Puerto Rico is one of the few countries with consistent and secure gaming development in The Americas region. As one of the premier tourist destinations in the Caribbean, investors and operators are developing new hotels and refurbishing existing ones, whether locally owned or major brands such as Marriott.

We had the chance of a brief conversation with Hector Rivera Dávila, Gaming Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, who said: "We continue with some new projects for hotel casinos, and for 2010 we have approved five already. Investors are interested in this country because we are part of the USA and we have strict regulations to protect investment. The gaming industry is stable with steady growth".

We are aware of Rivera Davila's career path and his impressive reputation in the gaming industry over many years. We asked him about gaming events in the Latin American region and his participation at any of them. "I haven't decided yet whether I shall go to Mexico for the one in Monterrey", was the regulator's short reply. Rivera Davila was appointed as chief of the Puerto Rico gambling commission last year and this has paid dividends for the country.

Previously, as an associate consultant with New Jersey based Spectrum Gaming, Rivera Davila was instrumental in the preparation of Puerto Rico's new gaming regulations that came into effect last year. At the time, Rivera Davila told us that the intention was the full compliance of "strict regulations to attract serious investors who could develop additional hotel projects on our island.” He added that having the most sophisticated gaming controls in the Caribbean region, Puerto Rico would be a good model for others to follow". (E-01.18.08)

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