Residents of Malta are complaining that illegal gambling is spreading to many gaming shops in the island’s towns and villages. Yesterday the House Social Affairs Committee made several recommendations to the Lotteries and Gaming Authority after hearing evidence on the subject. While the LGA issues gambling licences in Malta there is so far no legislation or regulation of these gaming outlets, a state of affairs it hopes to remedy soon. Tomorrow the LGA will present short- and long-term plans to the government to regularise the situation, including banning gambling in Internet cafés.

The House Social Affairs Committee said that shops that allowed gambling should be considered illegal and closed down until the necessary legislation was in place. It also suggested that entry into the gaming establishments should be limited to those over 25, as it is at casinos in Malta, and that the distinction between gaming and amusement machines be removed. The Committee also expressed the opinion that gaming shops be kept suitable distances from schools and churches and their numbers limited to a certain number.

Further recommendations included limiting opening hours, monitoring and auditing of the venues and an education campaign. Michael Gonzi, the acting chief executive of the LGA, has said that not all gaming shops currently operating would remain open. As things stand the gaming shops are open to everyone, including children, and the Authority wants speedy action on illegal gambling to bring the gaming shops into the regulatory system and control possible money lending and laundering activity.
(E-03.12.09)

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