Lukashenko Says Gambling Establishments Should Introduce Moratorium on Gaming in Debt

Entertainment in gambling establishments should be accessible only to solvent people – as stated by the President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko during his meeting with the Council of Ministers leadership last week.

Gambling business – which is a sensitive topic concerning ethics and safety, according to the Head of State – was among the issues on the agenda. Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined the important approaches, “Firstly, insurance is needed in case of online gambling in order to prevent children and incapacitated citizens from participating in a game. Secondly, such entertainment should be available only to solvent people.”

The President noted that there are examples when a gambler cannot stop and sees no barriers. “Such a person may collect debts, loans, and sell property. The family and society suffer. It is necessary to introduce a moratorium on gaming in debt in gambling establishments, or even give family members the right to ban gambling for an addicted person. After all, the money accumulated as a result of selling cars and accommodation heads to foreign gambling organisers because of a game loss,” he added.

The Belarusian leader stressed that this is a fundamental issue. He asked to discuss the ways of how it could be settled. “To begin with, it is necessary to prohibit banks from making such transfers outside the country. The money earned here should be invested in the country. This applies to all spheres of work,” he said.

The Head of State asked the meeting participants to report on how these sensitive issues are taken into account in the prepared draft decree.