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Uruguay's Economy and Finance undersecretary, Pablo Ferreri, reaffirmed the importance of the State monopoly on gambling and betting in the country, insisting that the new Bill to restructure gaming legislation in Uruguay would cement such a monopoly.
Ferreri said: "The first article of the bill specifically ratifies the monopoly role of the State," adding that the "protection of consumers against gambling offerings will mitigate the effects of problem gambling." In reference to the lottery, Ferreri said, "The aim of the lottery is laudable because the resources that are obtained from this sector are destined to social institutions such as hospitals."
Lotteries are very popular in Uruguay, with origins dating back to 1818 when the first was held to raise funds for the Hospital de la Caridad. The controlling body was created in 1856 within the framework of the institutional reorganization of the country. In his comments, the undersecretary reiterated that the Government will continue with its regulatory role increasing control by the State because the lotteries generate many resources that are at stake for people in need.
Among other significant changes, the Article 9 of the proposed bill transforms the current National Directorate of Lotteries and Betting, which will be renamed National Directorate of Gambling with responsibility for the national administration of full casinos, slots gaming halls, lotteries and betting.
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