Dragonara Casino has pledged its support towards the Responsible Gaming Foundation with a contribution of €10,000. This contribution will be utilised to support educational campaigns aimed at the general public and problem gamblers.
The greatest threat of gambling in any society is that related to illegal gambling. This is no different in Malta. Whilst licensed and regulated operators have a structure in place to limit gaming, to assist and safeguard players and to regulate their operations, the illegal market has none of these measures and players seeking refuge in this type of gaming operations have no assistance whatsoever.
The Responsible Gaming Foundation should be seen as the catalyst in the fight against illegal gambling. The Foundation through the support of the gaming industry such as Dragonara Casino, will embark on an educational campaign to educate the public that gaming as an entertainment activity should only be undertaken within the formal channels. Players should seek only licenced establishments since playing within the illegal market may have dire consequences. The Dragonara Casino pledges its support to the Responsible Gaming Foundation and would willingly contribute should the Foundation decide to set up a working group with licensed operators to safeguard player interests and curb the illegal gambling market.
While the gaming sector has become pivotal to Malta’s economy generating approximately 10% of the Gross Domestic Product and creating a total of 7,000 jobs, it is important for the stakeholders in the industry to support problem gamblers.
The Dragonara Casino will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary today. As the first and the foremost Casino in Malta, the Dragonara Casino has always been at the forefront to promote responsible gaming practices and has been instrumental in setting measures to protect players from excessive gaming. The investments undertaken in this area over the past 4 years have been considerable.
“We firmly believe in a balanced approach to gaming,” said Franco de Gabriele – Business Development Director at the Dragonara Casino. “Gaming is one of the oldest forms of entertainment that must be undertaken in moderation. Excessive gaming can cause problems to various individuals and such problems need to be addressed. We are happy to be doing our part in assisting the Responsible Gaming Foundation in its sterling work to help individuals experiencing such problems. We truly believe that no stone should be left unturned to curb illegal practices and pledge our unconditional support to limit the illegal gambling market which is valued at millions of Euros. ”
“It gives me great satisfaction to see the gaming industry so willing to support The Responsible Gaming Foundation to achieve its objectives,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth, Hon. Dr Jose’ Herrera. “While the government is committed to continue supporting this industry to grow responsibly, specific initiatives are being implemented so that individuals with a gambling problem will be given all the support they need and at the same time promote responsible gaming”.
The Chairman for Responsible Gaming Foundation Malta, Hon Silvio Schembri welcomed the initiative by Dragonara Casino and also revealed that in the coming days the Foundation will present a four year business plan which will show how the foundation will work in order to achieve its goals amongst which to promote responsible consumption of gaming while further entrenching Malta’s reputation as a responsible jurisdiction. Such efforts are aligned with the main principles of gaming regulation in Malty that gaming shall be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, minors and vulnerable persons are protected, and that gaming is kept free from crime and corruption. The foundation will also launch a “Play Responsibility Programme” which can be enjoyed by the members of the industry who will contribute to this fund.