Guatemala reforms Penal Code: sanctions gambling and slot machines
The Governance Commission of the Congress of Guatemala, chaired by Deputy Fidencio Lima, took a decisive step towards regulating gambling and slot machines by issuing, on November 4, a favorable opinion on initiative 6645.
The project introduces reforms to the Penal Code (Decree 17-73), with the purpose of defining new criminal behaviors and strengthening the sanctions related to this activity.
Among the main points of the text is the creation of the crime of tax fraud related to gambling, which includes penalties ranging from five to ten years in prison, in addition to fines equivalent to double the amount evaded from the treasury.
Likewise, the initiative proposes the immediate closure of establishments that promote or facilitate the use of slot machines, as well as prison sentences of up to five years for the owners or those responsible for such premises.
The project also addresses the protection of girls, boys, and adolescents, establishing penalties of up to five years in prison for those who allow minors access to the machines or spaces where gambling takes place.
During the working session, the congress members highlighted the negative impact that these activities can have on the population, especially on minors. “This type of games generate serious social consequences, affect mental health, academic performance, and the behavior of young people,” warned Deputy Fidencio Lima, president of the commission.
The initiative also seeks to close existing legal gaps in the current regulations, which lack specific mechanisms to control the proliferation of slot machines in commercial establishments or public spaces.
If approved, the reform would provide the State with new criminal tools to combat tax evasion and illegal gambling, as well as strengthen prevention and control measures regarding child protection.
The favorable opinion of the commission allows the project to advance towards its debate in the full Congress, where it must be submitted to a vote in the upcoming legislative sessions.
With this measure, Guatemala joins other countries in the region that have begun processes to review their legal framework on gambling, with the aim of regulating the activity, increasing tax revenue, and reducing the negative social effects associated with illegal gambling.
Tags: Guatemala, Guatemala betting regulation, Guatemala gambling regulation, iGaming Guatemala