Sportsbooks are at a standstill in Puerto Rico

Two months after having turned into law, sportsbooks- an industry that promises to generate millions of dollars to the country- is in a standstill. Governor Wanda Vázquez must appoint three positions, so the  Gamblling Commission can then set the rules to enable stores to acquire an operating license. Secretary of Recreation and Sports, Adriana Sánchez, indicated that despite the shortage of members, officers that are part of the commission have already met. "The gobernor expressed recently that, in the following weeks, it will treat the issue in the betting commission that is to be created." she said.

The commission is composed by the Secretary of Economic Development, the Executive Director of the Tourist Office, the Director of the Administration of Mental Health Services and Prevention of Addiction Services; the main executive of Information of the Government and the DRD Secretary. The governor will have to name two people from the private sector and an Executive Director that has to be confirmed by the Senate.

Press team of La Fortaleza indicated that "they are in process of receiving and evaluating recommendations."

Sánchez didn't want to anticipate when this industry -that could generate almost $30 million for 2020-will finally start operating."

CHallenges of the commission

Sánchez declared that one of the priorities of the regulation is to set protection agains money laundering and underaged gambling, specially online.

Another challenge to be faced by the Commission is to avoid disloyal competence between online and traditional stores due to the disparity in expenses.

“I don't think there is a disloyal competence. I think there are different types of businesses, and each person will evaluate which is the one that satisfies its interests, goals and objectives in their businesses," he claimed.