Sipos Slams Fico and Huliak’s Casino Plan as “Sick”

Bratislava, 26 August (TASR) – The plan by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and Minister of Tourism and Sport Rudolf Huliak (independent) regarding gambling is “sick,” according to Michal Sipos, chair of the opposition's 'Slovakia' parliamentary caucus. Sipos responded this way to a proposal from a group of MPs that would allow the national lottery company to operate state-run casinos without any need to seek approval from affected towns and municipalities – even in places where local bans on casinos are already in place. „Under the government of Igor Matovic ('Slovakia'/2020-21), we pushed through legislation allowing cities and municipalities to ban gambling and gaming halls because they know it's an evil that causes addiction and increases crime," Sipos stated. „Instead of increasing taxes on gambling, Fico and Huliak have decided that Tipos will be allowed to run gaming halls and slot machines even near schools, kindergartens, retirement homes, and churches. The plan from Fico and Huliak is sick. We in the 'Slovakia' party will do everything we can to stop this perversion," Sipos added. mf