Online Sports Betting Debut by BetMGM in Puerto Rico, in Collaboration with Casino del Mar at La Concha
BetMGM becomes the initial online sports betting platform to launch in Puerto Rico, marking a significant milestone nearly four years after the legalization of in-person and online sports betting in the region. The launch was delayed due to COVID-19-related rulemaking and licensing procedures.
In July 2019, the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico passed House Bill 2038, which authorized sports betting, esports wagering, and fantasy sports contests. The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, responsible for regulating all forms of gambling, began issuing retail sportsbook licenses last year, with BetMGM being the first operator to offer retail wagering at Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort in San Juan.
Now, BetMGM is expanding its services online, following approval from the local government.
"We're thrilled to become the first operator to offer mobile sports betting in Puerto Rico," said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. "This collaboration with local officials and Casino del Mar provides a secure, responsible, and entertaining product accessible from anywhere on the island."
Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort features around 400 slot machines and 20 table games. The BetMGM Sportsbook, which opened last year at the casino at a cost of $3.5 million, was the first to commence retail wagering on the island.
In-Person Registration Mandatory
Puerto Rico's online sportsbooks permit anyone aged 18 and above to legally wager on professional and college sports from anywhere on the island. However, players must first register in person at the retail sportsbook they wish to use online.
Before placing any sports bet, whether in person or online, the player must register at an authorized location. "Registration is an essential requirement for placing bets," states the Puerto Rico sports betting law.
This in-person registration requirement is designed to ensure only adults have access to the online sportsbooks. The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission employs advanced technology to verify the player's identity and age, including social security verification.
Competition on the Horizon
BetMGM's online sportsbook is the first in Puerto Rico, but other competitors, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, are expected to follow.
DraftKings has a partnership in place on the island that allows it to seek online sportsbook permissions. The sportsbook intends to soon open a retail sportsbook at Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in Connecticut.
FanDuel secured market access in Puerto Rico through a partnership with The Cage Companies, a leading operator of video gaming terminals on the island.
