Daugavpils Bans Gambling Near Schools and Other Venues
A Latvian city has implemented new regulations to restrict gambling in its jurisdiction.
The municipality prohibits gambling establishments within 150 meters of public institutions, financial organizations, schools, and residential areas.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Daugavpils City Council has enacted binding regulations outlining prohibited gambling zones within the city limits.
The municipality prohibits gambling establishments within 150 meters of public institutions, financial organizations, schools, and residential areas.
While the new rules pertain to future gaming initiatives, they nevertheless impact existing gambling establishments. Per Constitutional Court rulings, these establishments are mandated to cease operations within five years. The court established this timeline to enable entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities.
The council also clarifies its intentions to restrict and not prohibit gambling within the city limits, unlike past unsuccessful bans in Riga and Kekava.
This is required by law to balance the interests of business and citizens; the hall will be closed only after five years so that the entrepreneur can restructure his business and not suffer so deeply.
Daugavpils City Council initially regulated gambling in 2013, capping establishments at nine, and has since implemented additional measures tightening gambling regulations in the district.
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Stricter Regulations Spark Controversy and Concerns
As reported by Latvian radio, the city's residents endorse the municipality's latest stance on gambling. However, there are fears that stricter gambling laws will not solve the problem. Some believe that the prohibition may drive gambling underground or to online platforms.
While residents share mixed reactions about the city council's hall closures, the gambling sector in the city overwhelmingly opposes the new regulations. They warn that the council's decision will lead to 100 job losses and reduced tax revenues.
Gambling operators have vowed to pursue litigation and appeal all council decisions.
In our opinion, this vote by the municipality to close gambling is not legal, as has been proven by several Constitutional Court rulings that such restrictions on gambling in cities where not every location has been specifically studied and justified harm the population.
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