Requests for forms for Puerto Rico Sports Betting, Fantasy Available Online Monday

Forms for sports betting and fantasy contest operators in Puerto Rico will be made to the public online on Nov. 8, according to the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission.

Sports betting was legalized in Puerto Rico in 2019 but deciding on the regulations has been a long process. The previous target for launching sports betting was in the early part of the 2021 MLB season, but that passed without any action taken.

In June, Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi announced the creation of a group that would help in an advisory role in gambling and sports betting issues to assist in Puerto Rico’s regulation efforts.

BetMGM Entering Puerto Rico

As the regulatory process plays out in Puerto Rico, operators are making deals to enter the U.S. territory.

In September, BetMGM and Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort announced they had a deal that would allow BetMGM market access to Puerto Rico. The deal would give BetMGM online sports betting access to the island, in addition to a BetMGM Sportsbook at the resort’s casino.

"This marks a major milestone for BetMGM, as we share plans to bring our sports betting platform outside of the U.S. mainland for the first time,” BetMGM chief executive officer Adam Greenblatt said in a media release. “La Concha Resort is an ideal partner, and together we look forward to bringing BetMGM's retail and mobile sports betting experiences to sports fans across Puerto Rico."

BetMGM Deal to Improve Facility

New York-based firm Paulson & Co. has ownership in the Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort. President John Paulson saw the BetMGM deal as an opportunity to improve his resort with another betting option.

"Paulson & Co. is always in search of innovation in services and entertainment for our properties and guests, that is why we are very excited for this agreement between Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort and BetMGM,” he said. “Sports are part of the everyday life in Puerto Rico, with a huge following and a passionate fan base in almost every sport.

”As such, it's natural that we are the first market outside the continental United States in which our guests will be able to place bets with BetMGM. We are looking forward to a long and successful endeavor with BetMGM."

In addition to the operator and casino, those on the island are looking forward to the benefits sports betting can provide. Puerto Rico tourism officials see the BetMGM Casino del Mar at Loncha Resort deal as a welcome addition.

"The Puerto Rico Tourism Co. is looking forward with great anticipation to the entertainment opportunities that this new relationship will create for residents and visitors alike as well as its positive impact on Puerto Rico's economy,” Carlos Mercado Santiago, executive director of the tourism company, said in a media release. “One of the elements that makes our island a top-class destination that delivers an unequaled visitor experience is its ability to continually diversify by incorporating new options and trends such as sports betting and online gaming."