Madrid Asks Lawmakers to Allow Smoking Inside Mega Casino

According to the online casino software providers from CasinoWebScripts, it seems like Madrid is doing its best to convince the government to offer Sheldon Adelson, a US billionaire who wants to invest in a Spain-based casino, an exemption from the national anti-smoking law. Adelson, the Chief Executive of Las Vegas Sands, expressed the idea that he will develop the Eurovegas resort only if Spanish authorities allow his customers to smoke inside his casinos. The mega resort is expected to house 6 casinos, 12 hotels with various entertainment facilities and shops.

The casino boss said that if Madrid lawmakers will not comply with his demands and lift the smoking ban so that his customers will not be forced to take cigarette breaks outside his casinos, he might delay or even call off the plan. Madrid Mayor Ignacio González explained that the Spanish government should accept Adelson’s proposal, taking into consideration that Spain has an unemployment rate of around 27 percent, one of the highest in Europe, and is in serious need of job opportunities.

On the other hand, the government did not give any positive signals regarding Adelson’s proposal. At this point in time, smoking is illegal in all public places in Spain, including casinos, bars and workplaces. Thus, lawmakers are faced with deciding whether they should protect the health of individuals or take advantage of Adelson’s proposal in order to create employment opportunities.

Big-Scale Changes in Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Regime

The Irish Government has unveiled on July 15 that they are going to make some important changes in the current gambling licensing regime by completely modifying almost all aspects in the current outdated legislation. These changes will be meant to improve both online gambling services and land based operations, in order to maximize consumer protection and make gaming and betting contracts enforceable before tribunals in Ireland.

When it comes to new online gambling regulations, some big-scale changes will include the facilitation of the current system by allowing all new technologies to be implemented by online casino software providers and gaming operators so that no further legislation will be required in the near future. Besides that, all gaming and betting providers will be required to hold a license from the Office for Gambling Control, Ireland (OGCI).

The new Irish gambling regulator OGCI will have the usual powers that such an authority holds, in order to ensure a proper regulatory framework which will provide all the necessary guidelines for gambling operators. As for the level of taxation, no provisions have been yet stated to be made in the current licensing regime, but officials are saying that a favorable tax rate can be anticipated.