Private Interests Behind Legal Gambling Bill

The MP who recently submitted a bill calling for the legalisation of gambling told reporters that the inspiration for the bill was crafted by private interests.DV reports that Progressive MP Willum Þór Þórsson, who has been leading the fight to legalise gambling in Iceland, told reporters that he was first introduced to the idea by footballer Arnar Gunnlaugsson. He and his brother, Bjarki, have long touted the legalisation of gambling in Iceland.

Willum says that he received a report on legalised gambling in 2009, as well as the draft for a bill that was actually a translation of the legalised gambling law in Denmark. In fact, this report was created by lawyer and former Social Democrat MP Lúðvík Bergvinsson at the behest of the Gunnlaugsson brothers.

While the bill was put on ice at the time, the brothers spoke with more MPs, until Willum decided to take up the matter and submit the bill to parliament.

As reported, Willum has contended, “The main goal of this bill is to permit a casino industry in Iceland based on a permit granted by a minister. The fact is, there are illegal gambling clubs thriving in this country, and the purpose [of this bill], amongst other things, is to uproot this industry.”