Lotto receivers have complained with TVM that they cannot take part in the gambling which is organised by Maltco itself. This decision was announced by the company at the end of December in order to ensure responsible gambling. On their part, lotto receivers said they are already trained to help others to avoid becoming addicted to gambling and that they are only intermediaries in the gambling sector.
From the beginning of this year, operators of Lotto and other Maltco gambling have banned their employees, agents, sellers, assistants and members of the board from participating in the gambling organised by the same company.
Questioned by Television Malta about the reason behind this directive, a spokesperson for the company said that this part of their strategy towards responsible gambling so that clients can be in a safe environment. She said that over the last 15 years, no abuse had been reported and it had increased its yearly training for its employees, agents and assistants to ensure responsible gambling.
Asked what would happen if someone is caught gambling anyway, Maltco said that the person would not be able to cash in their winnings and it would be considered uncollected. This could lead to other repercussions according to the measures which may be taken in the case of a breach of the regulations which are stipulated in the licence.
This decision has annoyed various lotto receivers. The President of the Lotto Receivers’ Union Marco Rossi told Television Malta that they were taken aback by this directive as no one had communicated with them beforehand. He said it was not fair to be denied the chance to try their luck like everyone else.
“We are just intermediaries, in others words both in the operations and the organisation of the gambling, such as the draw, we have absolutely no say. We do not see why we should be denied the chance to win the jackpot like every one else.”
As for the company wanting to ensure responsible gambling, Mr Ross said that they are already trained to help others.
“We are not only responsible for ourselves but we are trained so that when we see someone who has lost control of his gambling, we are obliged to draw attention to it.”
The President of this union said he hopes the company will revise its directive and change it, to make things fairer for everyone.