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Legislation

Argentina – New law to restrict opening hours in Neuquén

By - 4 November 2013

The Committee for Labour Legislation in the provincial legislature assembly of Neuquén began debating a proposal put forward by law maker Eduardo Benitez yesterday regarding the restriction of opening hours for bingo halls, casinos and slot parlours. If the new bill is passed operators will be allowed to offer their services from midday until 5a.m only.

The new law aims to: “Prevent compulsive gambling,” which according to the exact wording of the bill “causes job losses and the destruction of the addict’s home as well as their families.” The new bill contains strong sanctions for those found to be found to be breaking the law and also seeks to protect the jobs of those already involved in the local gaming industry.

According to local news portal Diario La Mañana de Neuquén, during the debate a number of deputies also put forward proposals which would create a new gaming control board which would monitor the industry and ensure that the new opening hours are being adhered to.

Neuquén has been a focal point for some controversy of when it comes to gaming with another proposal now on the table in favour of nationalising casinos in the province. Plans to nationalise casinos were first announced in May by head of the local casino union and member of the local state legislature Raúl Godoy.

According to Mr Godoy’s proposal, 50 per cent of all profits would go to the local governments where they are located, 20 per cent to a gaming control board and 30 per cent to the province which would then be used for education and healthcare. As the majority of the 23 casino licenses in the state end at the end of 2014 their licences will simply not be renewed if the new law goes ahead. In order for the move to gain momentum it was announced in May that locals would be asked to sign a petition on the issue. More than 15,000 signatures have been signed in favour of nationalising casinos in the province of Neuquén so far.

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