Lotteries and gaming

We refer to the letter sent by Mr Joe Attard "Firms promoting their products" featured in the Consumer Affairs column of February 19 and would like to comment that

1. All public lotteries are regulated under the provisions of the Public Lotto Ordinance (Chapter 70) and for the purpose of this Ordinance the word "lottery" shall include any scheme for distributing prizes under which the recipients or the number or the amounts of the prizes depend upon the outcome of a future uncertain event or of a combination of future uncertain events, and which is not permitted under any specific provisions of law;

2. For this scope, henceforth, any promotion distributing prizes whereby winners are being asked a skill testing question to win a prize, and this would only be awarded on the merits of a correct reply, is not considered as a game of chance, therefore no DPL permit is required;

3. The Lotteries and Gaming Authority would like to bring to your attention the fact that it is not in agreement with the interpretation assigned to the above-mentioned provision of the Public Lotto Ordinance. However, given that the said Ordinance does not fall under the remit of the Lotteries and Gaming Authority, such interpretation cannot be changed, at least for the time being. The Authority is also aware that entities that opt for this kind of promotion are doing so to avoid a DPL permit. It is to be noted also that lotteries carrying a DPL permit are vetted, the system of draw is checked for fairness and the lottery draw is supervised by our inspectors to safeguard the interest of consumers;

4. New regulations governing Commercial Communication Games are also in the pipeline and will bring changes to the interpretation of "lottery".

We trust that this clarification is to your satisfaction. (Mario Galea, Chief Executive Officer, Lottery and Gaming Authority - Malta).

I thank Mr Galea for clarifying matters. If however there are any consumers who require further clarification, they can contact the Lottery and Gaming Authority on 2131-6590 or e-mail: info@lga.org.mt.