Power Over Betting Kiosks May Change in Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, betting kiosks or “bancos” are not currently regulated by the National Lottery. The National Lottery’s lead administrator, Teófilo Tabar, would like to change that. Tabar made an official request to the government that power over the kiosks and sellers change hands so they will be controlled centrally by the lottery.
The National Lottery’s leader urges for control of ticket sellers to go back within their jurisdiction, in the Dominican Republic.
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Tabar’s Plea
The request coincided with the lottery’s 141st anniversary. Tabar used the moment of celebration and recognition to make a case for the lottery regaining control of ticket selling kiosks, arguing that the move would help to concentrate regulation of betting activity in the Dominican Republic in a positive way.
In order to celebrate the anniversary of the lottery, a special ceremony was held in October 2023, presided over by Monsignor Jesús Castro Marte and attended by Tabar and others. Tabar spoke at the ceremony about the proposal to move kiosks into the jurisdiction of the lottery once more.
Tabar also was clear that he preferred this matter not take a route through regular legislation, which could last for years and become convoluted. He believes a simpler route is possible, if President Luis Abinader agrees.
He seemed to think Abinader would be game; he mentioned the president by name saying that he is interested in solving the issues of the gaming sector, too. Tabar also acknowledged that these issues have been widespread and have lasted through several different leaders of the country and their respective administrations.
Tabar seems to think that this is a piece of the puzzle that would put an end to the disorganization of the gaming industry in the Dominican Republic. He also made clear that gaming is an important facet for the country’s economy and society, since it has an impact in both areas. This impact can be positive if it is controlled responsibly, or negative if it is neglected.
The head of the lottery also explained that a bill has already been presented to Abinader concerning the changeover he proposes. However, other bills have also emerged from different entities, so there is still a struggle over who will ultimately hold sway over these ticket sellers.
Speaking about the Ministry of Finance — one of the other organizations that has proposed a bill — Tabar said that this ministry is too lenient with ticket sellers, which has resulted in a number of problems. He actually urged for contracts made between ticket sellers and the ministry to be voided until more support is available to address these problems.
Commemorative Draw to Mark the Lottery’s 141st Year
In addition to the live event that marked the anniversary of the lottery, the lottery also hosted a special draw to commemorate the event. The draw on October 29th had a prize pot valued at $1.1 million USD.
The commemorative ticket for the draw will give players access to over 141 unique prizes, just for this event. The first prize is worth more than $400,000 USD. Many sizable prizes as well as smaller amounts are also available to those who take part and are lucky enough to win. In addition to cash prizes, gifts like cars are also on the table.
The special $8 USD ticket was on sale at various ticket points across the Dominican Republic, including at lottery kiosks and facilities. Perhaps if Tabar gets his way, these facilities will one day be further unified and under the direct control of the National Lottery itself.
