BRATISLAVA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia's Bratislava city council on Thursday approved a total ban on gambling establishments in the capital city with the exception of betting shops and lotteries.
The local legislation, due to enter into force as of May, stipulates that it won't be possible for gambling establishments to continue operating after the expiry of current franchises located in hotels, guest houses, accommodation blocks, pubs and buildings designed for trade, culture and public entertainment.
However, the Slovak Entertainment and Gaming Association (AZaH) finds Bratislava city council's vote in favour of the total gambling ban to be unlawful and will contest it in court.
"Fortunately, we live in a country that respects the rule of law, and we believe that a court will recognize that this procedure has nothing to do with democracy," said AZaH spokesperson Dominika Lukacova, who warned that the gambling ban in the capital city would leave room for illegal gambling.
