Parliamentary sessions returned on the agenda yesterday, with a number of crucial topics set to be the subject of much debate.

As both party whips claimed, the new act on illegal gambling and gambling outlets topped the agenda of the parliamentarians, during yesterday’s sitting, the first after the Summer recess.

The debate on the sensitive topic was dominated by a number of new measures that are expected to regulate the gaming sector.

The Finance, Economy and Investment minister Tonio Fenech described gambling as a vice, which many feel, should be eradicated. Others see it as a sector that could be exploited to benefit the economy.

Historically, gaming always formed part of Maltese society and sectors of it have become accepted and normalised. Regulations have helped to control it. Minister Fenech made reference to lotto in Malta during World War II. Malta was the only country where lotto did not stop during the war. Various lotteries were introduced over time and places such as casinos and bingo halls were established regulated by gaming authorities. More recently remote gaming was legalised generating over 2500 jobs.

“As a state we believe that it should be controlled to reduce abuse. If prohibited it could lead to increased abuse,” explained the minister. He highlighted the importance of having adequate mechanisms that provide for gambling victims whether the gamblers themselves or their families. If parameters are correct and clearly established subsequently the social risks would be controlled.

The sector will not move towards liberalisation but towards a strictly controlled and monitored market away from minor and vulnerable persons to mitigate compulsive gamblers. “We don’t want casinos on every street corner,” pinpointed the minister.

He explained how various outlets in town centres were giving a wrong message especially to youngsters.

On regulations, the minister said that the present laws must be consolidated within one umbrella law. Ambiguities must be removed and provisions to determine exactly if a machine is for gambling or for playing must be made. Boundaries on whether gambling is criminal or legal should be clearly set but the relevant structures are required, he maintained.

The Gaming Act regulates activity in casinos, lotteries and other gaming act regulates Maltco activities which till today is a monopoly, remote gaming regulations regulate online gaming, commercial bingo regulations, public lotto regulations but so far no laws regulate the gaming machines in outlets

The gaming sector is one that is continuously developing. Currently law stipulates that not more than three amusement machines are to be located in one outlet but does not delineate what are amusement machines. A clear code of conduct needs to be defined, the licensing system needs to be revised and a number of policies introduced. The law should eliminate conflicting laws.

Penalties to those who break the law must be delivered timely.

The minister went on saying that the government intends to not allow prize giving gaming machines that encourage youngsters to gamble. These will be rendered illegal. He suggests that the monetary prize gaming culture must be discouraged.

“Licences will be issued to manufacturers, suppliers and operators respectively. A number of restrictions will be introduced to control the location of gaming outlets. Social and educational priorities will not be restricted because of such outlets,” highlighted the minister.

On licences, he said that these will be valid for one year only and will not be automatically renewable. Gaming outlets must serve exclusively for gaming and cannot for example serve food or set up other commercial activity.

Outlets will be responsible to take note of those who make use of the outlets while making sure minors are not allowed. Also, a self-barring system similar to that used in casinos will be introduced.

CCTV cameras will monitor the outlets and footage will have to be stored for at least 60 days so that the authority could confirm whether outlets are in conformity with the law. The outlets will be strictly permitted to open shop from late morning till 11pm.

Each machine will have to have a system that ensures that it returns at least 85 per cent of the amount gambled within a particular timeframe to limit losses.

In terms of money laundering regulations, those who bet over e2000 will be reported. Operators will be obliged to ensure that machines are not used for money laundering purposes.

Those persons who will be employed to work in such outlets will have to be licensed. Operators will be prohibited from advertising according to a code of conduct that needs to be established.

In his contribution backbencher Edwin Vassallo suggested that the legal age to enter such gaming outlets should be 25, as is to enter casinos.

In his concluding remarks, opposition member Jose Herrera, marked the need for the urgent restoration of Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa to his fellow parliamentarians.

Parliament was adjourned for this evening. The second reading of the draft law on gaming shall continue.

Source – Malta Independent

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