A huge operation yesterday saw the closure of many of the gambling arcades that have proliferated in Malta and been operating without a Gaming Authority licence. Some were closed by police but others were closed by their owners once news of the clampdown spread. Machines were confiscated during the raids and police were stationed at those businesses already closed, to ensure they did not reopen.

Around 80 venues were finally shut down after operating unregulated over the past few years. In March the House Social Affairs Committee recommended that the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) should close the unlicensed outlets until the necessary legislation was in place to regulate gambling arcades. The Committee also said that all such enterprises should be kept away from schools and religious centres and their numbers limited.

Other recommendations included strict monitoring and auditing of the venues, limiting opening hours and a gambling education campaign. The gambling arcades have been opened with ‘change of use’ permits and their lack of regulation has meant unequal competition for Malta’s casinos. Parliament is now expected to approve new regulations governing the slots rooms after the summer recess.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech has advised arcade owners operating under the pretence that their machines are amusement machines to close down and apply for a licence when the new regulations are issued. However, six companies that filed requests for injunctions preventing the confiscation of their machines have been granted temporary injunctions. A court hearing will be held on 24 August and in the meantime the police will make sure the illegal operations remain closed. (E-08.07.09)

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