Why the headlong rush to casinos?

Sir,
The Minister of Commerce Industry and Tourism is undertaking meetings with the political party leaders to secure their views on setting up casinos in Cyprus, to be submitted to the Council of Ministers.

A Betting Industry study commissioned by the government is under preparation by UK Licensing Solicitors Poppleston Allen in co-operation with Nicosia Advocates KGMC, yet the minister has given no time for its completion to enable the political leaders to consider its finding before expressing their views.

Secondly the Minister made no mention whatsoever for consulting with non-governmental organisations, a policy declared by the government spokesman in the case of human trafficking accusations. Among them are certain organisations that have been closely studying the subject for years and produced lengthy scientific research submitted to the previous House of Representatives. Currently, they have undertaken a national survey among 1,000 persons to ascertain the repercussion of gambling on the individual, the family and society in general.

They have also initiated research in 24 countries spread worldwide to gather their experiences. It is worth stating the study has already revealed that one in five youths between the ages of 13 and 17 are regular betting shop gamblers.

From the overseas research, Australia came up with a very serious pathological gamblers’ problem and their Tourist Organisation President stated: “If you ask me what the casinos’ contribution has been to tourism, I say zero.”

On the recommendation of the Finance Ministry, our association was approached by the UK Solicitors and we responded by initiating the above and other studies as our contribution.

Why is the Minister rushing before the government betting industry study is completed, and its findings made available to the political leaders as well as the general public? Does public opinion have no right to express its views before he submits his findings to the Council of Ministers next month? Big questions the Minister must answer.

Nicos Rossos,
President, Association Confronting Social Problems ‘SAKOP’

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