Ukraine re-thinks ban on Casinos
Posted by Gavin Smith on 11 Jun 2009 at 14:06
Ukraine is to alter a law recently rushed in to close down casinos following a fire which destroyed a gambling hall and led to the deaths of 10 people.
Reuters reports the veto was approved by the country's president, Viktor Yushchenko, last Friday following fears the planned ban could lead to job losses.
After the law was rushed through by parliament last month, some Ukrainian casino workers took to the streets in protest.
According to Reuters, a statement from the president's office said: "This law is populist and badly drafted. It will lead to the loss of 2,000 jobs.
"In conditions of a world financial crisis, the president cannot go along with it."
The statement also said the vetoed law could have led to a surge in underground gambling venues.
The Ukrainian parliament introduced the ban on gaming venues after the devastating fire in a slot machine venue, which led to the deaths of 10 people.
Casino employees took to the streets in protest and warned the move would force gaming halls underground.
Gambling in Ukraine has become more popular over the last two decades following the collapse of communism.
Mr Yushchenko's proposal is to suspend gambling venues instead of ban them outright while a new set of rules is drawn up.
The changed approach has been put before the Ukrainian parliament and could be approved by a majority vote.
