Grosseto council approves motion on slot-machine hours and prevention

The municipal council of Grosseto has approved a motion aimed at strengthening measures against pathological gambling, according to the motion as reported. The motion centres on limits to slot-machine operating hours, incentives for businesses without gaming machines and prevention initiatives for vulnerable groups.

The motion commits the municipal administration to restricting the hours in which slot machines operate, with the stated aim of countering continuous compulsive play. It also provides for a "No Slot" ethical label, accompanied by relief measures for operators who give up revenue from gambling.

Prevention is to be handled through training courses and awareness activities organised with local associations and bodies. The initiatives are to target secondary-school students and older people in particular, described in the motion as priority recipients of the educational measures.

The motion also commits the mayor to press the government and parliament for stronger national measures. These include a ban on gambling advertising, stricter rules for online gambling and more resources for addiction services (SerD) and social services to support affected people and their families.

The source says the motion is intended to move beyond an approach based mainly on bans and distances from sensitive locations, introducing a broader public-health strategy. It states that approval came at the end of a heated council debate in which doubts were raised and requests were made to withdraw the measure.