Legislation
Argentina – Calls for new opening hours in Salta
By Phil - 6 June 2013
Local lawmaker Martín Pérez Estrada has asked for a wide sweeping investigation into the extent of gaming in Salta and has called for a limit on opening hours.
Estrada has called for a wide sweeping investigation into the number of casinos and bingo halls in the capital of the province and the amount of gaming tax revenue which the local municipality receives from gaming each year. He has also called for a complete inspection of every gaming establishment to ascertain the number of slot machines each one contains and what type. Once this report is compiled it will be submitted before the city council.
Meanwhile, Estrada has also presented another project which would limit casino opening hours. At present the majority of casinos in the city of Salta are open twenty four hours a day but a new law would drastically limit opening times from 6am until 9 pm. Those found breaking the new law could have their licences temporarily suspended and face heavy fines. Estrada claims that the new measures are necessary in order to combat gambling addiction.
However, The Gaming Workers Union (ALEARA) has reacted strongly to the new measures and has declared itself in a state of readiness in face of the new measures with possible demonstrations against the new act on the way.
Union Secretary Ariel Fassione said: “The only thing that these types of measures accomplish is job cuts. We are now in talks with all the sectors necessary to show them that reducing opening times does not combat gambling addiction.”
The gaming sector along with the union has been working in conjunction with a number of initiatives which prevent gambling addiction. Furthermore, the new initiative could put 300 jobs at risk.
