DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The lottery and sports betting industry continues strong in the country, despite the negative impact on the population. She significant volume of the betting reveals the optimistic nature of Dominicans who dream of hitting the jackpot to solve everyday problems. Recent coverage in El Dia by journalists Dilenni Bonilla and Joan Vargas looks into the amount of companies and money involved, and the labor infringements by the vast network of betting agencies, with the authorities looking the other way.

The Federación Nacional de Bancas de Loterías (Fenabancas) says about RD$350 million are gambled every day by the hopeful Dominican population. There are more betting shops than corner grocery stores. The gambling businesses have set up shops in front of schools, medical centers or even churches. In pharmacies and food stores they offer the services via Verifones or other electronic...