The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission is considering applying an amendment to modify the number of machines in agencies. The Police reject the initiative.
Puerto Rico.- It was known that the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission is considering reviewing the regulation that governs video game or slot machines in horse racing agencies, and applying an amendment through which the number of devices operating in the establishments would be increased.
According to the local media El Nuevo Día, the proposal could even triple the number of slot machines in the gaming venues where horse racing is promoted. The proposal was reportedly presented by the Camarero Racetrack, through the company Light & Wonder, which operates the machines at the racetrack.
The acting director of the Gaming Commission, Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, explained that an amendment to the regulation would be necessary to increase the limit of machines that each agency can have from 10 to 15.
From the Association of Members of the Puerto Rico Police (AMPPR), the proposal was strongly rejected. El Sol de Puerto Rico published statements from Lieutenant José J. Taboada De Jesús, president of the association, who emphasized his discontent with the possibility of increasing the number of slot machines that the Horse Racing Agencies of the Camarero Racetrack can have, and said that if approved, the Retirement System Fund for Police Officers would be affected.
For Taboada De Jesús, the action of the acting director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission “borders on the absurd, sets a precedent, and goes against retired police officers and those about to retire, most of whom receive a small pension after having offered their lives for the country's security”.
The lieutenant assures that promoting the installation of more slot machines in the horse racing agencies of the Racetrack is to discourage the use of video game machines on route, which are already legalized and contribute to the Retirement System Fund for Police Officers.
The president of the Association of Members of the Puerto Rico Police, pointed out: "We know there are 5,000 approved machines, none of them pay duties or tax to the Department of Treasury, meaning all the money they generate is for the racetrack owner and its component, thus achieving a tax evasion endorsed by the legislature. The order that should be given by the director of the Commission should be to confiscate the remaining number of machines unused by the racetrack, so that the FISC stops losing so much money."
See also: The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission strengthens the supervision of gambling
On the other hand, he assured that they had an agreement with the acting director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, his lawyer, and an assistant, who had promised them in a meeting that as soon as the Governor signed the regulation, the sale of licenses would begin and the implementation of the system of video game machines on route, which would equate to the start of money entering the Retirement Fund for Police Officers.
De Jesús, also stated: "It turns out now that the Commission itself opens the doors to the company that evades the country's treasury, warning that they must increase the number of machines that a Horse Racing Agency can have up to a maximum of 15 terminals. Simple math tells us that a reactivation of the project requesting an increase in the number of machines for the racetrack is on the way. In the past, there has been an attempt to increase the number of mini casinos from 50 operating today, to 125."
And he added: "These minicasinos (unfair competition for the tourism industry), operate with 30 machines each, with the exclusivity that they are exempt from the collection of duties for the operation and for the prize they award. Currently, the racetrack has 5,000 terminals approved for installing slot machines, there are already 3,400 operating without contributing anything to the Department of Treasury. The Gaming Commission is encouraging the Camarero Racetrack itself to continue evading its tax responsibility by telling them to install 1,600 additional machines, which would later bring a request to the Legislature for more tax-evading machines, this cannot be allowed, the request from the Racetrack via the company Light & Wonder should not be approved."
On December 12, the foundation organized two actions in both countries, showcasing the power of unity, compassion, and global solidarity.
Press release.- The FBM Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to creating positive change and spreading joy in society with two initiatives during the holiday season. On December 12, the foundation organized two actions in Brazil and the Philippines, showcasing the power of unity, compassion, and global solidarity.
The Philippines recently endured a series of devastating tropical cyclones in November, leaving millions displaced and struggling to rebuild their lives. In response to this crisis, the FBM Foundation joined forces with the PhilWeb Foundation to deliver essential aid and hope to the hardest-hit families of Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
The donation included 1,000 grocery kits, pre-loved clothes delivered by FBM Foundation volunteers, and an equal number of toiletries and pre-loved clothes from PhilWeb Foundation volunteers. This collaborative effort benefited the affected families, providing immediate relief and reinforcing the community’s resilience and unity.
Pepe Costa, FBM Foundation’s Representative in the Philippines, shared the importance of this initiative: “Disasters test the strength of communities, but they also reveal the power of unity and compassion. By extending our help to the families in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also reminding them that they are not alone in rebuilding their lives.”
The partnership between FBM Foundation and PhilWeb Foundation underscores their shared commitment to fostering a positive evolution in communities in need and the culture of giving back. This generosity act is a testament to the impact of collaboration and the shared mission of bringing hope to those facing life’s toughest challenges.
In Brazil, the FBM Foundation partnered with Correios’ long-standing Christmas campaign, which invites individuals and organizations to adopt letters to Santa written by children from underprivileged backgrounds. These letters contain children’s Christmas wishes, and by adopting them, participants ensure these dreams come true.
FBM Brasil’s 64 employees enthusiastically participated, each adopting at least one letter. To amplify the impact, the FBM Foundation replicated each professional’s solidarity gesture. This resulted in 128 letters fulfilled, doubling the joy and bringing smiles to countless children.
See also: FBM Foundation donates ambulance to enhance Leupapo Inc.’s health services
Patricia Dawidiuk, HR Analyst at FBM Brasil, spearheaded the campaign locally and highlighted the collective effort: “The magic of Christmas lies in bringing joy and hope to others. This initiative was a true team effort that showed how small acts of kindness can create a huge impact. Seeing the enthusiasm of our employees and the smiles on the children’s faces made all the effort worthwhile.”
The gifts were delivered to Correios on December 12, ensuring they reached the children in time for Christmas. This initiative highlighted the generosity and solidarity of FBM Brasil’s employees, underscoring the FBM Foundation’s dedication to supporting meaningful causes.
These simultaneous initiatives in the Philippines and Brazil reflect the FBM Foundation’s will to make a difference wherever it operates. From providing essential aid to typhoon-affected communities to fulfilling the Christmas dreams of children, the foundation’s efforts embody the true spirit of the season.
