating roughly $4.5 million in government revenue. The figures were released at a press conference led by Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano. The agency is preparing the 2026 Caribbean Classic horse race for the first week of December at Hipódromo Camarero, with an projected economic impact above $4.6 million. It has also granted interest-free loans for buying native and imported horses.