A Responsible Gaming Foundation was formally set up today by the
government and the Gaming Authority. Joseph Cuschieri, executive
chairman of the Gaming Authority, said the gaming industry
contributed 10% to Malta's GDP, but it needed to be kept under
control.
Parliamentary Secretary Edward Zammit Lewis said the foundation
would work autonomously of the government and promote responsible
gaming. It will receive its funds from the Gaming Authority and
other operators, including Maltco,which is required to contribute
€50,000 in terms of its licence.
The foundation is drawing up an action plan for various
initiatives aimed at different sectors of the population. The
foundation would also carry out studies on the impact of gambling
on society. Social Policy Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca
underlined the importance of research, saying that gambling
addiction was often symptomatic of wider problems.
