The Finance Ministry yesterday warned lotto receivers against speculating over the new licence to be granted to Maltco and reassured them about their future, saying discussions in the “complex” process were still going on.

Earlier this week, TVM reported the Lotto Receivers’ Union was worried that although Maltco had been selected to continue operating the system, they were still in limbo about working conditions.

In a statement, the Finance Ministry said the process would impact Malta’s lotto scene for the next 10 years and “any speculation at this stage will only harm the process and the livelihood of everyone involved”.

The new licence, which removes exclusivity on sports betting, will come into force on July 5.

This has lead the 218 lotto receivers to question how their working conditions would be hit.

“It should be noted the concept that sports betting could be offered in Malta through different means is not new, as indeed the gaming legislation was such from 2001,” the ministry said.

Nonetheless, it added, the government and the LGA have ensured sustainable growth in this environment that has produced ample economic benefits.

One of these is a secure market for the lotto receivers “who in no way should feel worried about the future.”