In Kičevo, casinos, betting shops and quick-loan offices can be found almost every 200 meters. Under the new law, casinos and betting shops equipped with electronic gambling machines must be located at least 500 meters away from educational institutions.
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However, in the city, some of these businesses are only 90 meters away from the “Drita” and “Mirko Milevski” high schools, while others are also within the prohibited 500-meter distance. Moreover, they have put up large advertisements that are highly visible to young people. The same situation can be observed near several primary schools. Although the law has changed, the situation in Kičevo has not changed at all.
“We are standing in front of the ‘Drita’ and ‘Mirko Milevski’ high schools in Kičevo. As soon as students leave these buildings, they are confronted with the view behind me, just 90 meters away from the high schools. This building houses quick-loan offices and betting shops: the betting shops are on the ground floor, while the quick-loan offices are on the upper floors. When students go out to buy food or something else, advertisements for these businesses are right in front of them, even though the law clearly stipulates that betting shops must be 500 meters away from school buildings. In Kičevo, they continue to operate without hindrance,” reports TV21 journalist Salije Sadiuku.
During his visit to Kičevo several weeks ago, EU Ambassador Mihalis Rokas said that the presence of casinos and betting shops near schools was a widespread problem across the country. According to him, EU funds made available to the government through the reform agenda could be used to find a solution.
“I think the issue you raised requires a collective effort, as it is not a problem limited to Kičevo. The funds we provide to the government, as well as those available through the reform agenda, can be used to find a solution,” said Mihalis Rokas, EU ambassador to North Macedonia.
According to unofficial data, more than 20 casinos and betting shops with electronic machines are registered in Kičevo, but the actual number may be even higher. In this city, a casino or betting shop can be found almost every 200 meters. /tv21
