Mallorca sets up 140 gaming establishments in preparation for the World Cup.
Island of Gambling: Mallorca's Preparation for the World Cup Prompts Betting Excess
With the World Cup around the corner, Mallorca is gearing up for a betting frenzy. More than 140 arcades will be equipped with betting terminals before the tournament begins. The increase in gambling options is raising concerns from the local gambling addiction association.
Previously, until August 2017, arcade operators in Mallorca were prohibited from offering bets on sports events. If anyone wanted to place sports bets, their only choice was online. However, sports betting has now become a core business for over 50 of the island's gambling halls, most of which are located in Palma, its largest city with a population of over 400 thousand.
Casino de Mallorca is also working on a sports betting product. Moreover, four local betting agencies are setting the odds. However, the real bookmakers on the island are the virtual betting terminals. In anticipation of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the machines are seemingly being developed into a new tourism sector.
The Balearic gaming and betting association Sareiba, a co-initiator of the procedure, predicts that the number of sports betting halls will have almost tripled by the time the tournament starts, from 50 to 140 gambling halls, all equipped with betting terminals. This has effectively transformed most gambling halls into miniature mega betting shops.
The Charm of the Spanish Arcades
Miquel Àngel Riera, chairman of the Balearic gaming and betting association Sareiba, is an advocate of this 'initiative.' He admits he's not a big fan of gambling machines or sports betting, but nevertheless: "Have a look at the gambling halls; they're charming places," says the lobbyist. He suggests that Mallorca's gambling halls should be appreciated from a cultural perspective.
"It costs 500,000 euros to set up a gambling hall these days. These are clean businesses, no drugs involved," says Riera, with a slightly ironic tone. He describes the gambling halls as inviting places, where one can enjoy a cup of coffee with friends after work, while playing a few games.
Riera believes that the risk of gambling addiction comes primarily from online gambling in the context of social isolation: "There's no control at home. Loneliness leads to addiction," he says. In contrast, reckless behavior in an arcade would attract attention, and the staff would intervene to stop it.
"I'd rather have people playing a little every day than a few addicts who risk everything on one day," explains Riera's approach to the arcades.
The charm of the Spanish way of life should also be conveyed. A visit to these gambling halls, however, portrays more of a typical arcade atmosphere: mostly young men in front of buzzing machines, coins jingling. Everything is full, according to a report in the Mallorca Zeitung.
The Cost of Fun
Antònia Miralles from the gambling addiction support organization Asociación Juguesca has been fighting against the spread of gambling for years. She's calling for more consistent regulation of the Balearic gambling market. The psychologist is aware that the dangers of the industry usually have a greater impact on children, young people, and adolescents.
However, a study from 2016 by Fundación Codere and the Carlos III University in Madrid confirms that sports betting is part of the daily lives of many 18-25-year-olds, predominantly male Spaniards. Women generally gamble less. One in four people surveyed had already taken part in gambling in 2016. Miralles points out that "a few percent more" are needed today.
Miralles believes the main reason for the industry's growth is the advertisements that bombard viewers with betting options, especially on television. The slogans are questionable, as well: "Si lo sabes y no apuestas, duele" - If you knew the outcome and didn't bet, it hurts." The ad is sometimes shown during the day when children are watching TV, criticizes the addiction therapist.
Another Majorca political misstep is its general perspective on gambling addiction: "The problem of gambling addiction isn't linked to the number of gambling machines," said the responsible general director Pilar Sansó, in response to a request from the Asociación Juguesca to suspend World Cup plans.
Drunk Soccer Fans in Gambling Halls
Mallorca's approach to gambling addiction seems determined to submerge the population, both local and visitors, into a betting mania during the World Cup. Some gambling halls are already playing soccer non-stop, it's said, accompanied by drinks - and in the intermissions: Schlager music. Of course: gaming, betting, and beer halls - with which 'Malle' could definitely establish a new, highly dubious reputation.
However, does Mallorca really desire this? Basically due to negative publicity, the island attempted to improve its image and reduce mass tourism by banning public binge drinking in 2016, punishable by fines up to €3,000. Additionally, selling alcoholic beverages after midnight was forbidden. The outcome: tarnished reputation.
Considering current trends, it's conceivable that 'the 17th federal state' is attempting to catch a fish as compensation for a lost cake amidst the worldwide gambling craze. If so, Ballermann might find itself shifting from the frying pan to the fire. Ultimately, intoxicated soccer fans and gambling-dependent, soccer-watching fans could face one another.
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- Most supporters desire Neuhaus to remain with the team.
- The referee for the upcoming cup final has been declared.
- Wohlgemuth announces two new names.
Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
