Take a Shot

Sports betting brings an exciting new dynamic in Puerto Rico’s sizzling gaming scene – and now reaches into cyberspace

Puerto Rico’s hotel casinos are a sure bet for people looking for a good time in a lively environment. And while casinos are certainly safe, they are just as clearly not tame. From the bright lights surging from a sea of slot machines to the edge-of-your-seat thrills around a wide array of gaming tables, casinos offer something for everyone willing to try their luck and test their skill. All this in the company of an eclectic mix of welcoming locals and players from around the world. Every great scene like this deserves a soundtrack and in Puerto Rico that often comes in the form of live music ranging from torch singers to full-blown salsa bands and everything in between.

The island’s tried-and-true casinos are characterized by their unwavering efforts toward renewal through investment in cutting-edge innovations while maintaining all the classic gaming options sought out by a diverse customer base. In short, the casinos continually work to satisfy high rollers and casual players alike as evidenced by their forays into sportsbooks. Sportsbooks represent a relatively new and increasingly popular addition to the island’s ever-expanding gaming menu. Quickly gaining momentum since their introduction, sportsbooks are rolling along and have now entered a novel realm with the launch of online applications.

Look to industry leading sportsbooks Caesar’s, which operates at Casino Metro at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel in the heart of the bustling San Juan Convention District and BetMGM, which operates at the Casino del Mar at the trendy La Concha Resort in Condado.

Both sportsbooks opened in 2022 and offer retail betting onsite on a full roster of sports leagues. But they didn’t stop there. Both launched licensed mobile apps in 2023 that allow casual and more serious sports betting enthusiasts to get in on the action online. IGT arrived on the scene later in 2023 after entering a pact with the Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino to provide retail and online sports betting via its IGT PlaySports platform. Other players are set to join in on the action as the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission continues to field and approve applications to provide services in the emerging industry that generates economic activity and vital revenues for the government that go to essential needs including the University of Puerto Rico.

The first step for bettors into this new online arena is registering. A good option is to head through Casino Metro’s “MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook” portal – https://casinometro.com/en/metrobets/ – to get started. The mobile app is a leading-edge complement to the retail sportsbook at the casino that includes multiple betting windows and self-service betting kiosks for customers to place wagers. Dozens of LED TVs and odds boards to deliver a world-class sports viewing experience in San Juan. 

Jackpot del Encanto

Another stellar way to get paid for playing is the well-established, multi-progressive Jackpot del Encanto family, which contemplates cash prizes reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars with minimal bets through special slot machines at all 17 participating casinos around the island.

The Jackpot del Encanto family has been expanded to include Jackpot del Encanto Deluxe and Jackpot del Encanto Rapid. The latest addition, Jackpot del Encanto Rapid, offers players more game options and prizes at all participating casinos in expanded denominations range of from a penny to $5, appealing to low-denomination, medium-denomination, and high-denomination players in one game.

The jackpot of Jackpot del Encanto Rapid features a mystery progressive jackpot that starts at $30,000 and must be won before $45,000. The mechanism is very similar to the one already existing in Jackpot del Encanto Deluxe under the Dragon Link games, in which Mysterious Progressive starts at $40,000 and must be won before $60,000.

All the new Lightning Dollar Link titles – Checkered Flag, Chica Bonita, Kung Fu Master and Corrida de Toros – feature the popular Hold & Spin bonus, in which three bonus spins are awarded, and cash-on-reels symbols lock in place.

Players have a chance to win a major progressive or fixed jackpot (minor & mini) value up to three times from a single Hold & Spin symbol. In addition to the Hold & Spin bonus, Checkered Flag and Chica Bonita offer bonus games with the popular “Symbol Reveal” mechanic, while Kung Fu Master and Corrida de Toros offer bonus games with “Twin Spin” reels.