Statement from Carlos Chacón - CEO of Merkur Dosniha,
in relation to the news about the clandestine premises discovered in the Balearic Islands

Carlos Chacón, CEO of Merkur Dosniha, urged the administration to reflect on the restrictions imposed on the gaming sector. In this regard, he assures that the proliferation of illegal gaming halls, such as the one recently dismantled in Palma, is one of the dire consequences of these actions.

In relation to what happened in our territory yesterday, I want to appeal to the reflection of our legislators and politicians about the consequences of the attack on a controlled and necessary activity such as the gaming sector: the danger of the proliferation of secrecy is a fact.

Gaming, I repeat, is a legal and necessary activity. Good and appropriate measures are being taken that were needed, such as restrictions on advertising and access controls (although we have to allow time for these measures to have their effect) We are a tremendously controlled and regulated activity, but if they continue to approve unhealthy restrictions, if they continue to squeeze and drown us, they will eliminate us, and the result will be the opposite of what is intended to achieve, the result will be the proliferation of illegal gaming and lack of control. Those who try to protect will be left at the mercy of the fraudulent.

We contribute with our taxes, we comply with all kinds of general and sectoral regulations, we create jobs, we promote responsible gaming beyond even access controls, so we deserve fair and equal treatment.

There is a double standard about gaming that is evident. On the one hand, we have “good gaming”, the public, which they consider as entertainment that is part of our culture and society. And, on the other hand, there is the “bad gaming”, the private one, that some insist so much on criticizing and attacking it, alluding to a detriment to society. It is totally discriminatory to stigmatize the clients of the gaming halls who exercise their free right to choose the leisure they want, like any other group. Favoring some, while demonizing others is a complete injustice that must be rectified.

Carlos Chacon Pérez
CEO of MERKUR DOSNIHA