Dominican Republic: 64 illegal slot machines destroyed in Santiago
Under the direction of the Santiago Prosecutor's Office and with the support of police intelligence, the dismantling of irregularly operated equipment in businesses was carried out. Authorities warn about the serious impact of unregulated gambling on minors.
The Public Ministry of the Dominican Republic has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal betting. In an operation coordinated by the Special Investigations Department of the Santiago Prosecutor's Office, the destruction of 64 slot machines that had been seized at various points in the city was carried out.
The action had the strategic support of the Central Cibao Regional Sub-Directorate of Intelligence (Dintel) and the Preventive Police. According to prosecutor Merary Guzmán, director of the responsible department, the equipment (along with their cards and software) was confiscated in unauthorized establishments such as convenience stores, cafeterias, billiard halls, and lottery outlets.
Violation of current regulations
Prosecutor Guzmán was emphatic in recalling that the operation of these devices outside casinos and regulated halls constitutes a direct violation of Law 29-06. This regulation governs the issuance of licenses for gambling in the country, and any operation outside this framework is considered a criminal act.
"With these actions, the Public Ministry, as a body also called to prevent crime and offenses, seeks to eradicate the irregular use of these slot machines," the Prosecutor's Office stated.
Protection of minors: The preventive focus
Beyond administrative and criminal sanctions, authorities focused on social responsibility. The presence of slot machines in neighborhood businesses facilitates access for boys, girls, and adolescents to gambling, a risk that Guzmán described as the beginning of a "vicious circle."
Early exposure to unregulated gambling can lead to early dependencies and, eventually, to the commission of other offenses to sustain the habit. "We assume our role as the Public Ministry with responsibility and transparency, sparing no effort to protect society," concluded the prosecutor.
With this move, the Dominican Republic sends a clear zero-tolerance signal against gambling offers that do not meet the safety and user protection standards required by law.
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