Slovak MPs have approved the revised gambling law, concluding the seventh day of the 40th parliamentary session. The law, proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, passed with 71 votes in favor, while seven SNS MPs abstained. The law introduces stricter regulation of gambling contributions to increase state revenue and clarifies operational rules for lotteries and casinos. The national lottery company Tipos can now take over individual casino licenses from other operators, operate abroad, and is required to move casino operations into hotels within 12 months if necessary. Several coalition amendments were also approved, including a mandatory annual contribution of at least 500,000 euros by Tipos for gambling addiction prevention. Municipal approval is now required for new casino locations, and casinos must operate within the same municipality to prevent relocations to restricted areas. An opposition proposal to remove certain provisions was rejected.
Source: TASR
