Puerto Rico will become part of the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP), as it looks to strengthen protection for people seeking support within the gambling sector.
The partnership will be between the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission and the U.S. technology company idPair, which focuses on responsible gambling and operates the program.
According to a statement on Business Wire, the initiative will commence in June of this year. Through this system, eligible individuals in Puerto Rico will be able to voluntarily enroll to self-exclude and block access to gambling operators and platforms across multiple jurisdictions.
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission’s decision to join the NVSEP is part of its strategy to modernize oversight of the sector, with a focus on consumer protection and strengthening responsible gambling practices in activities such as casinos, sports betting, and other regulated gaming sectors.
Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair, stated: “Puerto Rico has built one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing gaming markets in the region, supported by strong leadership and a vibrant culture that makes it a truly special place. We are honored to support the Gaming Commission in expanding access to responsible gambling protections, and we look forward to simplifying self-exclusion for users while streamlining processes for operators.
Meanwhile, Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, emphasised: “This partnership strengthens our public policy efforts to maintain a safe and highly regulated gaming industry based on responsible gambling practices. Our goal has always been to provide accessible tools and resources to anyone seeking support for gambling-related problems.”
He added: “This initiative aligns with the work we have carried out since I took office, as well as with our ongoing educational campaign on responsible gambling. Once again, we reaffirm our commitment to Puerto Rico.”
To enroll in the self-exclusion program, participants will need to complete an online process. Operators will then receive exclusion data through idPair’s platform, helping support compliance with regulatory obligations.
The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program was designed to simplify what has historically been a fragmented process. Instead of requiring separate registrations across multiple systems, the NVSEP offers a centralized and secure registry, making responsible gambling protection tools easier to access.
Puerto Rico moves forward with evaluation of Senate Bill 960
Earlier this week, the Puerto Rico Senate announced that the Treasury, Budget, and PROMESA Committee conducted an inspection visit to the operations of Casino Metro as part of its review of Senate Bill 960, which proposes expanding the types of gambling permitted on the island.
The delegation was led by Senator Migdalia Padilla Alvelo and included officials from the Gaming Commission, representatives from the tourism sector, and executives from the casino itself, all of whom participated in the tour of the facilities.
During the visit, lawmakers evaluated operational, technological, and security aspects of the casino. This comes as the proposed legislation considers new forms of gambling, including poker in independent gaming halls, digital sports betting, esports betting, and electronic lotteries, along with stronger regulatory controls.
Both government officials and industry stakeholders raised concerns about the scope of the bill, warning about potential impacts on the current market structure, existing regulations, and the possible redistribution of revenue within Puerto Rico’s gaming sector.
