President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko believes that Belarus should not ban gambling, but needs to strengthen state control over this area. "Against the background of developments in Russian and Ukrainian legislation, we have all the chances to reach a leading position in this delicate, sensitive area "- Belarusian leader is convinced .
«If we approach it correctly, gambling business can and should become an additional source of replenishment of the budget through taxes, create new jobs, attract tourists and investments to our country,» — said the President. According to head of state, here it is necessary to act very cautiously, carefully and skillfully, for the benefit of the country. This specific kind of activity requires a special attention in today’s circumstances. There are different approaches to its organization and functioning in the world. In some countries this business is encouraged, in others — prohibited, in the third — limited and controlled «, — said Alexander Lukashenko.
The President pointed out that experience of Russia and Ukraine indicates that lack of a balanced policy of the state concerning gambling leads to its almost total ban, than highly profitable busines withdraws away into the shadows and becomes a prey to the criminal community, bringing harm to society, says BelTA.
«The history teach us that bans give us nothing but harm. Therefore no activities should be banned except extremely harmful for the government. We should reasonably control and if necessary combat the adverse effects of any activities,» — said Belarusian president.
«Everything will be OK, if those who are to control and to be responsible for this activity-government employees- will not get up-to-the-eyes into there and thereby ruin and criminalize this kind of activity. If government employees will be decent, everything will be fine,»-Alexander Lukashenko assured, adding that it «didn’t happen in Russia neither Ukraine» where different groups shared this activity.
Head of State stressed the importance of reasonable decision, so that work in this area was comfortable for both commercial entities and for the state and did not cause negative social consequences for civilians.
