The acting mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Cavaliere, issued a decree on Friday (22) that effectively bans electronic gaming machines in the municipality, stipulating that any licenses previously granted could be revoked for non-compliance. The measure follows an announcement by Mayor Eduardo Paes, who is currently traveling for work, stating that he would deny permits to establishments that install gambling machines.
The ban comes in response to Governor Cláudio Castro’s decree, which authorized VLTs and other devices across the state of Rio de Janeiro. Specifically, Decree No. 49,804 establishes the requirements for operating Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) and other types of betting while distinguishing between two categories of authorized establishments: VLT/Sports Bar shops, themed spaces dedicated to lottery products that are permitted to offer VLTs and betting terminals, and non-exclusive establishments, which can operate gaming equipment as a secondary activity alongside their primary services.
In justifying the ban, Cavaliere stressed that placing lottery betting equipment in commercial establishments changes the nature of the businesses, resulting in negative social, economic, and urban consequences.
Cavaliere argues that it is the municipality’s responsibility to manage land use and regulate economic activities, and that the proliferation of gambling in publicly accessible locations without proper regulation poses risks to public health, urban safety, and the development of children and adolescents.
When announcing that the city hall would intervene in the matter, the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro expressed his concerns about Castro’s decision.
“Releasing gaming machines everywhere through a decree, without the support of lawmakers and without properly debating the topic, is at the very least a misguided measure,” he stated.
“I will personally seek out Governor Cláudio Castro next week to discuss this,” he said.
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The acting mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Cavaliere, issued a decree on Friday (22) that effectively bans electronic gaming machines in the municipality, stipulating that any licenses previously granted could be revoked for non-compliance. The measure follows an announcement by Mayor Eduardo Paes, who is currently traveling for work, stating that he would deny…
The post Mayor of Rio de Janeiro bans VLTS appeared first on G3 Newswire.