Liechtenstein Votes to Keep Casinos

Liechtenstein’s voters on January 29 resoundingly rejected a referendum that would have banned the six casinos that have operated since legalization in 2017. The vote in favor of casinos was 73 percent, with 27 percent supporting the ban. About 70 percent of eligible voters participated.

Liechtenstein Votes to Keep Casinos

The voters of the tiny European principality of Liechtenstein January 29 overwhelmingly rejected a referendum that would have banned casino gambling and led to the closure of its six casinos.

Reuters reported that the vote to retain the casinos was 73 percent, 27 percent for the ban, with a turnout of 70 percent of the voters of the country—which has a population of about 40,000 and about 14,000 registered to vote. That in a country that could fit comfortably in the pocket of the city of London.

Casinos are a relatively recent development in the principality. They were legalized in 2017, however they have proven popular enough with tourists that some have dubbed the Liechtenstein the “Las Vegas of the Alps.” If the measure had passed, all six would have been forced to shut down within five years.

The ballot measure was sponsored by IG VolksMeinung (“popular opinion” in German, the official language of the country, an ironic name, given the election results.) The group argued that gambling addiction and the country’s reputation were at issue.

However, the parliament and Prince Hans-Adam II spoke out against the initiative. So did business interests, who point out that gaming attracts tourists.

**GGBNews.com is part of the Clarion Events Group of companies (Clarion). We take your privacy seriously. By registering for this newsletter we wish to use your information on the basis of our legitimate interests to keep in contact with you about other relevant events, products and services which may be of interest to you. We will only ever use the information we collect or receive about you in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You may manage your preferences or unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails.