To address gambling dependency, the Balearic Islands are instituting new protective steps on their gaming machines.
This popular Mediterranean island chain, belonging to Spain (with Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera as the primary islands), is the first Spanish region to implement such alterations to slot machines in an effort to control the escalating problem of compulsive gambling. These adjustments include incorporating cautionary notices and minimizing features that might be perceived as encouraging gambling.
Furthermore, the machines’ software will be modernized to deactivate specific choices that permit users to prolong their gaming periods. When idle, the machines will cease to produce any illumination or audio, instead exhibiting a fixed cautionary display.
The administration declared that the principal objective of these novel procedures is to guarantee the well-being of susceptible individuals.
This fresh regulation, enacted on April 8, 2022, exhibits significantly greater stringency in safeguarding at-risk individuals compared to the preceding regional statute.
Roughly 5,000 slot machines exist throughout the Balearic Islands. Although the official cutoff for the compulsory machine overhaul is the conclusion of 2024, officials are advocating for their complete modernization at the earliest opportunity.
The passage of time alone will reveal if these cautions are sufficient to prevent individuals from becoming addicted to slot machines.
admin