If the legal gambling houses are closed, wild ones will open, that decision is wrong, according to the employees of this sector

Regarding today appeal of the Ministry of Finance addressed to the RSM Assembly, in order to adopt the amendments proposed by them to the Law on games of chance and entertainment games, the Association of employees in the sector of games of chance "I WANT TO WORK" sent a reaction.

In the name of 10 employees in this economic activity, we once again warn that the proposal to relocate 500 meters from the educational institutions is a proposal for the complete closure of gambling facilities, loss of our jobs with dramatic consequences for the entire Macedonian economy. It is a misconception that there is a solution, either to relocate 500 meters, or to continue operating gambling facilities. Due to the existing urban layout and planning, this condition is impossible to fulfill. Being located 500 meters from one means that the same facility will be located less than 500 meters from another educational institution. After the adoption of such a hasty solution, "wild" playgrounds will begin to open, outside the regulation of the competent institutions, where young people will really become a target. An argument for this is the "Detonator" affair, from 2011, when the police seized 1500 black poker machines in illegal casinos.

Just yesterday, the state had to borrow 250 million euros, which the citizens have to pay back in 18 months, and interest will be calculated for that. While the entire economy is in suspense due to the dramatic increase in electricity and energy prices across Europe, when many domestic companies are wondering if they will have to close the door and lay off employees, someone is literally playing with the fate of a serious economic activity that employs 10 thousand people, indirectly helps between 54 to 100 thousand other jobs, contributes at least 280 million euros to the state budget every year.

As an Association, the dilemma inevitably arises whether the Ministry of Finance is acting under the pressure of "Anti-Gambling" from Tetovo? We cannot accept that none of the authorities feel the responsibility to deny their baseless accusations that gambling is a source of illegal activities and allegedly has a harmful effect on the youth. That is not true and there are facts about it that the state institutions have at their disposal. The attacks on "Antigambling" from Tetovo are tendentious and have no contact point with reality. Even more so because apart from putting pressure on the state, political parties, lessors of facilities, players, an attempt is made to subtly involve religious communities as well. It is absolutely impermissible and represents an abuse of the religious feelings of the citizens to denigrate anyone who has a contact point with games of chance.

The state, every individual and family is undoubtedly obliged to protect minors and create all the prerequisites for raising healthy youth. We are not against legal solutions that go in this direction. However, we are categorically against politically and business-motivated legal changes that will close a legal economic activity that will automatically cause the organization of illegal games of chance. It is high time to abandon populism and start talking with facts. All socially responsible stakeholders should be aware that there is no example in an environment where the abolition of gambling has not caused wild gambling.

If the state has really decided to close the games of chance, it must take into account that with such a wrong decision it will cause an exodus of thousands of families who will move to western countries and work there again in the same activity. We warn, in order to prevent situations that will cause serious damage. It is high time that they take into account these indications of ours. Otherwise, we will be forced to go out to mass protests with which we will demand the protection of rights.

Dear reader,

Our access to web content is free, because we believe in equality in information, regardless of whether someone can pay or not. Therefore, in order to continue our work, we ask for the support of our community of readers by financially supporting the Free Press. Become a member of Sloboden Pechat to help the facilities that will enable us to deliver long-term and quality information and TOGETHER let's ensure a free and independent voice that will ALWAYS BE ON THE PEOPLE'S SIDE.

SUPPORT A FREE PRESS.
WITH AN INITIAL AMOUNT OF 60 DENARS

Video of the day