Following a successful operation mounted by police, the Casino Board and the Ministry of Foreign Commerce and Tourism (MINCETUR), gaming machines aimed at young people were removed from a commercial centre in north Lima. Several shop owners had installed these machines, popularly known as ‘chinas,’ despite the fact that they are illegal.

When it became known that one of the Casino Board inspectors had been injured in the altercation that arose between shopkeepers and officials, the President of the Peruvian Congress Mercedes Cabanillas commented, “From my point of view I think we should be more radical. I firmly believe that we must eradicate these slot machines from the streets, particularly when they are close to schools.”

The latest modification to the Peruvian gaming law attempts to bring back order to the gaming sector and bring those operating at the edge of the law in line. Cabanillas told the press, “I don’t know what country would have this situation of chaos surrounding a practice that can become a vice. All things civilised must be done. These betting games and slot machines should be inside big hotels, in zoned areas, but things cannot go on like this. We are damaging the young and we must act drastically to resolve the issue.”

With the aim of formalising the illegal slots operations, MINCETUR yesterday handed a list of licensed operators to the municipalities. An earlier meeting between the Ministry and municipal officials had adopted this measure to allow the municipalities to revise licences previously granted in zones where not permitted or where the licences do not cover gambling. The municipalities have agreed to work together with MINCETUR to bring the illegal operations under the law. Operators have only until 24 March 2007 to apply to formalise their situation and obtain a licence. (E-02.27.07)

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