Despite predictions that the interim Kyrgyzstan president Roza Otunbayeva could delay signing into law a bill banning casinos, leaving the decision for the new president, this week she signed the legislation that will come into force on 1 January 2012. The new law, which will cause Kyrgyzstan’s 21 casinos and 300 gaming clubs to close with the loss of thousands of jobs, was passed almost unanimously by the country’s Parliament on 29 September 2011.
Whilst the ban on casinos pleases some in the country, others point to the similar ban in Russia that has led to many gambling operations having gone underground with the subsequent spread of organised crime and corruption in law enforcement agencies. However, it is thought that many slot machine facilities may circumvent the new law by adapting to entertainment venues.
An estimated 15,000 people could be out of work when the casino ban is enacted in January. Casino investors are already demanding the repayment
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of fees paid for their still valid operating licences. It is said that an offer has been made to close gambling machine premises if casinos can remain open under stricter regulatory control. As the new law followed seventeen attempts to remove the gambling industry from Kyrgyzstan, it is unlikely that the authorities will be swayed. After 1 January casino gambling may remain, it just won’t be legal. (E-11.04.11)
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