Online bingo is legal in Puerto Rico under Act 81-2019 (Government of Puerto Rico Gaming Commission Act), which created the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission (PRGC) to regulate all gaming activities including online bingo (1). The law also incorporates Act 242 of May 8, 1950, as amended by Act 13 of April 15, 1988, which specifically authorizes the Secretary of State to grant licenses for the game of bingo (2). Licensed online bingo operators in Puerto Rico must obtain proper authorization from the PRGC and maintain strict adherence to gaming standards established through comprehensive regulatory frameworks spanning more than 140 pages (1).
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission requires all licensed online bingo operators to implement border control technology to ensure that offshore betting is not occurring and to establish programs that evaluate the financial capacity of players to limit the amount of bets they can place based on their income (1). Online bingo licenses granted under Act 242 have a term of one fiscal year, running from July to June of the following year, and require annual renewal through the Puerto Rico Secretary of State (2). Licensed operators must also undergo extensive background investigations, submit to regular audits, demonstrate their technical security standards to the PRGC, and establish procedures to prevent money laundering (1).
"The Secretary of State has the power, under Act 242 of May 8, 1950, as amended by Act 13 of April 15, 1988, to grant licenses for the game of bingo. These licenses have a term of one fiscal year, that is, from July of the first year to June of the second year."
Players can enjoy online bingo through licensed operators in Puerto Rico with government-sanctioned protections and active oversight from the PRGC (1). All licensed online bingo platforms must provide ways for customers to self-exclude for hours, days, indefinitely, or permanently, and must submit plans to support responsible gambling to the PRGC for approval (1). The PRGC actively enforces regulations through its Office of Investigation and Regulation, ensuring that licensed operators maintain compliance with all applicable laws and protecting consumers from fraudulent offshore platforms (1). Online bingo participants in Puerto Rico benefit from transparent regulatory frameworks and the ability to file complaints directly with the PRGC, distinguishing legal Puerto Rico platforms from unauthorized international gambling operators (2).
Source:
https://bvirtualogp.pr.gov/ogp/Bvirtual/leyesreferencia/PDF/2-ingles/81-2019.pdf
https://www.statedepartment.pr.gov/bingo-license
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
