Gambling a National Security Issue in Hungry


Tuesday, October 2, 2012 :  GAMBLING A NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE IN HUNGARY?
 
Determined to be caused by  unnamed issues stemming from the gambling industry
 
A bill filed in the Hungarian Parliament today reportedly described unidentified gambling industry related issues as posing a threat to Hungary's National Security.
 
Going against State Secretary Janos Lazar's conservative family credo, Lazar said "Gambling is explicitly dangerous and harmful for society.”   As such, he considers the matter a key priority for Government.
 
The ruling majority party is committed to rushing legal amendments to the law that would effectively prevent new, and remove existing, slot machines in low-range bars and pubs and other venues with the exception of state-concessioned casinos.  A final vote is expected as soon as Tuesday reports Associated Press.
 
Budget revenue shortfalls as a result of the proposed slot machine ban will be compensated through new regulations and taxes on the mostly unregulated online gambling sector.
 
According to Lazar, the Justice Ministry is addressing a solution with regard to clamping down on illegal operators as well as regulating and taxing internet gambling.
 
A tax amendment proposal submitted by the governing Fidesz political party in September 2011 proposed the introduction of internet gambling operator permits and a 20 percent tax levied on net revenue