Fenamix Congress Faces Government Absence, Sparks Criticism

The VI Fenamix Congress was marked by the notable absence of key government figures, including the President of SELAE (State Lotteries and Betting Society), Jesús Huerta, the General Director of the DGOJ (Directorate General for Gambling Regulation), Mikel Arana, and the General Director of Taxes, María José Garde. This absence has drawn sharp criticism from the Fenamix association, which represents mixed retail outlets.

Pep Vallori, President of Fenamix, voiced strong disapproval, stating that these absences “are not just empty chairs on a stage, but represent a snub to our group.” He emphasized that the congress presented a valuable opportunity for authorities to directly engage with the needs and demands of mixed retail points. “Perhaps they don’t understand, or don’t want to understand, our problems, and are afraid to listen to us and address the obsolete rules that only they can reverse,” Vallori declared.

Vallori questioned, “How can we move forward if those who have the power to change things don’t listen to those who move the SELAE gears day by day?” He clarified that the association isn’t seeking extraordinary benefits, but rather fair treatment. “The word ‘we demand’ seems to displease them, without further investigation into what this expression means,” he noted, explaining that it simply involves “seeking lawful solutions contemplated in the right to equal opportunities.” According to Vallori, the administration’s actions don’t align with the principles of equality it promotes in its rhetoric. “Equality, a very fashionable word today, which those in charge preach everywhere, but then they don’t apply or comply with it.“

The National Federation of Mixed Retail Points is advocating for equal rights compared to the integrated network. However, their requests appear to be falling on deaf ears, as evidenced by SELAE and the DGOJ’s apparent unwillingness to even attend their congresses.

Fenamix seeks a more collaborative relationship with regulatory bodies to address the challenges faced by mixed retail outlets and ensure a level playing field within the gaming sector.