In spite of the anxiety and expectation that surrounds the subject, it seems that bingo and amusement arcade owners and operators will have to wait until next spring for the parliament’s answer to their request about the relaxation of laws to reduce the number of slot machines in their parlors.
Since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force, slot machine venues and bingo parlors have been forced to remove thousands of machines, which has resulted in a considerable loss of profits. Such loss has deeply affected gaming venues and many of them are about to close, operators say.
Although Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe had initially assured he would give an answer this week, it was later known that the Minister’s statement would be made only after the parliament’s spring break. This move was seen by operators as a sign that their request will be rejected.
Government spokespeople have said that most likely laws will not be changed but reviewed, since any modification would imply a complex discussion. Meanwhile, gaming operators will have to keep the number of slot machines allowed by the legislation.
In spite of the anxiety and expectation that surrounds the subject, it seems that bingo and amusement arcade owners and operators will have to wait until next spring for the parliament’s answer to their request about the relaxation of laws to reduce the number of slot machines in their parlors.