Moshe Kahlon, Israel’s Finance Minister has accepted the recommendations of the Commission on improving the effectiveness of the market for legal gambling by announcing a ban on slot machines and the abolition of betting on horse races.  Kahlon’s decision will become effective in January 2017.

The use of slot machines is prohibited in Israel by law, with the only exception of the state-owned “Mifal’ a-Pays” set in pubs, cafes and bars with approximately 1,000 slot machines and a maximum payout is 15 thousand shekels.

The state itself will be limited to the costs of public administration of its sweepstakes (Mifal’ a-Pays) and the management of sports Toto for operational activities.

Moshe Kahlon claimed that the gambling industry is a tax on the poor as risks outweigh the potential personal and communal return. The minister also vowed that as long as he controls the treasury, no casino would be built in Israel. 08/04/2016