Miklosko: State-run Casinos Undermine Efforts to Protect Children and Youth

Bratislava, 1 September (TASR) - The intention to establish state-run casinos, thus allowing the expansion of gambling within municipalities despite their disapproval, undermines the democratic principles of local self-government and the efforts to protect children and young people from behavioural addictions which are on the rise, including gambling, Children's Commissioner Jozef Miklosko said in response to the plan proposed by Tourism and Sport Minister Rudolf Huliak (independent). He added that the ministry should be promoting a healthy lifestyle instead of co-creating an environment conducive to addictions and social tragedies. "Slovakia is currently facing serious challenges in the area of children’s and young people’s mental health. Decisions by state officials should respect these facts, and not run counter to them. The role of public authority is to protect the most vulnerable groups, and that includes children," said Miklosko. The Children's Commissioner stressed that the health of children must take precedence over commercial interests, whether those of the gambling industry or in terms of tax revenues. He also added that the proposal should be withdrawn and the position of municipalities that want to protect their communities from gambling should be respected. jrg/mcs