Dominican labour ministry gives lottery outlets 30 days to improve conditions

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Labour has given owners and operators of lottery and betting outlets 30 calendar days to correct labour and facility deficiencies, under a measure signed by labour minister Eddy Olivares Ortega and dated 24 October 2026. The period is described as one of guidance and voluntary compliance. After it ends, the ministry said it will intensify inspections across the national territory to verify compliance with current legislation.

Inspections will cover accessible toilets, suitable seating for working hours, ventilation and lighting, access to drinking water, and cleaning and hygiene conditions. The ministry will also check for first-aid kits and fire extinguishers, in line with the characteristics and risks of each establishment. On the labour side, it will verify payment of the legal minimum wage, working hours and rest periods, and other provisions of the Labour Code, as well as the regularisation of employment relationships and workers' affiliation to the Dominican Social Security System.

According to figures released by the ministry, the lottery outlet sector employs approximately 200,000 workers across more than 110,000 establishments, and women make up the vast majority of the workforce. The measure instructs the competent departments to pay particular attention to the protection of women workers during guidance and inspection tasks. The ministry said many outlets operate in small booths that in many cases lack sanitary facilities, even though staff must remain there for long shifts.

The ministry said the 30-day period does not suspend employers' existing obligations or limit its inspection powers. During the period it will continue carrying out interventions and may adopt the corresponding measures where it detects situations that pose risks to workers' health, safety or integrity. Once the compliance stage concludes, the ministry said it will intensify nationwide operations to document infringements detected and process them under the procedures set out in legislation. It also said labour obligations apply regardless of the size of the premises or the degree of formalisation of the business, and urged owners and operators to correct deficiencies, guarantee employees' rights and comply with occupational safety and health rules.