'Immediate action' against illegal gaming arcades

Gaming arcades should be finally regulated through a new law that is expected to be approved by Parliament after the summer.

Meanwhile, immediate action is to be taken against those shops operating illegally, the government announced yesterday.

The regulations, which were recently approved by the government, are aimed at addressing abuse and protecting people at risk.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech had told Parliament in June that the rules to govern gaming shops, some of which were illegal, would introduce control over entrance, alcohol abuse and amounts played by individuals. They would regulate the minimum age for entry into gaming shops, location, advertising and the number of machines in each outlet.

"They will not be allowed to become casinos," Mr Fenech had said.

In March, the Dragonara Casino put most of its 220 workers on a four-day week, blaming the government for failing to regulate illegal gambling outlets. That same day, Mr Fenech had promised to plug the loopholes that allowed these gaming outlets to continue to operate.

Over the last months, the government and the Malta Gaming Authority have revised the laws governing land-based gaming. The proposals not only lay down how the industry should be regulated but also include what the gambler and the operator should do to ensure transparent operations.

One of the authority's priorities was the protection of minors and other vulnerable gamblers, as well as of those who voluntarily decided they should not be allowed to play.

Mr Fenech had said the government was committed not to allow any illegal operations, even if individuals had taken advantage of unclear legal aspects. When the new rules become operative, each licence would become subject to the authority's scrutiny, he had said.