Slatina: The first municipality in the country to ban gambling

The Slatina City Hall has decided to ban gambling and betting, and the operating licenses will no longer be renewed within the municipality.

Mario De Mezzo, the mayor of the city, stated that this measure is in the interest of the community's health. Although the ban will not have immediate effects, gaming halls and betting agencies will gradually disappear as the licenses issued by the National Office for Gambling expire. During the Local Council meeting, industry employees protested vehemently, fearing job losses. The mayor emphasized that the transition period will give employees time to find other jobs. Additionally, the local administration stated that the municipality's budget will not be significantly affected, as taxes are paid to the state budget.

Currently, there are approximately 70 gaming halls and 20 betting agencies operating in Slatina, and their disappearance could also influence the commercial rental market.