If you’re looking for the best online casinos in Puerto Rico, this guide is for you. It includes mini-reviews of the top five Puerto online casinos based on the best game selection and most enticing bonuses. This detailed gambling guide will also go over:
- Information on the best land-based Puerto Rico casinos.
- The legality of online gambling.
- The history of gambling in this territory.
LetsGambleUSA provides the most reliable and unbiased online gambling reviews, enabling you to find the best Puerto Rico online casinos. Stay with us to learn everything about gambling in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Gambling Landscape
Puerto Rico is a sovereign territory of the United States and a famous tourist destination for its beaches and casino resorts. As a result, the Puerto Rico gambling industry is a major source of revenue for the Caribbean island.
Puerto Rico gambling laws allow most forms of land-based gambling, including casino games, lotteries, bingo, horse race betting, and sports betting shops.
You’ll find dozens of land-based casinos in Puerto Rico, in addition to a racetrack and a state lottery. Cockfighting betting is another famous form of gambling on the Island of Enchantment. There’s also legal charitable gambling and bingo available in Puerto Rico.
The government controls and regulates all forms of gambling in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican casinos must be maintained on the property of a hotel or resort. Much of the Puerto Rica land-based gambling is concentrated in San Juan—the capital and largest city on the Caribbean island’s Atlantic coast.
The legal gambling age in Puerto Rico is 18.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rican online gambling laws are as vague as in most other states in the US. The existing legal gray areas pave the way for overseas gambling websites and online casinos to fill the vacuum. Some offshore casino sites have been operational for decades and have earned a significant reputation for the best online gambling experience.
In 2019, Puerto Rico legalized a bill allowing retail and online sports betting. However, as of now, a local online sportsbook has yet to launch. The 2019 gambling expansion did not include legal online casinos.
Thousands of Puerto Rican players use the top online casinos to play online slots, table games, and live dealer games. In addition, some of the top Puerto Rican online gambling sites include online sports betting and horse race betting options.
Land-Based Casinos Vs. Online Casinos in Puerto Rico
Although Puerto Rico features some of the best land-based casinos, Puerto Rico players have mostly turned to online casino gambling over the last few years.
The most significant change following COVID-19 allowed many Puerto Ricans to try leading offshore casinos like Wild Casino and Bovada.
One of the biggest reasons is the convenience and ability to play online casino games from any part of the island. You can also save time and money by playing online casino games. You no longer need to plan trips to one of the land-based casinos for just some hours of fun. Online gambling also allows you to save gas money.
However, once you join any top Puerto Rican casino online, you’ll find more game variety than at most brick-and-mortar casinos in the territory. Another major reason why you should prefer an online casino in Puerto Rico is its ability to offer the most exciting deposit bonuses—a feature that no land-based casino can afford to give out due to operating costs.
History of Gambling in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s gambling history dates back to the 15th century during the Spanish colonization. Cockfighting and horse racing are the oldest gambling activities on the island. The Puerto Rico Lottery is also one of the oldest in the US. Although the first lottery was introduced in 1814 by the King of Spain, it was officially legalized in 1934 in Puerto Rico.
In 1948, lawmakers introduced the Games of Chance Act (or Casino and Gambling Act) to hunt down illegal gambling activities in Puerto Rico. In 1970, the territory established a gambling commission, and soon, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) was established. The gaming division of PRTC became the regulatory body for all gambling activities on the island.
In 1989, a historic judgment by the US Supreme Court allowed the government of Puerto Rico full autonomy over gambling on the island. As a result, land-based gambling has been fully operational and is a major tourist attraction.
Since 2018, cockfights have been banned in Puerto Rico. Still, horse races are run five days a week in San Juan.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Puerto Rico
- 1910: Horse racing is legalized in Puerto Rico.
- 1917: Puerto Rico becomes a US territory.
- 1933: Cock and dogfighting are regulated.
- 1948: Games of Chance Act brings many forms of casino gambling.
- 1950: Bingo games are regulated in Puerto Rico.
- 1956: Pari-mutuel horse racing betting is regulated.
- 2012: The first online gambling site is authorized.
- 2019: Several bills are proposed to regulate land-based and online sports betting in Puerto Rico.
- 2023: Sports betting officially goes live in Puerto Rico at Casino del Mar.
Best Land-Based Casinos in Puerto Rico
There are currently over a dozen casinos in Puerto Rico, with more operators planning to launch soon. The legal gambling age to join one of those casinos is 18.
Most of these casinos are concentrated in San Juan. Hilton San Juan Hotel and Casino Metro in Sheraton Puerto Rico are among the best for gambling fun.
Here are some of the top land-based casinos in Puerto Rico.
Casino Del Mer
Address: 1077 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907
Casino Del Mer resort and casino is one of the leading brick-and-mortar facilities that offer distinctive cuisine and plenty of gaming options. You can choose from 400 gaming machines and 24 gaming tables at Casino Del Mer.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Address: 1309 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907
The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a casino resort operated by Marriot International. This 525-room hotel houses eight meeting rooms and an incredible Stellaris Casino with many slot machines and classic casino games.
Holiday Inn & El Tropical Casino
Address: 3315 Ponce By Pass, Ponce, 00728
The El Tropical Casino at the Ponce Holiday Inn is also known as “The Gateway to the Pearl of the South.” This casino and hotel is open 24 hours a day and features 346 slot machines and ten table games, including blackjack, roulette, and Caribbean Stud Poker.
Casino Del Sol
Address: 7017 C. Avenue Boca de Cangrejos, Carolina, 00979
The on-site casino at Courtyard By Marriot Isla Verde Beach Resort features a restaurant, a bar, and a hotel. Guests can also choose from 319 slot machines and 13 table and poker games.
Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino
Address: 500 Alhambra En Granada Blvd, Caguas, 00726
Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino is another excellent gambling destination known for its breathtaking mountain views.
Ponce Plaza Hotel and Casino
Address: 163 C. Reina, Ponce, 00730
Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino is a curious blend of modern style and historical architecture. This 69-room hotel & casino features seven colonial-style rooms and 62 modern rooms.
Who Regulates Online Gambling in Puerto Rico?
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission oversees online gambling in the territory.
Puerto Rico Online Casinos FAQ
Are online gambling sites legal in Puerto Rico?
Currently, Puerto Rico gambling laws allow online sports betting. There are no legal online casinos or poker.
Can I play online casino in Puerto Rico?
Although there’s currently no legal online gambling, Puerto Rico players can play their favorite casino games and join poker tables using top gambling sites. All our recommended Puerto Rico online casinos are the safest and are licensed by the jurisdictions from which they operate.
What is the gambling age in Puerto Rico?
The minimum age to participate in gambling is 18 at most Puerto Rico casinos. However, some casinos in Puerto Rico stick to 21+ requirements. You must be at least 18 to purchase a lottery ticket or place a horse racing bet.
What is the best online casino in Puerto Rico?
All our recommended sites are the best Puerto Rican casino sites. However, BetOnline is the overall best casino online Puerto Rico players enjoy access to.