The local councilors of Zărnești adopted, at the proposal of the mayor, a decision prohibiting gambling in the locality. All cities and communes in Romania have this possibility, after a provision to this effect was introduced in the new legislative package on public administration reform. Psychologist Mihai Copăceanu, specialized in addictions, praises the initiative of the mayor of Zărnești and hopes that the model will be followed by other town halls. However, he is skeptical when it comes to big cities.
Mihai Copăceanu: “The dependent needs support from the state”
The Government’s emergency ordinance from February allows local authorities to decide, by decision, whether to allow or prohibit the organization and exploitation of gambling within the cities and municipalities they administer. The decision can concern all games of chance or specific categories.
Psychologist Mihai Copăceanu has observed over the years the dramatic effects of gambling addiction: from family breakup and poverty to suicide. And they are glad that the authorities now have this tool at hand, which they hope to take advantage of to change destinies.
“It is one of the most important measures to protect citizens and I recommend to local leaders if they are not really convinced of the general effect of this measure to consult publicly with specialists in psychiatry, psychology, social assistance, with doctors and psychologists who deal with addiction with difficulty and especially with desperate players and their families. Meetings with those directly involved are needed now. In addiction, we are no longer talking about freedom, will, but brain damage, suffering, illness, and the addict needs support from the state”emphasizes the psychologist.
Consequences that can be avoided by prohibition
Mihai Copăceanu recommends all local authorities to follow the example of the public administration in Zărnești.
“It represents a remarkable example for all other local leaders in that they so promptly adopted this measure that will have an impact on the citizens, even though the locality has approximately 20,000 inhabitants. Availability and easy access to gambling is a risk factor for increased use and addiction.”says the psychologist.
He further explains:
“Any mayor who proposes and any local councilor who votes to ban gambling, through this decision will greatly reduce the suffering caused by gambling, and here I am referring to the financial aspects of the family of the person who gambles, but also to the psychological, social and professional aspects. Gambling creates an addiction as serious as drugs, the health, safety and life of the player and family are affected, here I mean the wife, children, parents, economic stability, the impact on the job, the increased risk of depression and suicide”.
However, he doesn’t think big cities will rush to ban gambling halls:
“I am convinced that this measure will not be adopted in the big cities, for example Bucharest”.
The psychologist specializing in addictions rules out the argument that gambling can bring significant amounts to the local budget.
“Gambling does not benefit society or the individual, and addiction has no price. The fact that some people talk about the argument of taxation, is not a justification compared to the multiple and complex costs at the personal, family and society level as a whole. It’s a false argument”says Mihai Copăceanu.
What is happening in other countries
Among European states, only the Vatican totally prohibits gambling. In Iceland there are no commercial casinos at all, only the lottery is allowed. While in Norway traditional casinos are banned and games are only possible online through the state operator. Strict regulations are also in place in Finland and Poland.
