Mifal Hapais (Israel National Lottery) is leading a move for setting up several casinos in Israel. Mifal Hapais will operate the casinos. For this purpose Mifal Hapais is pushing for an amendment in the criminal law, legalizing gambling under a permit by the Minister of Finance, in accordance with regulations set by the Minister of Finance, and with the approval of the Knesset Finance Committee. Mifal Hapais leaders claim that 12 MKs, including a religious party representative, are willing to approve the amendment.
Mifal Hapais chairman Avraham Katz-Oz told “Globes” that revenue was expected to total up to NIS 6 billion a year, and that it would bite into the revenues of illegal casinos and casinos operating in proximity to Israel’s borders.
Katz-Oz said that, after 70-80% are deducted for prize distribution to gamblers, the casinos would earn NIS 1 billion a day. The money will be used for promoting causes supported by all Israeli governments, such as a long school day, fighting violence against women, subsidizing higher education, and combating road accidents and unemployment.
At a press conference today, Katz-Oz said that illegal casinos and gambling in Israel turned over NIS 3.5 billion. He added that criminal elements are involved in the illegal gambling, and that the police were unsuccessful in fighting it.
Katz-Oz pointed out that the Jericho casino has a turnover of NIS 1 million a day from Israeli citizens’ money. There are also organized tours to European casinos, in which Israeli gamblers have a strong presence.
Katz-Oz said that Mifal Hapais was subject to supervision by the State Comptroller and internal oversight apparatuses. The full transparency with which Mifal Hapais is managed assures that revenue is channeled to the promotion of the public good, rather than to the pockets of some private entrepreneur.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 25 December, 2000