Brussels yesterday published new recommendations aimed at better protecting people from the hazards of gambling, although this is not expected to have an impact on Malta’s burgeoning online gaming industry.
The new rules are non-binding and EU member states are being “invited” to take them up. They will have a year and a half to inform the European Commission of the actions taken to implement the recommendations.
The commission would then issue its assessment on whether countries have a safe framework to protect consumers.
Recommendations include the introduction of ‘health warnings’ – similar to those on cigarette packets – on any print and TV advertising or websites promoting online gambling.
The Commission would also like gamblers to go through a registration process before opening a player account so that minors will be prevented from gambling online. Players should be offered access to helplines for assistance about their gambling behaviour.
Brussels says that with the industry registering a 15 per cent annual growth rate and revenue expected to reach €13 billion by 2015, there is a growing need to have a high level of protection for players and minors, as well as to promote responsible advertising and sponsorships.
Malta has one of the most lucrative online gaming industries in the EU and it is vigilant to ensure a level playing field is retained and that new rules are not introduced that would act as an indirect barrier to free movement of this service.
According to the latest data available, in 2013 Malta had 425 operative licences in the online gaming industry, generating more than €50 million of revenue for the island’s exchequer. The industry employs thousands.
Recommendations:
• Introduce basic requirements for gambling websites to give information, in particular to ensure consumers are provided with sufficient information to understand the risks related to gambling.
• Member states should ensure minors are not able to gamble online and rules are in place to minimise their contact with gambling, including through advertising.
• There should be a registration process to open a player account so that consumers have to provide details of age and their identity is verified by the operators.
• Support should be available to players to prevent gambling-related problems including tools to keep it under control.
• Players should have access to helplines they can call for assistance about their gambling behaviour.
• Advertising and sponsorship of online gambling services should be more socially responsible and transparent.
• Training should be provided to employees of online gambling operators interacting with players to ensure they understand problem gambling issues.