Puerto Rico Regulator Launches Unified Self-exclusion System With idPair Partnership

The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission has partnered with idPair to introduce a unified self-exclusion system, strengthening responsible gambling measures across the territory.

From next month, residents will be able to voluntarily exclude themselves from a range of regulated gambling activities through a single registration process. The system will cover casinos, sports betting and other licensed gambling products.

Individuals will be able to register online, with exclusion data securely shared with licensed operators through idPair’s platform. The solution is already active in several other regulated jurisdictions.

New Partnership Addresses Gaps In Player Protection Framework

The initiative arrives as Puerto Rico develops its gambling regulatory framework. While casino gaming has been legal in Puerto Rico since 1948, the market remains less mature than Tier-1 jurisdictions like the UK and Malta.

Industry studies have also highlighted concerns around player protection and illegal gambling activity. Reports from Fair Gambling estimate that between 84% and 85% of online gambling revenue in Puerto Rico flowed to unlicensed operators between 2024 and 2025.

The sports betting framework is less developed than that of other Latin American countries, such as Brazil and Chile. However, it has no legal structure for online casinos, so the market is vulnerable to illegal sites.

According to the Online Gambling Research Centre, prediction platforms like Kalshi and Robinhood exploit low tax rates and limited addiction control measures.

idPair Sees Growth Potential In Developing Market

Despite these challenges, idPair believes Puerto Rico is positioned for further growth as regulation evolves.

Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Aiwazian described the territory as “one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving gaming markets in the region, backed by strong leadership and a vibrant culture.”

He added that the partnership would simplify compliance processes for operators already using idPair systems to manage self-exclusion data across multiple markets. The introduction of a centralised exclusion database aligns Puerto Rico with responsible gambling frameworks across regulated markets globally.

Regulator Pushing For Stronger Responsible Gambling Measures

Puerto Rico Gaming Commission Executive Director Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán commented on the significance of the new system.

“This initiative aligns with the work we have carried out since I assumed office, as well as with our ongoing Responsible Gaming educational campaign. Once again, we reaffirm our commitment to Puerto Rico.”

Operators are now increasingly adopting AI monitoring tools like GameScanner and Gamalyze to detect risk patterns. Also, regulators in Ontario, Malta, and Greece require operators to improve player protection by adopting these systems.

Earlier this year, the Court of Appeals temporarily halted the acceptance of new route gaming licence applications during an ongoing dispute over market access. There have also  been regulatory changes across diverse markets, such as Europe, Brazil, and Asia related to tax rates and licensing models.

Puerto Rico has introduced a unified self-exclusion system to improve its regulatory framework. Due to a rise in illegal gambling activity, the country’s regulator partnered with idPair to ensure player protection. Integrating this responsible gambling system brings Puerto Rico closer to the standards of more mature regulated markets.

Further updates on regulatory developments will be available in the Regulation Section.