'Slovakia' Proposes Ban on Smoking and Alcohol in Gambling Rooms and Casinos

Bratislava, 18 November (TASR) - Opposition MPs from the 'Slovakia'-'For the People' caucus are proposing a ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking in gambling rooms and casinos in Slovakia, seeking to improve the protection of health by a proposal for amendments to the laws on the protection against the misuse of alcoholic beverages and on the protection of non-smokers, TASR reported on Tuesday. "The proposal is aimed at improving the protection of health for employees of and visitors to these establishments, preventing the consumption of alcohol simultaneously with gambling, because alcohol greatly reduces cognitive abilities, while also reducing the negative social and health consequences associated with gambling and inhaling second-hand tobacco smoke," they explained. According to them, inhaling cigarette smoke in enclosed spaces poses a serious health risk for both smokers and non-smokers. "Expert studies have confirmed that ventilation and technical measures cannot effectively reduce concentrations of toxic substances indoors, so a complete ban on smoking is the only effective way of protecting health in enclosed spaces," said the sponsors of the bill. They also highlighted the danger of drinking alcohol while gambling, as it increases high-risk behaviour such as placing higher stakes or running out of money more quickly. According to studies, the availability of alcoholic beverages directly in gambling premises contributes to a worse performance among players and may increase the prevalence of problem gambling. "Banning alcohol consumption in gambling rooms therefore has a direct preventive effect," said the MPs, adding that their proposal also seeks to amend the gambling act by strengthening the role of municipalities in granting licences to gambling operators. jrg/df