Bratislava officials voted last week in favor of a full gambling ban within the city’s borders that will see gambling venues gradually close doors upon expiration of their licenses.
“Gambling opponents have sought such prohibition for years”
The ban will become effective on May 1, 2017. Around 300 gambling facilities, including casinos, will be shuttered over the next four years to 2021, when the last gaming licenses are set to expire.
City officials revealed that the capital of Slovakia is estimated to lose around €3 million in annual tax revenue as a result from the latest gambling-related decision. Bratislava Mayor; Ivo Nesrovnal, pointed out that the city will find a way to offset the losses the ban will incur, although it is still unknown how exactly this will be done.
According to gambling analysts, there are two possible outcomes from the current situation. In the first place, companies with gambling operations in Bratislava may develop businesses in other regions around Slovakia. They may also remain in the Slovak capital and operate in a gray zone. (READ SO THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY HAS LOST POWER IN ANOTHER LAND)
“Gray zone here means the replacement of standard slot machines with quiz machines that offer prizes for those who have performed well. This type of offering is not covered by the country’s gambling law, which means that it is neither legal, nor explicitly illegal”
