The platforms against betting houses and Aralar, the association of support and prevention of gambling pathology, are in no way in line with the "flexibility" shown by the Government of Navarra with betting houses in the restrictive measures taken in relation to the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, in the latest restrictive measures established for the containment of the pandemic, the interior of the hospitality establishments cannot be used, but the internal services of the betting rooms are available.

The associations have reported that the decree approved by the Government of Navarra allows the use of wagering or slot machines while the use of the interior of hospitality establishments is prohibited. "It is hardly understood, from the health point of view, that a source of contamination such as this type of machinery is established as exceptional, which in most cases is not washed after each use, which is often used in group and which is not directly related to the hospitality activity. But we are also concerned that the Administration, in applying this exception, sends a message to the public that it misses an activity that poses multiple risks of dependence. Gambling is not a fundamental activity," reported groups and associations for the prevention of gambling.

Gambling halls are allowed to use interiors and, depending on these groups, activities outside the public control, such as the entrance of minors, are sometimes carried out inside this type of premises. As they have emphasized, most are "closed places, without street visibility, clandestine", which cast doubt on compliance with hygiene and cleaning measures, such as the use of a mask or compliance with safety distances, as well as internal consumption.

"We do not know whether this powerful sector is pushing, but we do not understand the treatment that the Government of Navarra is giving it. We in the Administration call for these measures to be rectified and to take precedence over the economic interests of the game, of life and of the health of the citizens," they pointed out in a press release to the media.