To operate, gaming parlours need to be LGA-licenced and Mepa-approved

Following various reports in the media, the Lotteries and Gaming Authority clarified that only gaming parlours that are approved and granted a licence by the LGA are allowed to operate gaming devices, albeit under very strict conditions.

Gaming parlours are mandated to adhere to numerous player protection requirements

To date, the LGA has issued 27 gaming parlour licences, allowing such parlours to operate between 11a.m. and 11 p.m. Such licences were awarded followingthe coming into force of theGaming Devices Regulations on May 16, 2011.

In order to be granted a licence, an operator needs to undergo a very detailed licensing process, including the requirement to hold a valid Mepa development permit.

The LGA said it would like to reiterate what it had already said in the past, namely that an operator holding a Mepa development permit does not result in the automatic granting of a gaming licence.

In fact, a number of applications have been refused on the grounds of non-compliance with the regulations falling under the Lotteries and Other Games Act or theLocation of Gaming Parlours Directive.

For the LGA to grant a licence, which is valid for 12 months, gaming parlours have to be at least 75 metres away from certain premises listed in the directive, including schools, places of worship and playgrounds.

Furthermore, throughout the licensing period, the licencees have to adhere to a number of requirements, such as a minimum payout percentage to players of 85 per cent, maximumbets and low maximum winnings and provide their customerswith detailed reports on thepayout percentages of each machine, the money andtime spent playing by the requesting player and the odds ofthe games.

The LGA said licensed gaming parlours are mandated to adhere to numerous player protection requirements and to social considerations according to the law, such as the requirement to offer customers the option to self-exclude themselves for a period of either six or 12 months from all gaming establishments, including casinos and bingo halls.

Such high standards of player protection and regulatory supervision make a clear distinction between what is licensed today (in the public interest) as opposed to having illegal gaming devices in any establishment without any form of restrictions or direct supervision.

The LGA said customers should make sure they do not play on unauthorised gaming machines or modified computers in bars and other outlets.

If found guilty, customers may be fined up to €235,000 and imprisoned for up to five years.