Ramón Vera, new administrator of the Provincial Administration of Games of Chance (AJALaR) for La Rioja, Argentina, has announced that he is looking at limiting casino opening times and considering new gaming taxes and fees in the northwestern province. According to the AJALaR board, casinos generate significant profits but little of it remains in their host province.
Due to concerns about increased problem gambling, Ramón Vera said gaming halls should not be open 24 hours a day. The previous mayor of the capital Ricardo Quintela failed to restrict opening times and change taxes so that they were more consistent with casino earnings, he said.
“We are already working on the issue of casinos to pay taxes accordingly, so that they not only raise money and take it out of the province but also contribute as it should be, what corresponds to the monthly fee,” he said. “We are also working on what the time reduction does, because currently some rooms operate 24 hours.”
According to CDC Gaming Reports, in December Vera confirmed that a survey is being carried out to find out how many slots are operating in the province and if operators are paying their fair share of taxes.
