November 24 - Following a government scandal involving the ties of certain
ministers to the gambling industry, the Prime Minister of Poland has
succeeded in having a proposed bill passed that will essentially ban gambling -
including online gambling - in the country.
The bill targets gambling activity outside specially delegated and regulated
casinos, and will affect over 50,000 slot machines that are currently located in
bars and malls throughout the country.
Internet gambling is also included in the ban.
"Barring any surprises, I hope the President will be able to affix his
signature to the new laws as of November 30," said Prime Minister Tusk in an
interview.
Businesses that relied on the income generated by these slot machines will be
dealt a major blow by the implementation of the new bill passed by parliament.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk came under fire after several members of his
administration tried to thwart attempts to raise gambling taxes in the country,
due to their ties with the gambling industry.
The scandal led to Tusk clamp down on gambling even further by banning any
type of wagering activity outside of casinos.
He has been accused by critics of diverting the problem of corruption in this
government by making gambling the problem.
Poland joins a growing number of countries clamping down on gambling in one
way or another, including the United States, Russia, Israel and India.
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