Experts: deporting casinos from Kiev will strike a blow at Ukraine`s economics
In addition, the authorities` initiative will result in huge budget losses, the specialists believe.
“The authorities just need to demonstrate some activity. There is no obvious progress in economy, therefore it needs showing that there is a fight with a supposedly anti-social phenomenon of gaming business”, Mikhail Kishik, the head of “Maxima” company, which is a member of Ukrainian Gambling Association, stated to the “New Region”.
“All these schemes are hardly feasible, at least due to the fact that there is no vacant land around Kiev at all. Relocation of gambling facilities 30 km away from the city is just unreal. All the land has been private owned for a long time? and who will let this Las Vegas in?” Kishik believes.
The specialists of Ukrainian Gambling Association claim that the authorities do not have any legal grounds yet to require eviction of gambling facilities from the cities. And if the relevant law is adopted by the new Verkhovna Rada, it will only harm the economy: the Ukrainian gaming business will merely fall back into the shadow, thus the budget will get no taxes.
It is also confirmed by Dmitri Potekhov, the general director of “Alliance. Games and Entertainment” company. According to him, should the law on relocating casinos and slot halls outside residential areas, gambling facilities in towns will be the first to “fall back into the shadow. “The local gaming business does not have a lobby in the parliament, therefore we will not be able to influence the parliament`s decision-making processes”, he says.
The experts advise to study the experience of Europe where casinos and slot locations are situated in the most prestigious city districts. It should not be forgotten that gambling facilities in capital cities perform a social function as well – for instance, tourist attraction. The control over the industry makes it possible not only to track substantial budget revenues but also compliance with the legal requirements.