Puerto Rico has joined the United States’ National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP), aligning its regulated gambling framework with a cross-jurisdiction system designed to strengthen responsible gaming protections.
The decision was confirmed by the Comisión de Juegos del Gobierno de Puerto Rico and marks a move toward a unified approach to exclusion tools across casinos, sports betting and other regulated gambling services. The program is scheduled to launch in June and will allow individuals to voluntarily restrict access to licensed operators through a single digital registration.
NVSEP addresses fragmentation that previously required users to enroll separately with individual operators or jurisdictions. Regulators aim to reduce complexity and improve uptake.
Once enrolled, individuals will be blocked from participating gambling services across multiple jurisdictions. Operators will receive exclusion data through the idPair platform, which supports enforcement and compliance.
The initiative reflects Puerto Rico’s effort to modernize regulation as its gaming sector expands, including casinos and sports wagering.
Centralized System Replaces Fragmented Exclusions
NVSEP provides a centralized framework allowing users to submit one exclusion request instead of multiple registrations. The program launched in 2024 and operates in several US states, including California, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Massachusetts is expected to join.
The system links regulators and operators through shared data, extending exclusion coverage across casinos, online betting and other regulated services.
Puerto Rico’s participation expands the program into a territory with a growing regulatory structure, strengthening consumer safeguards while maintaining oversight of the gaming industry.
Regulators Emphasize Consumer Protection Goals
The Comisión de Juegos said the initiative supports access to responsible gaming tools and reinforces consumer protection policy.
Executive Director Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán said: “This alliance strengthens our public policy efforts to maintain a safe, highly regulated gaming industry grounded in responsible gaming practices. Our goal has always been to provide accessible tools and resources for anyone seeking support with gambling-related issues. This initiative aligns with the work we have carried out since I assumed office, as well as with our ongoing Responsible Gaming educational campaign. Once again, we reaffirm our commitment to Puerto Rico.”
NVSEP reduces administrative barriers by centralizing enrollment and improving coordination between regulators and operators.
Technology Partner Supports Integration
The program is operated through idPair, which manages self-exclusion data across jurisdictions. The platform enables regulators and operators to exchange exclusion information in real time.
idPair chief executive Jonathan Aiwazian said: “We’re honored to support the Comisión de Juegos in expanding access to responsible gaming protections, and we look forward to simplifying self-exclusion for individuals while streamlining processes for operators, many of whom already process exclusion data via the idPair platform deployed across other jurisdictions.”
The system supports operators working across multiple regulated markets.
Wider Adoption of Digital Exclusion Tools
Puerto Rico’s move reflects a broader shift toward centralized self-exclusion systems in regulated gambling markets, replacing operator-by-operator lists with unified frameworks.
Authorities have not disclosed how many operators will participate at launch, though adoption is expected to grow as the market develops.
With NVSEP set for June, Puerto Rico joins a growing network of regulators connecting responsible gaming systems across jurisdictions.
Source:
“Puerto Rico Joins National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, Strengthens Responsible Gaming Protections Across the Island”, businesswire.com, May 26, 2026
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