The casinos in the country generate 4,000 direct jobs and another 15,000 indirect jobs.
Dominican Republic.- The president of the Association of Casino Games (ADCJ), David José Moniz reported that the gambling sector contributes approximately RD$ 3,211m (USD 52,700) per year. Of that total, the casino sector accounts for about 40 percent.
The figures were issued by the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), a dependency of the Ministry of Finance, at the consideration of José Moniz who detailed that in the country there are 2,500 sports betting shops and 70,000 lottery outlets.
Regarding the productivity of casinos and how it energizes the national economy from the hotel, financial, and fiscal sectors, a corporate investigation by the ADCJ establishes that it has 4,000 direct employees and 15,000 indirect employees throughout the value chain.
Moniz also referred to the responsible gaming bill that is currently under consideration. "It is a law that is just being submitted now, many of the associates have been practicing it for a long time, we promote entertainment and fun, time and pleasant spaces," highlighted the head of the ADCJ and then added: "Everything has a sense of responsibility, we are an entertainment center, we are a part more where we provide our clients not only bets, also musical activities, shows and more."
See also: Fiscal reform in the Dominican Republic: a new tax on gambling is proposed
Muhaimin Iskandar has called for collective action against illegal gambling.
Indonesia.- Muhaimin Iskandar, Indonesia’s chief human development and cultural affairs minister, has described online gambling as “a social disaster” during a visit to people with gambling-harm issues. He called for a unified effort to eradicate illegal gambling.
According to Jakarta Globe, around 100 patients with mental health issues linked to online gambling addiction have been treated in the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) this year. The Online Gambling Task Force has estimated that Indonesia has 4 million online gamblers, with 40 of them aged between 31 and 50 and 80,000 under the age of 10. The majority are from economically disadvantaged groups, frequently spending as little as Rp 10,000 (less than US$1) per session.
General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, chief of the Indonesian National Police, has said he will pursue measures against any police officers implicated in supporting online gambling. He made the statement following a working meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, last Monday (November 11).
Sigit Prabowo said he had directed the Professional and Security Division (Propam) to take disciplinary actions against any officers found to be involved and that criminal investigations would also be taken. According to Tempo, he said: “For those involved in receiving or even backing [bribes], I will request a thorough criminal investigation and prosecution.”
See also: Indonesian minister warns against using state aid for online gambling
