Puerto Rico Sportsbooks – Guide to 2023 Sports Betting Sites & Apps

In 2019, online sports betting became legal in Puerto Rico and since then, the island’s seen a relatively slow uptake. However, in 2023 the first sportsbook went live (BetMGM), with the industry projected to rapidly increase over the next few years.

This article will highlight which Puerto Rico sportsbooks are currently live and which brands are soon to launch. We’ll also cover the latest legislation, online sports betting laws, retail locations, payment methods, bonuses, and comprehensive reviews of Puerto Rico sports betting sites.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Puerto Rico?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Puerto Rico. There are currently just two online betting sites that are live in the form of BetMGM and Caesars, but more brands are expected to gain licenses by 2024.

Retail sports betting is also accessible within casinos that have both a sports betting license and a sportsbook that is live. Most casinos that have obtained a sports betting license have done so in anticipation of moving to an online platform, such as Foxwoods El San Juan Casino which are linked with DraftKings.

Puerto Rico Sports Betting Bills and Updates

HB 2038 was the key bill to overturn the restrictions on online sports betting in Puerto Rico. This was passed in 2019 by former Governor Richard Rossello, but it wasn’t until 2023 before BetMGM were officially licensed within the island to promote their Puerto Rico sports betting product.

The bill has paved the way for both online and mobile sports betting. Issues have arisen over the legal age for players to register and place a bet, with current laws in Puerto Rico stating that players need to be 18 or over to wager in casinos. However, given that most of the sportsbooks who are applying for licenses are based in the US and the legal age there is 21, this has been enforced in Puerto Rico as well.

Account registration has been another sticking point. Most online sportsbooks require you to sign up online and then verify your account by uploading documents, however, HB 2038 states that players must verify their details in person within the casino that the sportsbook is licensed to, assuming they don’t already have an account with that casino.

In terms of tax, winnings will not be taxable for residents on the island. However, all Puerto Rico sports betting winnings will still count as income and taxed based on the respective tax bracket. Geolocation software will be used at all times when logged in to ensure players are located in Puerto Rico.

Legal PR Sports Betting Timeline

• July 7, 2023 – Caesars launches Puerto Rico sports betting app, making it the second online sportsbook to be available on the island.
• July 6, 2023 – More than 30 licenses have been issued, with five of those as direct operator licenses (sportsbooks).
• June 8, 2023 – BetMGM has license approved and launched its online sportsbook in Puerto Rico. The license has been issued within the Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort.
• December 21, 2022 – Caesars launches a land-based sportsbook at Puerto Rico’s largest casino, Casino Metro. This looks to be in preparation to launch online and mobile betting options sometime in 2023.
• April 4, 2022 – DraftKings signals a state of intent to open online sports betting options by launching a retail sportsbook at the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino.
• February 9, 2022 – BetMGM opens the first sportsbook in Puerto Rico within the Casino del Mar.

All Retail Locations with Legal Sports Betting in Puerto Rico

The table below highlights all the retail sports betting locations on the island that currently host legal options. With each, we’ve added the venue, address, and online betting partner.

Puerto Rican Casinos with Sportsbooks

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Available in Puerto Rico?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) was included with the legalization of online sports betting in 2019 and can be accessed within Puerto Rico. These add more variety to the Puerto Rico gambling market.

With the arrival of both FanDuel and DraftKings to the sports betting sector, it’s highly anticipated that these two DFS sites will also bring their fantasy sports products with them. It’s not been reported when this will happen and will likely be overshadowed by the introduction of their online sports betting sites, but we will keep this section up to date with any developments regarding DFS.

What about Horse Racing?

Horse racing is hugely popular in Puerto Rico and betting has been legal since 1910 on the island. Given that horse racing fell outside of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), it was never affected by legalization preventing it.

However, the influx of sportsbooks will mean a boost for horse racing in terms of exposure and accessibility. Most of the sportsbooks that are either already live or have been linked with getting a license have horse racing betting available, which will be a huge boost for the sport.

Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Players must be a legal gambling age and located in a regulated US gambling state. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.

Best Puerto Rico Sportsbooks Available Now: BetMGM & Caesars

Even though online sports betting has been legal in Puerto Rico since 2019, there are still only two fully licensed brands on the island, BetMGM and Caesars. Both are available online and through mobile apps for Puerto Rico sports bettors. We also expect a lot more reputable betting sites to launch after obtaining licenses.

1. Bet MGM Sportsbook Puerto Rico – $100 Second Chance Promotion, Live Streaming Access, and VIP Reward Scheme for Existing Players

• Land-based partner: Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort
• Launch Date: June 2023
• Expected Bonus: $100 second chance first bet

BetMGM went live in Puerto Rico in June 2023 and was the first betting site to do so. They’ve brought with them one of the best online sportsbooks in the sector, with over 20 sports to bet on and dozens of markets for each game.

The site is best known for its competitive odds across the board, coupled with odds boosts that are usually linked to high-profile sporting events or games on of the day. The $100 second chance welcome offer is a great addition for new accounts, with existing players able to take advantage of parlay refunds, cash out betting, and a superb edit bet function.

Live betting is the hub of the sportsbook, with most games gaining access to this. It also includes live streaming across sports such as baseball, basketball, and American football.

Payment methods cover debit cards, credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. There are no fees applied and withdrawals are processed within 48 hours. Customer support is accessible via live chat, although wait times can be longer during peak hours.

Features Overview Based on Other States:

• Betting Options: 9/10
• Betting Odds: 9/10
• Live Streaming & Features: 10/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile & App Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 7/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Customer Support: 7/10

2. Caesars Sportsbook Puerto Rico – Bet $50, Get $50 Bonus

• Land-based partner: Casino Metro
• Launch Date: Imminent
• Expected Bonus: Bet $50, Get $50

Caesars has been able to partner with the largest land-based casino on the island, Casino Metro. The online platform is expected imminently and with it will likely come one of the best promo sections of any of the brands. The welcome bonus is a Bet $50, Get $50 bonus that you need to use the promo code CZRPRBG50, plus you’ll get access to the Reward Tier where you earn points as you bet to be used in Caesars hotels, casinos, and restaurants.

The sportsbook has an excellent range of features that include live betting, live streaming, in-game stats, same-game parlays, bet boosts, enhanced parlays, and a huge range of prop bets. Betting lines are up there with BetMGM and you’re able to access a range of fast and free payment options.

Features Overview Based on Other States:

• Betting Options: 8/10
• Betting Odds: 9/10
• Streaming & Features: 9/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 10/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile & App Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 7/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Customer Support: 7/10

Pros & Cons: 

More Puerto Rico Online Sportsbooks & Apps Expected

As the virtual doors continue to open for Puerto Rico online sports betting, there are several highly established brands that are currently awaiting their license. We’ve outlined these below and included information on what you can expect from each.

1. DraftKings – $1,000 Welcome Bonus Expected, Best for Niche Sports and DFS.
2. FanDuel – Bet $20, Get $200 in Bonus Bets, One of the Best for Horse Racing in Puerto Rico.

1. DraftKings Sportsbook Puerto Rico – $1,000 Welcome Bonus Expected, Best for Niche Sports and DFS

• Land-based partner: Foxwoods El San Juan Casino
• Launch Date: Expected 2023
• Expected Bonus: $1,000 Deposit Bonus

DraftKings have opened their sportsbook in the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and are expected to move online by the end of 2023. The online sports betting site is one of the most diverse sportsbooks in the sector and covers a huge range of sports, including lesser-known markets such as Aussie Rules, Cornhole, Lacrosse, and Volleyball, to highlight how diverse the site is.

Coverage of main sports, such as the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA and college sports, is exceptional and the standout feature within these are same game parlays and prop bets, of which there are dozens. The live betting section includes a match center along with a host of data linked to the game but doesn’t have live streaming, which you can access at BetMGM. Check out the full DraftKings Puerto Rico review for more details.

Features Overview Based on Other States:

• Betting Options: 9/10
• Betting Odds: 9/10
• Streaming & Features: 8/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 9/10
• Mobile & App Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 8/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Customer Support: 9/10

2. FanDuel Sportsbook Puerto Rico – Bet $20, Get $200 in Bonus Bets, One of the Best for Horse Racing in Puerto Rico

• Land-based partner: Not yet stated
• Launch Date: Late 2023/Early 2024
• Expected Bonus: 10x First bet – bet $20, get $200 in bonus bets

FanDuel is yet to gain a foothold with a land-based casino, so it’s not yet known exactly when they will be entering the online sector. However, the site has been rumored to be in talks with multiple sites and has stated they are keen to go live by the end of 2023.

The sportsbook will be another excellent addition and the inclusion of DFS will be one of the main features. Moreover, the platform has a huge range of bonuses to choose from, with featured same-game parlays, daily odds boosts, and a lucrative refer-a-friend system for sports bettors.

A key addition to the site will be the inclusion of its racebook. They cover horse races from all over the world and if it’s included, will be one of few operators licensed by the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission to offer this selection.

Features Overview Based on Other States:

• Betting Options: 9/10
• Betting Odds: 8/10
• Streaming & Features: 8/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 9/10
• Mobile & App Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 7/10
• Payment Methods: 7/10
• Customer Support: 9/10

How to Get Started on Puerto Rico Betting Sites and Apps

The guide below outlines the process of how to set up a new account with a Puerto Rico sportsbook. We’ve also added a section about how to claim a welcome bonus, where applicable.

1. Use the links on this page to head to a betting site that is currently live in Puerto Rico.
2. Once on the sportsbook, click on the signup or register button to create an account.
3. Fill in your account information, which will include name, address, and contact information
4. You may be asked to verify your account in person, and you will need to do this at the casino that the sportsbook is licensed with.
5. If you have a promo code, you may be asked to enter this when you sign up or when you deposit funds.
6. Use the cashier to select a payment type and then enter the amount you want to deposit.
7. Head to the sportsbook and select the game and market you want to bet on.
8. Click on the odds to add to the bet slip, enter your stake and confirm your bet.
9. Track bets within the account section.
10. Winnings are paid into your account automatically.

Puerto Rico Online Sportsbook Betting Bonuses We Expect

The types of bonuses that you can claim from online sportsbooks will vary. Below we’ve outlined all the possible bonus types for legal sports betting and included information on how each of them works.

• Deposit Match Bonuses: Your first deposit will be matched up to a certain percentage and then a bonus will be applied based on this sum.
• Event Promotions: Offers can be linked to special events, such as the Superbowl or March Madness.
• Bonus Bets: Bonus bets are where the Puerto Rico betting sites cover your stake for selected markets, up to a certain limit.
• Bet Credits: Bet credits can be used in the sportsbook to place sports bets for free. This won’t include the original stake with any winnings but comes with no wagering requirements.
• Odds Boosts: Sportsbooks boost odds on certain games or markets to make them more attractive to Puerto Ricans.
• Parlay Insurance: If one leg of your parlay loses, the sportsbook will refund the stake amount up to a certain limit.
• Loyalty Bonuses: Loyalty bonuses can be gained for customers who have either been with the sportsbook for a long time or have wagered large sums of money.

Puerto Rico Mobile Sports Betting Apps We Expect

Mobile access to online betting is going to be one of the most popular ways to access a sportsbook. The table below highlights the sites that are live and sites that we are expecting to enter the Puerto Rico market.

Desktop vs Mobile Sports Betting App

Most Puerto Rico sportsbooks are going to have access to both desktop and mobile betting options. The desktop is the more traditional option and generally is more stable, given that most machines will be using a direct internet connection. The increased screen size means that it’s possible to include more information (sports, markets, etc.) on one screen, which allows for an increased level of usability.

Mobile sports betting apps are ideal for users on the go. You can access a Puerto Rican sportsbook from anywhere on the island from mobile devices, which massively increases accessibility. As technology for mobile sportsbooks increases, so do features such as designs, market/sport coverage, and payment options.

Pros and Cons of Mobile Apps over Desktop

Puerto Rico Sportsbook Payment Methods to Expect

The range of payment methods for legal sports betting will vary based on the sportsbook you use. Below we’ve outlined some of the more options that you can expect to find in Puerto Rico.

• Bank Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express will likely all be accessible at the best sportsbooks.
• Wire Transfer: Wire transfers are used for larger payments, but may come with fees attached.
• E-Wallets: E-wallets include the likes of Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal.
• Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards can be loaded with cash and then used online.
• Casino Cage Cashier: It’s possible to deposit at the casino the sportsbook is tied to.
• Online Banking: Online banking can be used to transfer money direct from your bank account to your betting account. Like wire transfers, this can take longer to process.

Most Popular Sports in Puerto Rico to Bet on

Below is a list of the most popular sports to bet on in Puerto Rico.

• American football
• Baseball
• Hockey
• Basketball
• Horse racing
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Golf
• MMA
• Boxing
• Cricket
• Darts
• Cycling
• Formula 1
• Motorsports
• Rugby league
• Rugby union
• Snooker
• Politics
• Volleyball

Types of Bets to Make at a Sportsbook in Puerto Rico

Each sportsbook is going to come with a range of betting markets that you can access. Below we’ve included an overview of the types of online wagers you can expect to find, with information about how each of them works.

• Moneyline: The moneyline is a straight bet on the outcome of the game. For example, you can bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning their next game.
• Points Spread: Points spread is a handicap that is applied to both teams to make it even. Points are added to the underdog and removed for the favorite in professional sports or collegiate leagues.
• Totals: Totals are based on the total number of points scored in a game, or other values. The line is set by the sportsbook operators, and you then need to choose the over or under on this line.
• Player props: Player proposition bets include markets such as most rushing yards and most touchdowns thrown in American football, or most runs scored in the MLB.
• Team props: Team prop bets include markets such as over/under on total rebounds in the NBA or the team to be leading at halftime in the Superbowl for the NFL.
• Parlays: Parlays are combination bets that include multiple picks to create one larger bet. You need all selections within the parlay to win for this bet to pay out.
• Live Betting: Live betting is where you bet on a game that is currently live. Odds will change as the game develops and allows bettors to take advantage of momentum shifts within a game. Most sites have live betting for big games with professional teams.

How Will Sportsbooks in Puerto Rico Compare to Other States?

Sportsbooks in Puerto Rico are going to look relatively like what you would find throughout other US states. However, there will be some differences that you need to be aware of, which we’ve outlined in this section.

Sports Betting Market Coverage

Market coverage will be the most notable, especially when it comes to what is legal. Most US states will not allow users to bet on the outcome of college games for that state. For example, in New Jersey, you can’t bet on Princeton Tigers games, but you can access other college sports from outside of the state.

For Puerto Rico sports betting, given that it’s not a US state, you will likely have access to all these markets. Restrictions are limited in terms of sports betting market coverage, which will, in turn, make it a great place to bet online.

Most Competitive Odds

Legal sports betting odds are likely going to look very similar in US states as they will for Puerto Rico betting sites. Competition is going to come from alternative sportsbooks, for example, BetMGM might not have the same odds for the same bet as DraftKings, and so on.

Given that the number of online sportsbooks on the island is still relatively low, it’s going to be tough to shop around the best odds. But as more sites start to gain their license then competition will increase, which is more advantageous for bettors.

Betting Taxes and Revenue

Retail sportsbooks will have to pay a 7% tax on gambling revenue, while online operators are required to pay a 12% tax. For sports betting players in Puerto Rico, tax is charged based on net taxable income at the rates in the table below:

Responsible Gambling

A huge part of the legalization of online sports betting in Puerto Rico has been linked to responsible gambling. Any sites that are applying for licenses need to ensure that players’ safety is an absolute priority.

To do so, sportsbooks like BetMGM have included features such as time limits, deposit limits, time out, self-exclusion, and account closure where applicable. All sites have extensive information online about the measures they take and it’s their job to not only spot problem accounts but to also get the players the help they need following this.

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