Voters in Liechtenstein on Sunday roundly rejected a proposed ban on casinos in a referendum that has polarized the tiny principality and its 40,000 citizens.
With six casinos dotted across the country that is a tenth of the size of London, the microstate has been dubbed the “Las Vegas of the Alps” among punters.
Pro-ban arguments on issues like gambling addiction and potential damage to the wealthy nation’s reputation were, however, resoundingly swept aside since 73% of those who voted rejected the ban and 27% backed it, with a turnout of 70%, according to the official count published online.
The referendum, and the signatures needed to trigger it, were brought about by pressure group IG Volksmeinung, formed to fight the “casino flood”.
