SLOTS IN PUERTO RICO
15 years of slot machines in off track betting locations in Puerto Rico ONE-AND-A-HALF DECADES AFTER LEGALIZATION, ERIC O. DE LA CRUZ IGLESIAS EXAMINES THE GROWTH OF RACING-LINKED SLOT MACHINES AND THEIR FUTURE PROSPECTS.
Introduction Puerto Rico may be a United States territory but the Caribbean archipelago’s regulation of pari-mutuel betting and games of chance is unlike that of other states. After 15 years of slot machines in O Track Betting Locations (‘OTBL’), we look back at the legislation and regulations that underpin their operation. We also review and compare recent data and provide a comment on the prospect of a racino, and for slot machines in the jurisdiction. Act 139-2004 and the racetrack’s bankruptcy In early 2004, the owners of the El Comandante racetrack
owner were in need of economic support. A solution was identified in the form of a potential partner, Spanish gaming rm Codere. As part of its proposal to operate the racetrack, Codere wanted to install 6,500 slot machines: 500 at the racetrack, and the rest at the OTBL. 1 In June 2004, Act 139 amended the Puerto Rico Horse Racing Industry and Sport Act (‘HRISA’). This amendment had its approval expedited without public hearings. Slot machines were not mentioned in its statement of reasons. Nevertheless, they were part of the amendment which allowed slot machines only in OTBL. The machines could only be used on race days and had to be programmed to a minimum payback percentage of .83 — which is the standard amount for slot machines
1 Puerto Rico Senate Diaries; Tuesday, November 14, 2006; pages 28130-28131, 2813
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IMGL MAGAZINE | APRIL 2024
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