On Tuesday Puerto Rico’s gaming regulator, the Comisión de Juegos del Gobierno de Puerto Rico, announced its participation in the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Programme (NVSEP).
The integration, set to begin this June, introduces a centralised mechanism through which residents can voluntarily bar themselves from multiple licensed gambling operators across all local jurisdictions.
Puerto Rico has witnessed a steady expansion of its regulated gaming sector. It now encompasses land-based casinos, regulated sports betting and various licensed gambling activities.
Centralised self-exclusion model
The NVSEP was first launched in 2024 as a cross-state platform for operators and regulators across the US. It is currently operational in California, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and Louisiana. Puerto Rico will join the line up later this year, with Massachusetts following suit.
According to the press release, self-exclusion procedures were originally fragmented. Players required separate exclusions for individual operators or territories, often causing confusion and reducing programme uptake.
But NVSEP’s centralised approach has directly addressed this complexity by unifying enrolment and compliance processes.
The system allows players to restrict access to casino venues, sports betting websites and other regulated gaming services via a single online application.
Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, executive director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, commented: “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.”
He added that the initiative aligned with ongoing educational campaigns on responsible gaming and reiterated the commission’s dedication to consumer protection.
Partnership with idPair
The platform was developed by idPair, a technology firm specialising in cross-jurisdictional exclusion lists. Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair, said: “The platform will simplify self-exclusion for individuals while streamlining processes for operators.”
idPair’s platform facilitates data-sharing between jurisdictions, enhancing regulators’ ability to coordinate enforcement efforts and operators’ compliance management.
Puerto Rico joins the self-exclusion surge
Self-exclusion programmes are becoming more and more common globally. Brazil launched its own programme at the end of last year. The launch of the self-exclusion system formed part of the SPA’s 2025-26 regulatory agenda, which it laid out in April 2025.
Digital systems like NVSEP are gaining preference as they enhance accessibility and reduce administrative burdens by eliminating multiple registrations. Portugal recently updated and centralised their self-exclusion portal to augment ease of use and accessibility.
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission frames this integration as a step towards modernising regulatory oversight while prioritising consumer protection. Operators currently utilising idPair’s services elsewhere can readily integrate NVSEP data, whereas others could be required to opt in to receive and implement self-exclusion information as part of their compliance frameworks.
While the NVSEP launch is planned for June, the commission did not disclosed the number of operators committed to participate from the outset.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/puerto-rico-joins-us-national-voluntary-self-exclusion-programme/
