Puerto Rico has introduced a new digital lottery platform while also enforcing stricter rules against illegal slot machines. The Puerto Rico Lottery launched a mobile application that allows remote play. Meanwhile, new regulations now allow authorities to confiscate unlicensed slot machines to strengthen oversight of the gaming sector.
Puerto Rico Lottery Launches Mobile Gaming App, Gains Authority to Seize Illegal Slot Machines: Highlights from the Story
- Puerto Rico has launched the Lotería Móvil PR mobile application, allowing players to place official lottery bets online. The platform digitises traditional lottery services, enabling consumers to manage bets and results remotely.
- The app works by purchasing physical tickets on behalf of users and sending scanned copies by email. Officials say the system expands access to online gambling while keeping the existing lottery network intact.
- New regulations that took effect in January 2026 allow authorities to confiscate illegal slot machines. The measures introduce stricter penalties and enforcement tools aimed at protecting the regulated gaming market.
Puerto Rico Provides Digital Access to Official Lottery Products
The Lottery of Puerto Rico has officially introduced a new web-based mobile application known as Lotería Móvil PR. The application allows users to play official lottery games without having to visit retail stores physically. Puerto Rico-based entrepreneurs Julián Soto and Karlos Miranda created the platform. It marks a major milestone in the digitalisation of the island’s lottery system.
The new mobile application gives users access to all official Lottery of Puerto Rico products. Players can place bets digitally without cash transactions. The main idea behind the application was to transfer the traditional lottery system into a virtual environment while preserving existing services.
The regulation is part of a wider effort across the continent to regulate the sector. Earlier this week, Brazil launched SINAPO, a national betting forum, to harmonise gambling regulations at the federal and local levels. Meanwhile, the US is also advancing legislation, with states like Virginia leading the change.
In Puerto Rico, the gaming app Lotería Móvil PR allows users to purchase different lottery games across the nation. The application also provides access to game results and account balance information. Users must download the app or access the official website before placing bets.
When a user places a bet, the Lotería Móvil PR team purchases a ticket on the player’s behalf at a physical point of sale. The user receives an email with a scanned copy of the ticket. Co-creator Karlos Miranda, in a press briefing, explained that players can wager from anywhere on the island.
Miranda said:
Now the player can place their bet from anywhere on the Island. They can check their plays and learn about prizes directly from the palm of their hand, without diverting to a point of sale.
New Enforcement Measures on Illegal Slot Machines
Alongside the launch of the digital lottery, Puerto Rico has implemented new regulatory action targeting illegal slot machines. On January 22, 2026, authorities implemented a new regulation allowing the seizure of illegal slot machines. The decree outlines the procedure for confiscation, custody, and disposal to protect the regulated market.
The Government Gaming Commission and the Puerto Rico Police have been put in charge of enforcing the regulation. Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, Executive Director of the Gaming Commission, reiterated the government’s commitment to consumer protection.
Marchán said:
The enactment of this regulation responds to an obligation imposed by law and reaffirms our commitment to executing clear, fair, and uniform enforcement processes.
Operating slot machines without a valid licence will be considered a criminal offence. Penalties include imprisonment for up to six months, fines of up to $10,000 (approximately €8397), and revocation of other gaming authorisations. The decree also establishes a fund supported by fees and penalties. Meanwhile, confiscated machines will be stored in a facility managed by the Gaming Commission.