Gambling Commission Chief Orlando Carrión Steps Down in Puerto Rico
A Shake-Up at the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission
In an unexpected turn of events, Orlando Rivera Carrión, the director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, has tendered his resignation this week, amidst allegations of possible conflicts of interest. According to El Nuevo Dia, the resignation has been confirmed by Manuel Cidre Miranda, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC).
Farewell, for Now
Manuel Cidre's prompting was the catalyst behind Rivera Carrión's decision to resign, and he will officially relinquish his duties on May 15, though he will remain on paid leave until then. In the interim, the Gambling Commission will be managed by its administrator, Jaime Rivera Emanuelli.
Amidst the chaos, Rivera Carrión asserted that he had legalized an industry that was previously criminal, citing online sports betting as his noteworthy achievement. He maintains that casinos and racetracks are functioning efficiently.
Conflict of Interest?
Rumors swirl that the FBI has requested a copy of the report detailing the alleged irregularities committed by Rivera Carrión from the House of Representatives. In February, two representatives accused him of engaging in a conflict of interest, as he reportedly financed trips abroad for companies seeking to operate slot machines in Puerto Rico, trips that he himself evaluated.
Furthermore, it was alleged that the former Gambling Commission director participated in covert chats with gambling industry members he was supposed to regulate. This stepdown, according to representative Jose Rivera Madera, who filed the initial complaint against Rivera Carrión, was the only feasible course of action.
Rivera Madera strongly advocated for protecting institutions from any actions that could potentially tarnish their reputations, especially in the gaming sector where trust and security are of utmost importance.
Investigating these allegations may require digging deeper, seeking official statements from the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, exploring local news coverage, reviewing legal documents, or analyzing public records through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. In any event, staying informed through reliable sources will lead to a clearer understanding of the situation.
- Orlando Rivera Carrión, the former director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, is reported to have financed trips abroad for companies seeking to operate slot machines in Puerto Rico, trips that he himself evaluated, a conflict of interest alleged by two representatives in February.
- The gambling industry, specifically online sports betting, was legalized by Orlando Rivera Carrión during his time at the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, one of his notable achievements according to his assertions.
- The resignation of Orlando Rivera Carrión, which has been confirmed by Manuel Cidre Miranda, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), follows allegations of possible conflicts of interest in the casino-and-gambling sector, including covert chats with industry members he was supposed to regulate.
- The fallout from this situation may involve disbursing information through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, exploring local news coverage, reviewing legal documents, or seeking official statements from the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission to investigate the allegations further.
