Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 964524,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/964524/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 322,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr.) James Nyikal",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 434,
        "legal_name": "James Nyikal",
        "slug": "james-nyikal"
    },
    "content": "The object of this Bill is regulation and control of betting, gaming and casinos. It replaces the Gaming and Lottery Act of 1966. Gaming, betting and gambling are addictive. There is no question about that. They are as addictive as other drugs. The impact on the lives of the people that are affected is equally bad. Many people think this is only confined to young people and children. That is not true. Even adults who get involved in gambling and get addicted have the same problems that they face. In fact, it is even worse because the social consequences of addiction in gambling lead to addiction to alcohol use. It just makes matters worse. Therefore, it is something we need to look at. Obviously, it is the business – it generates money, taxes and it employs people. We have to get a midline where the business is useful, but it does not harm people. Therefore, there is need for this Bill to become an Act. Some people have thought, for example, that when it promotes activities like sports, that is great. We must remember that this is a purely business driven by profit and, therefore, must be in one way or another controlled. I support this Bill because it addresses important issues. One, I must start with is that it recognises that we now have a devolution. These activities will to a large extent go on even in counties. Therefore, this Bill has done a good job of clearly indicating what that national Government and county governments will do. In the general principle of devolution, it clearly states the standards and the policy responsibilities of the national Government and the licensing of entities that are of national nature like national lotteries and security issues involved are in compliance with this Act. That is important, but it again realises that counties must enforce compliance with the Act because that is where it takes place. It also gives the counties responsibility in issuing some of the permits and premises. The premises are an issue. It gives the counties responsibilities in monitoring because they are in touch with the areas and the activities that are going on. I find that thoughtful. Therefore, I support it. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposes only. Acertified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}