The National Lottery’s general manager, Teófilo Quico Tabar, argued on 29 October 2024 that the institution should have the authority to sanction betting shops and electronic lotteries. During his speech commemorating the institution’s 142nd anniversary, Tabar noted that the National Lottery has lost its oversight of betting shops, with these powers being transferred to other government agencies. “Our institution is practically limited, based on existing contracts, to conducting draws,” he stated. “In other words, institutionally, we have no control over the betting shops or points of sale throughout the national territory.”
While he makes the statement, Jose Castillo, speaking for legalized betting shops accuses a deputy and a senator of operating over 1,100 illegal gambling establishments, as reported in N Digital.
Castillo alleges that Deputy Carlos Echevarría is operating more than 613 illegal betting shops under the name of his company, Negosur, SRL.
“These illegal operations are depriving the state of over RD$3,600,000 per month, amounting to approximately RD$44,000,000 annually,” Castillo stated.
Castillo says that Senator Eduardo Alexis Espiritusanto Castillo, representing La Romana province, is also implicated. According to Castillo, the senator is operating over 515 illegal betting shops, costing the government nearly RD$3,000,000 monthly and RD$36,000,000 annually.
Castillo further revealed that both lawmakers allegedly have the support of an assistant prosecutor.
José Antonio Mercado Blanco, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized that these illegal operations undermine the Dominican state and the stability of legally operating lottery shop owners who have been paying taxes since 1999.
“We call on the Minister of Hacienda José Manuel Vicente (Jochi) to explain to the public and the President of the Republic the reasons for the Ministry of Hacienda’s complicity with these ‘gambling kingpins,’ especially lottery betting shops,” Castillo demanded. “We cannot understand how over 100,000 fixed and mobile sales points can operate under the watchful eye of the authorities. Who is benefiting from this massive disorder at the expense of society and the current government?”
Read more in Spanish:
N Digital
Noticias SIN
Hoy
30 October 2024