The Ministry of Finance and Economy, through the Directorate of Casinos and Games of Chance, issued a resolution that allows first class cruises (vessels carrying 2,000 or more passengers) obtain licenses to operate casinos when they anchor the ship at a dock or terminal in the country.
Licenses will also be granted to those cruise ships that stop in waters under the jurisdiction of the Dominican Republic for the purpose of staying temporarily immobile without losing their international navigation status.
In one of the recitals of resolution 164-2024 it is established that the requirements for the issuance of licenses are issued “to promote activities that positively impact cruise passengers and that they contribute to attracting a greater number of passengers and new commercial allies, given that the cruise industry has grown significantly in the Dominican Republic, positioning itself as an activity.”
It also establishes that these areas of the cruise ships can be used for money laundering, terrorist financing, movement and concealment of illicit funds, as well as access to foreign currency and other means of payment, so it is It is necessary to regulate the operation of gambling rooms on cruise ships that dock in Dominican ports or sail in national waters.
The issuance fees for this license are based on passenger capacity. Those with 2,000 and 3,499 passengers must pay one million pesos and equal to or greater than 3,500, RD$1,500,000.00.
“Holders of licenses to operate gambling rooms (casinos) on cruise ships must obtain a faithful performance bond worth twenty million Dominican pesos with 00/100 (RD$ 20,000,000.00) or its equivalent in US dollarswhich must be sent to the Directorate of Casinos and Games of Chance, endorsed in favor of the Ministry of Finance and Economy before the start of its operations, and must be renewed annually to cover the payment of fees, fines or prizes,” the resolution says.
Applications must request the corresponding operating license from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, through the Directorate of Casinos and Games of Chance, in stamped communications, with taxpayer records, telephone numbers, emails and other requirements.
