Sociologist Frank Marino Hernandez has warned President Hipolito Mejia of that harm to Dominican society will result from the importing of slot machines. He is critical that authorization has been given to import 7,500 slot machines to be installed in casinos, gas stations, restaurants, cafeterias and other establishments nationwide. “Gambling does not contribute to the well being of the economy, nor to social well being,” he said. “On the contrary, it is a plague on society and the increase could become a crime that will be difficult to resolve.” He said that the Ministry of Finance (whose Gaming Department oversees gambing permissions) has denied the permits to import the machines.
