President Klaus vetoes lottery bill

President Vaclav Klaus on Wednesday vetoed a lottery bill that would make it possible for municipalities to have a say in the licensing process for lotteries and video lottery terminals on their territory. The president’s spokesman said Mr. Klaus viewed the proposed legislation as a populist move ahead of the general elections which, if implemented, would do more harm than good. The largest Czech lottery firm Sazka said it was considering leaving the country over the legislation. Since the term of the outgoing lower house has officially ended the legislation will fall under the table.