The City Council of Slatina approved, on Friday, in an extraordinary meeting, a project initiated by the mayor Mario De Mezzo, by which gambling and sports bets are prohibited in the municipality, with the exception of those of the lotto type organized by the Romanian Lottery.
Slatina thus becomes the first municipality in Romania to adopt such a measure.
Over the next year, around 70 gambling halls and around 20 bookmakers in the city will gradually disappear as their current operating licenses expire and will not be renewed.
The decision was not without controversy. During the meeting of the City Council, dozens of employees and representatives of the gaming halls protested and asked to maintain the activity, citing the risk of losing their jobs. However, the project was approved by local elected officials.
Mayor Mario De Mezzo explained that the transition period, of up to one year, was designed to provide predictability to operators and employees in the field, so that they have time to find other jobs.
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