The topic of operating brick-and-mortar casinos in the Czechia seems to be increasingly polarizing in recent weeks. Most often, opponents who want to ban land-based gambling receive media attention, with the aim that all gambling will suddenly disappear. The debate often overlooks the fact that there has been a long-term decrease in legally operated brick-and-mortar casinos in the Czechia. Over the past 11 years, their number has decreased by 90 percent due to various factors. However, as reality shows, prohibition is not the way to eradicate gambling. On the contrary.
A frequent argument of anti-gambling activists is also that casinos and gambling establishments have a harmful impact on their surroundings. The problem is that it is very difficult to determine the direct impact—especially in today’s world, where gambling is available practically from anywhere via online connection. If a legally operated casino or gambling establishment were never to be established or were forced to close, it does not mean that gambling suddenly ends.
The sooner we realize that prohibition does not contribute to the protection of players, the better. According to experiences from abroad, it is much more effective to advocate for the path of smart regulation, which, to a limited extent, for example, at a few selected addresses, allows for the offering of legal gambling.
Read the full comment by Petr Kozák, Secretary of the Institute, on Seznam Médium. You can find the link to the comment here.
