According to the promoters of the project, the proposal arises as a measure to defend minors, making it impossible to have free access to commercial stores. That is why the operation of the machines will only be allowed in gambling halls.
In this way and by majority, the Lower House approved the project with modifications, despite the fact that the opinions in the majority of Constitutional Affairs and Equity and Gender recommended its rejection, considering that it would only contribute to the overload of laws and that its provisions are provided for and in force in other regulations.
“It cannot be that the economic question is above the best interests of the child. This slot machine issue must be a national cause,” condemned Congressman Edgar Costa. As the basis for the decision to approve the text, it was used the opinion of the Commission for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking, presented to the plenary by the head of the bench, Deputy Tito Ibarrola.
"It is important to highlight the need to protect the sector from the massive proliferation of slot machines in the country, even more so considering their location, since it is freely accessible," said Ibarrola.
The initiative goes against the decision of Paraguay’s gaming regulator Conajzar to delegate its powers to the iCrop company to enable the machines in any business in the country. "The Conajzar has made a major mistake when approving Resolution No. 34/2020 with which it authorizes the new mode of exploitation of slot machines," added Ibarrola.
The project, now with modifications, returns to the Senate to be finally enacted.
Source: GMB
