The black-blue Salzburg state government wants to legalize illegal gambling and also make a big impact in the process. For parts of the opposition, the plans are a “declaration of bankruptcy” and a "Kowling to the gambling mafia.
“Kowling before the gambling mafia”, “addiction turbo” and “declaration of bankruptcy” – the clear reactions from the opposition came yesterday like a shot from a pistol. Vice Governor Marlene Svazek (FPÖ) had previously announced that he would “legalize illegal, small-scale gambling in Salzburg”. What does that mean exactly? The state issues licenses and determines who is allowed to operate slot machines in casinos in Austria. Outside of that, it is illegal gambling. Around 67 illegal ATMs were recently confiscated in the city. Curious: Salzburg is in first place in the country this year with 187 ATMs uncovered by the financial police. The remaining eight federal states together have “only” 170. The legal situation in Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Vienna is similar to that in Salzburg. The FPÖ and ÖVP say: “District authorities and authorities in Salzburg are working very well.” That’s why the camouflaged gambling dens would be caught. FPÖ reference to data from “Role Model” Upper Austria In addition, the state government expects the illegality to be curbed Legalization also brings in millions of dollars in revenue. The opposition throws up its hands. “The income, regardless of the addiction, is immoral,” rumbles the SPÖ. The KPÖ speaks of “income on the backs of addicts”. The Greens believe that legalization will not eliminate illegal offerings, but that they will be “flooded with hundreds of additional machines.” “Necessary supply” through Casino Salzburg An FPÖ spokesman refers to a study by the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce – the Black and Blue government also rules there – against: Small-scale gambling has been legalized at the neighbor’s house. The number of illegal ATMs has fallen from 4,000 to around 100 since 2014. Legal providers, who have to pay 25 percent, are very interested in identifying black sheep. And: “Unlike in forbidden sheds, legal gambling has trained staff and people are tracked.” Casinos Austria are the top dog in Salzburg. The state government’s plans come unexpectedly. “Basically, we are of the opinion that with the two casinos and three WinWin locations we can provide the necessary supply of safe and legal gambling.”
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