What tasks should the gambling legalization bill perform? Why does the gambling market need a transition period? Why should the legislative process be public? These issues are revealed by Ihor Makiievskyi, Head at All-Ukrainian Association of Employers in the Recreation and Entertainment Sector, in an interview with Kyiv iGaming Affiliate Conference.
Ihor Makiievskyi is a member of the working group aimed at gambling business legalization at the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy. He is also a council member of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine and a representative of gambling market employers in the dialogue with the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Ihor gave the interview at KiAC and shared his opinion about the legislative process of gambling business legalization.
Interviewer: Kyiv iGaming Affiliate Conference (KiAC)
Respondent: Ihor Makiievskyi (I. M.)
KiAC: Tell us about the discussion of gambling legalization bills at working group meetings.
I. M.: We have been discussing eight bills on gambling business legalization for three months. A working group meeting consists of the exchange of views or gambling business dialogues. So few constructive proposals. We do not talk about a certain bill or particular amendments. We do not move on any articles or regulations.
MPs announced the establishment of subgroups for elaborating different types of gambling businesses, e.g. casinos, betting shops, slot machine halls. This is as it should be. Unfortunately, these subgroups were not created. We do not know who makes a final decision there. It is actually bad, as everything is in keeping with the worst lawmaking traditions.
KiAC: Do you think the law adoption process should be public?
I. M.: We believe that the legalization process should be public. Regulations should be publicly reasoned. This information should be publicly available. It cannot be approved behind the scenes; otherwise, it would be lobbying. It is what we can see now.
There are eight bills, but the corresponding committee of the Verkhovna Rada is holding a meeting today in order to review the updated draft bill. No one has seen its text, at least in the public spotlight, but it is already discussed at the committee and will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for the first reading tomorrow.
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