Bosnian lawmaker proposes change in distribution of gambling tax revenue
The proposal would channel gambling tax revenue into social initiatives.
Bosnia and Herzegovina.- The Democratic Front representative Dennis Gratz has proposed a new measure that would reallocate tax revenue generated from gambling in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. His proposal would direct more funds to social initiatives.
Gratz argues that the current tax framework fails to adequately serve the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economic and social priorities. He wants 60 per cent of gambling tax revenue to go to the treasury, while 20 per cent would be earmarked for social programmes such as sports, culture, and youth education, and the remaining 20 per cent reserved for the federation’s Solidarity Fund, which provides support for people with severe medical conditions who can’t afford treatment.
According to Balkan News, Gratz said the Solidarity Fund had been neglected under Bosnia and Herzegovina’s existing Gambling Act. He said: “With these changes, every dollar invested in games of chance will have a purpose and make life more dignified and safer for the most vulnerable among us.”
Gratz framed the proposal as a moral and legal responsibility of the state to safeguard its citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable. “No seriously ill child or young person should be left to fend for themselves due to lack of funds. This law is a step towards a society in which solidarity is not just a word, but a reality,” he said.
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of two entities that form Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being Republika Srpska. This can create challenges in the implementation of legislation covering the entire territory.
