Smeltna region wants to get rid of gambling addiction.
The Klondike gambling hall received permission to operate in Smiltna in 2000, and the Joker hall was approved by the local government in 2008. Recently, all the deputies of the Smiltna City Council unanimously decided to cancel the permits given to the two gambling halls. They are scheduled to close in 2031.
"From a purely economic point of view, they do not create any new value. On the contrary, they reduce it. You can say it's a form of entertainment. But it's hardly entertainment when you have a relatively small salary and some of that money you lose or lose. Will the child eat lunch, will he have clothes, or will some of the things be taken from the house to the pawnshop? " - asserts the chairman of the Smiltna District Council Ervins Levanovskis ("Progressive").
Most residents of the region support this decision.
"Many families suffer from gambling addiction. Many are mired in debt, so this will ease families with financial problems. In addition, young people may have less desire to get involved when they pass by and see this beautiful gambling hall. Then there won't be these fights either. People still mentioned that there were fights near the gambling halls,” says Smailna councilor, residents of Smailna council, Smailna.
The gambling industry is critical of the government's approach. Entrepreneurs doubt whether the restrictions are sufficiently justified and whether the new territorial planning actually creates a ban on gambling in the entire region.
"In the arguments of the local authorities, statements are still heard, for example, that a person can accidentally enter a gambling hall. This contradicts the current regulation and control requirements: before participating in gambling, the age of each person is checked, as well as whether he is included in the register of those who refuse to participate in gambling.