Paraguay has published a new executive decree that would ban slot machines from a number of public places, including outside casinos.
The provision was published in the country’s Official Gazette on 20 April, meaning that it will come into force 90 days later.
The text of the law said that it was designed to “protect children and adolescents against the influence and risks derived from electronic games of chance that operate outside casinos or authorised gaming venues, in order to avoid possible harm that affects their physical and mental health”.
The law will prohibit the installation of slot machines in “public places with the presence of children”, listing markets, pantries, hairdressers, pharmacies and fast food restaurants as an example, as well as “any business dedicated to gambling”, such as a casino.
Any business found to be in violation of the law will be fined on a municipal level. The proceeds from fines would go towards gambling addiction services.
In addition, ID is required for all forms of gambling, in order to prevent underage play.
