Strong opposition to the installation of video-lotteries in Puerto Rico

“The effect will be disastrous for Puerto Rico. It is extremely dangerous for Puerto Rican families. The government will set schools for youngsters to learn to gamble and get into debt,” pointed Romero Barceló. The former leader of the political party Partido Nuevo Progresista said that the argument that says that the video-lottery will enrich the public coffers in moments of economic crisis, is not true. 

“They will not collect more money. Or financial analysts are blind, or they are lying to the people of Puerto Rico. The money that is being bet is money that could be used to stimulate the economy. Gambling is a decrease to the economy”, indicated the former governor.

Romero Barceló went beyond, assuring that this type of business opens the doors to corruption of public officers and employees, and he did not have doubts that some of them may already be taking advantage of it.

“There is a lot of money envolved and that opens the doors to corruption. The government would become partner of the organized crime. There is so much money that obviously, through surveys, they want to convince people with financial help or luxury trips. I have no proofs, but if it is not happening now, It will happen,” said Romero Barceló.