Caesars Entertainment has initiated its online sports betting services in Puerto Rico, expanding its operations within the territory’s existing market.
On June 29, 2019, Puerto Rico took a step in its gambling history. Bill H.B. 2038 was passed and signed into law, officially greenlighting sports gambling on the island and marking a significant shift in Puerto Rico’s online gambling landscape. The development of this event are still unfolding.
Initial Access for Puerto Rico’s Citizens
Initially, Caesars’ online betting services are available to Puerto Rico’s residents via the company’s Sportsbook mobile betting app or its website. Plans to offer non-residents visiting Puerto Rico access to the app are in place for later this summer.
Integration with the Caesars Rewards loyalty programme allows users to accumulate tier credits for each wager placed. These credits can later be exchanged for different experiences at Caesars Entertainment venues.
As per Eric Hession, Caesars Digital President, “The launch of our mobile sports wagering platform […] complements the experience we’ve provided customers at MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook at Casino Metro.“
Caesars’ online services will operate concurrently with its physical sportsbook, known as ‘MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook’, which opened at Casino Metro in December 2022.
Ismael Vega, Casino Metro’s general manager, noted that the new app facilitates the use of MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook from any location on the island.
Online Sports Betting in Puerto Rico and the expanding iGaming industry
Caesars Entertainment’s entry into Puerto Rico’s online sports betting market suggests significant impacts for the iGaming industry:
- Market Diversification: The inclusion of Caesars follows the entrance of BetMGM, Ballers Sportsbook, and Puerto Rico-based ZingSports, signalling Puerto Rico’s market expansion.
- Intensified Competition: This addition could lead to more competition, potentially driving innovation and development of new consumer offerings.
- Customer Interaction: The combination of online and physical betting options may provide a new way to engage customers in the iGaming industry.
With this development, Caesars Entertainment’s entry into Puerto Rico’s online sports betting market signifies an interesting shift in the landscape of the wider iGaming industry.
