Casino workers in Uruguay have gone on strike over the proposed expansion of online gambling. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
take a stand
Discord is growing in Uruguay over new gambling legislation as traditional gaming employees go on strike to protest the expansion of the internet.
The National Federation of Gambling Workers (Fenaju) issued a statement citing “concern over the impact of the current online gambling project” making its way through Parliament “on the health of the population”. Regardless, the government is expected to continue to move the new measures through the chambers.
Likely to force the cancellation of many lotteries and annoy repeat casino goers
The union is planning a 24-hour strike with more than 3,500 union members. The Montevideo Gate She revealed that, while unimportant from a broader perspective, the strike would likely force the cancellation of many lottery draws and upset frequent casino-goers.
Uruguay online gambling problems
The Casino Staff Association is concerned that the integration of online gambling will reduce casino money and increase money laundering platforms.
Representatives of the union appeared before the House Budget Committee on Wednesday to discuss the decisions. Although the syndicate admitted that it was not entirely against online gambling, it did object to the structure in which the online market was assembled.
There is little evidence to support their claim that online gambling reduces the size of casino crowds
Unfortunately for the opposing workers, there is little evidence to support their claim that online gambling reduces the size of casino crowds. In fact, there is a belief that the two work together to build each other up.
Union members have also expressed concerns about the potential increase in problem gambling that comes with the addition of online casinos. They cited European countries as evidence, although no direct cases were mentioned or found.
Spain, in particular, reduced the rate of problem gambling after legalizing its online market, which has become one of the country’s leading e-commerce sectors.
General interests and plans
Members of Uruguay’s executive branch attended Wednesday’s meeting to defend their online gambling plans. There were no indications that they would slow down their progress, even after hearing about the guild members.
Gustavo Anselmi, President of the General Directorate of Casinos, invited industry experts to discuss the issue. The pool noted that countries with online gambling, such as neighboring Argentina, have larger gambling markets than those without, but that in-person betting is still thriving alongside the online arm.
Gambling is a disease and must be addressed by public health.”
Oddly enough, although Anselmi is intent on creating an online market, he has also acknowledged the danger of betting in any way. Referring to a report from the Hospital de Clínicas, which said nearly 100 people were treated for gambling addiction in 2021, he said “gambling is a disease and must be treated by public health.”
Nearly 100 cases are over 78 for 2020, although it also represents a small portion of Uruguay’s population of over 3.5 million.
Uruguay has already denied access to more than 1,500 offshore betting sites looking to poach the market. There is a lot of interest in the mostly underdeveloped Latin American betting market, with companies like Sportium teaming up with Manchester City to gain more access to the region.
