A meeting in Rostov-on-Don against adoption of regional gambling ban law
In the Theatre Square of Rostov-on-Don there was a meeting against the adoption of the law “On banning activities involved in gambling organization and arrangement within Rostov region”.
According to the RIA Novosti`s correspondent from the spot, over 200 people took part in the protest action. Employees of gambling facilities went out with transparencies “Give us jobs”, “We are working in gaming business. We are people, too”.
The draft introduced to the regional Legislative Assembly proposes a complete ban of gaming business in the region, but for the gaming zone, from January 1st, 2008. That is, the protestants say, a year before the Federal Law regulating operations of gambling facilities comes into effect. The piquet organizers believe that, should the legislation be adopted, over 15 thousand people of Rostov region will lose jobs at a time.
Victor Deryabkin, the minister of economics, who had arrived at the meeting, appealed to the protestants suggesting they “should find a compromise”. “We have made a working group and suggest negotiating and considering various options. We do not agree with the opinion that gaming business must be completely banned. But we want them to gradually go to the gaming zone and work in a civilized way”, said Deryabkin. According to the data of the ministry of economics, 13 casinos and 623 slot halls are operated in Rostov region.
RIA Novosti