There will be no casino in Stadskanaal. A majority of politicians fear that the ‘worst form of addiction’ will find its way into society.
This means that entrepreneur Marc van Kempen comes home empty-handed. The owner of the City Hotel and the Grande Café ‘t Raadhuys in the center of Stadskanaal has wanted a casino in the village for almost 20 years. Last year he focused on that again. Council members Erik Bieze (Municipal Interests) and Klaas Pals (D66) thought this was possible.
But that idea did not apply to the majority of the parties. They are afraid that vulnerable target groups will become addicted more easily. The fact that it is possible to gamble in almost all municipalities around Stadskanaal is no reason for them to also allow it in their own village.
“Gambling destroys a lot,” says Frits van der Heide (CU). “Legalizing gambling has been a major political mistake. This affects not only people with addiction but also their families.”
Why in a snack machine?
He dismisses the argument that gambling is supervised in a casino, unlike online gambling. According to his group, it only adds to the problem. Moreover, the municipality would focus on preventing addictions. “We certainly do not believe that this will make a healthy contribution to the health of our residents.”
However, the local SP faction and Ham list see that snack bars often have slot machines, why there and not in a real casino? “SP is not against gambling,” says Machteld Luijken, party leader. “But under certain conditions. You can’t take everything away, that’s patronizing.” It must be possible under strict conditions.
‘Liberalism feels responsibility’
But even liberal Hans Klopstra (VVD) sees no room for Marc Van Kempen’s entrepreneurial spirit. “Liberalism provides a large degree of freedom. But liberalism also feels a responsibility for other population groups.”
From his work as an administrator, among other things, Klopstra sees what a gambling addiction can do. “I was told that a gambling addiction is the worst addiction you can have.”
In addition, the coalition agreement states that efforts will be made to focus on the prevention of addictions, says Harma Zwiers (Locally Involved). She does not think the arrival of a gambling hall is appropriate. “The free market and economic position of an entrepreneur do not outweigh the vulnerability of some people in our society.”
Van Kempen does not understand the choice: “Very disappointing, despite the fact that VNN, among others, concludes that a physical gambling hall actually helps and supports addiction care.”