Puerto Rico Steps Up Fight Against Illegal Gambling: Nearly 30 Slots Seized in Major Operation

The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission (CJPR), together with the Puerto Rico Police, conducted an operation in which nearly 30 illegal route-based gambling machines, commonly known as slot machines, were confiscated, along with $8,347 in cash. The intervention is part of oversight efforts following the implementation of the new confiscation regulation approved under current legislation.

During the operation, authorities intervened in two commercial establishments in the metropolitan area. At Colmado y Cafetería Caribe, located in San Juan, 12 machines and $7,910 in cash were seized. Meanwhile, at Mi Gente 2GO, located in the Las Palmas sector of Cataño, 17 machines and $437 were confiscated.

According to authorities, the operators of both establishments had not paid the required license to operate this type of equipment, which constitutes a violation of current regulations.

The operation was executed by personnel from the Gaming Commission’s Office of Investigation and Regulation, with support from the Carolina Division of the Police Bureau of Drugs, Narcotics, Vice Control, and Illegal Weapons, under the supervision of Lieutenant Emmanuel Rosario Cintrón.

This intervention represents the second operation carried out since the enforcement of the Route-Based Gambling Machine Confiscation Regulation (Regulation No. 9718), a rule jointly adopted by the Gaming Commission and the Police to establish the formal procedure for seizing illegal equipment.

The executive director of the Gaming Commission, Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, stated that inspections will continue. “This second operation demonstrates that the oversight process remains active. Route-based gambling machines can only operate within the established legal framework, and those who ignore the law face seizures, confiscations, and the corresponding penalties,” he said.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico Police Superintendent Joseph González emphasized the importance of coordination between both entities to combat illegal gambling and protect businesses operating within the law.

Under current legislation, any person who owns, operates, or allows the illegal operation of these machines commits a misdemeanor, with penalties that may include up to six months in prison, fines of up to $10,000, or both, in addition to possible revocation of commercial permits.

Revenue generated from the legal operation of these machines is distributed as follows: 55% to the Puerto Rico Police Retirement Trust, 40% to municipalities, and 5% to cover operational expenses of the Gaming Commission.

Finally, Santaella Marchán urged citizens to confidentially report any establishment operating illegal machines through the agency’s official portal.