People on welfare won't be allowed to gamble in Slovakia as of 2017, as President Andrej Kiska signed into law the Finance Ministry-sponsored amendment to the Gambling Act on Wednesday. Under the new legislation, a register of welfare recipients and people diagnosed with pathological gambling issues will be created to prevent them from indulging their habit. The amendment is designed to usher in consumer protection, based on addiction prevention and responsible gambling. Also, the Finance Directorate will see extended oversight powers over gambling, with customs offices to be involved as new supervisory bodies in the sphere as well.
Gavin Shoebridge, Photo: AP/TASR
