Dominican Republic regulator warns prediction platforms operate outside the law and pose critical risks
The Directorate of Casinos and Gambling (DCJA) has warned about unauthorised prediction market platforms operating in the Dominican Republic, highlighting legal, financial and security risks for users who deposit money or cryptoassets.
Resolution 136-2024 defines conditions for authorised gambling in the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, gambling is controlled by the government, whether it takes place on land or online. These operations are supervised by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, which also issues licenses for casinos and online sports betting operations. The existence of a procedure to authorise remote gambling operations, such as online casinos and sports betting, is specifically confirmed by the Ministry’s Licensing Issuance Service.
The Directorate of Casinos and Gambling (DCJA) supervises the sector and adapts its oversight to new gambling models that use decentralised technologies. Authorities emphasise that, to ensure transparency and user protection, legal operations require the Ministry’s express approval.
Official warning on prediction platforms
In this context, the Dominican Republic’s Directorate of Casinos and Gambling reported the proliferation of prediction market platforms available both domestically and internationally.
It explained that these environments allow users to bet on future outcomes, including political, economic, social or sporting events, using money or digital assets.
According to the authority, these practices have been assessed through technical and legal analysis, which concludes that there are significant structural risks to the financial system.
“These platforms operate outside Dominican law and do not apply due diligence measures, facilitating the use of illicit funds and enabling the financing of criminal activities through anonymity.”
— Directorate of Casinos and Gambling of the Dominican Republic
The regulator further emphasised that none of these platforms has an official registration or authorisation to operate in the Dominican Republic.
Risks to users and the financial system
The Directorate explained that any guarantees regarding user deposits are eliminated in the absence of regulation. Because there is no effective legal recourse, funds may be at risk of loss due to fraud, bankruptcies, insolvencies, or technological failures. It added that the use of cryptoassets without traceability safeguards significantly increases exposure to networks linked to transnational organised crime.
The document also warns that the inherent anonymity of these platforms hinders the identification of suspicious transactions associated with money laundering. Consequently, the regulator considers these dynamics a critical risk that extends beyond individual users and affects the integrity of the national financial system.
Recommendations and immediate measures
In response, the Directorate urged the public to avoid any engagement with unregulated platforms. It specifically named Criterio360, Polymarket and Kalshi, along with others of a similar nature that operate without state authorisation.
It also recommended that any online gambling operator be verified to hold an official licence issued by the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The authorities recommend that users of these platforms retain transaction records and withdraw any available funds immediately.
DCJA reiterates consumer protection and oversight
Finally, the Directorate of Casinos and Gambling reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens and safeguarding the integrity of the Dominican financial system. It stressed that only duly registered platforms can offer users conditions of security and transparency.
The statement, signed by Claudia Álvarez Troncoso, also reinforces the need to strengthen oversight of emerging digital modalities. Accordingly, operators, investors and authorities must prioritise regulatory compliance to mitigate the risks associated with the growth of online gambling.
This article was first published in Spanish on 26 April 2026.
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