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Malta Gaming Authority Reminds Licensees to Behave Socially Responsible During Coronavirus Pandemic
March 30, 2020 Aleksandra Zolotic
With Coronavirus affecting all segments of our lives on a global level- it’s very important to act responsibly. Having said so, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has reminded licensees to be compliant during the pandemic, with a particular focus on commercial communications.
As the regulator pointed out, the current situation is likely to be highly distressing to many punters which is why operators need to be careful not to breach the regulations. This intervention is the latest instance of a gambling supervisory body cracking down on those that appear to be trying to exploit these stressful moments for financial gain.
What Should Licensees Pay Special Attention to?
The reminder from the regulatory body means that under no circumstances should any marketing encourage antisocial behavior. Moreover, it mustn’t imply that gaming can be a resolution to social, educational, personal or professional problems, or portray gaming as socially attractive or suggest that solitary gaming is preferable to social gaming.
Besides this…
…communications must not suggest that gaming can be an alternative to employment, solution to financial concerns or a form of financial investment. Besides directly warning operators, MGA instructed them to remind s of these rules, ensuring the products and services are introduced in a compliant manner.
KSA and UKGC Also Raise Awareness
These efforts are seen globe-wide, as Dutch regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) also criticized unlicensed companies for publishing adverts encouraging consumers to use their illegal Internet services to gamble while entertainment facilities in the country are closed due to the pandemic outbreak.
British Gambling Commission chair Neil McArthur issued a message to online gambling operators, reminding them of the importance of consumer protection and responsible marketing amid the effects of the novel coronavirus.
Having in mind…
…the massive increase in people who will be at home for most of the day, license holders must make sure their standards of consumer protection remain as stringent as possible. As pointed out by the British regulator, there’s been a notable growth in online activities recently, which is why companies need to be extra careful.
As a part of the protection measures, venues UK-wide, all land-based casinos, betting shops, and bingo halls are closed until further notice.
Casinos in Australia and the USA Shut Down as Well
Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, made a decision to implement more widespread restrictions in regards to all and any social gatherings, which include closures of hotels, entertainment venues, pubs, and casinos.
The situation is similar in the States…
…where the increasing number of entertainment venues made the same decisions-to halt operations in the land-based sector. In addition to this, all of the major American professional sports leagues European association football leagues, have been suspended, while the 2020 NCAA basketball tournament has been canceled.
Source:
“MGA warns licensees about marketing during Covid-19”, igamingbusiness.com, March 27, 2020.
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I’m glad these regulators are sending such reminders in these sensitive moments. Many operators undoubtedly act responsibly, but the minority will try to take advantage of the situation.