Legislation
Argentina – Move to ban credit card use in casinos blocked
By Phil - 16 August 2013
A move to block the use of credit card transactions in casinos and other gaming centres in the province of Neuquén has been blocked by the Provincial Institute of Gaming.
The bill to ban debit and credit transactions through electronic terminals in casinos, racetracks and betting parlors had been initially been introduced by provincial MP’s and was being discussed in the Municipal Affairs Committee of the Legislature. Counting on the support of five other lawmakers the bill was first introduced by MP Alejandro Vidal in order to prevent gambling addiction.
According to local news portal La Mañana Neuquén the Provincial Institute of Gaming moved quickly to move against the bill and presented an extensive body of opinion in which they asked MPs to refrain from this or any similar measure, arguing that it would have a negative effect on the province’s revenues. The move has also discouraged the adoption of another change to the province’s gaming laws currently under discussion in the Working Committee of the House which would have imposed a time restriction for casinos from midday until five in the morning.
The Provincial Institute of Gaming in a detailed written opinion stated that the Legislature should not allow the modification of the province’s gaming laws, as the move to ban debit card and credit card transactions in gaming centres across the province would have little effect on problem gambling. This was because a ban on credit cards did not address the need to modify the behavioural patterns of those with a gambling problem. In addition they argued that it would also lead to an increase of loan sharks in betting shops and other gaming establishments.
