Czech City of Jirkov to ban gambling to cut down the crime rate

In late June, the Czech City of Jirkov released news informing that officials came to an agreement to ban gambling in the region in hopes of reducing the crime rate. All forms of gambling will likely be prohibited, except for some small card games with a limit of CZK 500 (EUR 20). That means that there will no longer be any land-based gambling facilities, and online casinos will no longer be an option for residents.

According to the officials, the issue with gambling in Jirkov is that there are pawnshops located near numerous casinos, and players who have a gambling problem often make a stop to sell their belongings to feed their gambling addiction. This also puts people into debt, as well as prompting some to commit crimes in order to have a go at casinos. The Mayor also hopes that banning gambling will also reduce the number of pawnshops.

This decision will put a strain on businesses that finally got to reopen after the pandemic lockdown. And of course, this decision will take a toll on the economy in the region, but only at first. However, this ban may lead to a much more peaceful atmosphere in the City, as Darina Kováčová suggested. No money in the world can buy peace, and if this is the step that has to be taken, perhaps it is for the better.

Not only will the ban on gambling reduce crimes, but it will give room for those with an addiction to step back, seek help, and find a healthy substitute instead. Those who have heavy debt from gambling losses will no longer have an outlet to dig a deeper hole. Hopefully, those who are on the way to drowning in a financial crisis will be able to change their circumstances using other healthy practices.

“We are glad that the coalition and the opposition have found common ground in such a crucial matter,” Darina stated when reporting on the issue.

Perhaps this is the first step to take if gambling-related crimes are getting out of control - even if it seems like it’s a little over the top. Although the decision has not yet been finalized, the ban on gambling in Jirkov will most likely go through since the majority of the officials had a mutual perspective on the matter.