Sipos: We Call on Pellegrini to Veto Gambling Act Amendment

Bratislava, 24 October (TASR) – The opposition 'Slovakia' party has called on President Peter Pellegrini not to sign and to return to Parliament the amendment to the Gambling Act approved on Thursday (23 October) by Parliament, as the bill supports gambling in Slovakia and thus all its negative effects on people and families, 'Slovakia' parliamentary caucus head Michal Sipos said at a press conference on Friday. “I believe that Peter Pellegrini can look himself in the mirror and recall what he promised before the elections, and if he has at least a shred of dignity, he will not sign this law that was forcibly pushed through yesterday by Sports and Tourism Minister Rudolf Huliak, government MPs from Smer, Voice, and the Slovak National Party (SNS). If he signs it, he takes full responsibility for the breakdown of families and the financial ruin of those who throw their money into those machines,” said Sipos. According to him, by approving the amendment, Rudolf Huliak and the governing coalition have decided to roll out a “red carpet” for gambling and for companies that profit from the misfortune of others. Sipos believes the move is mainly about saving the last casino in Bratislava, whose licence expires at the end of October. He reminded that both the city and its inhabitants have repeatedly expressed in the past that they do not want gambling in their city. mf