Puerto Rico has legal, regulated casinos, and almost all of them are inside hotels and resorts, with the biggest cluster in the San Juan area. You can play slots and the usual table games, bet on horse racing, buy lottery tickets and, since a 2019 law, bet on sports. Online casino games are not licensed in Puerto Rico, and offshore sites that take players there are not regulated by Puerto Rico or any US state.
Puerto Rico Gambling at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Casinos | Legal, located in hotels and resorts |
| Regulator | Puerto Rico Gaming Commission (Comisión de Juegos) |
| Sports betting | Legal under Law 81-2019, in person and online |
| Online casinos | Not licensed |
| Horse racing | Camarero Race Track in Canóvanas |
| Currency | US dollar |
| Last checked | November 2026 |
Where the Casinos Are
Puerto Rico’s casinos are inside hotels and resorts rather than standalone buildings. Most are in metro San Juan, with others at hotels and resorts around the island.
Casinos open, close and change hotel brands often, so confirm the casino is operating before you book a hotel for it. For one example outside the tourist zone, read our El Tropical Casino Bayamón review.
Games You Can Play
Slot machines make up most of a typical casino floor, and table games usually include blackjack, roulette, craps, mini-baccarat, Caribbean stud and other carnival games, with poker at some properties. Table limits, blackjack payouts and roulette wheels (single or double zero) vary, so check the rules posted at each table.
How Gambling Is Regulated
For decades Puerto Rico’s tourism authorities licensed and supervised casinos. Law 81-2019 created a single Gaming Commission, which took over the gaming functions of the tourism office and the powers of the horse racing administration. The same law legalized sports betting. The commission now oversees casinos, slot machines, horse race betting, sports and esports betting and fantasy contests, both in person and online.
Horse racing is centered on Camarero Race Track in Canóvanas, which runs a full racing calendar under the Gaming Commission and is hosting the Caribbean Series of horse racing in 2026. Lawmakers are also weighing a bill that would allow poker rooms outside casinos.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- No passport needed for US citizens. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so travel from the mainland is domestic.
- US dollars only. The US dollar is the official currency and ATMs are easy to find.
- English and Spanish. Both are official languages, and casino staff in tourist areas commonly speak English.
- Bring ID. Casinos check age at the door or at the tables.
Puerto Rico Casinos FAQ
Is gambling legal in Puerto Rico?
Yes. Hotel casinos, horse racing and sports betting are legal and regulated by the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission. Online casino games are not licensed.
Where are the casinos in Puerto Rico?
Inside hotels and resorts, mostly in metro San Juan, with others around the island.
Can I bet on sports in Puerto Rico?
Yes. Puerto Rico legalized sports betting under Law 81-2019, and the Gaming Commission licenses both retail and online sports betting.
Please gamble responsibly. If you need help, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.