The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) said Thursday it is taking heed of all relevant developments and is constantly proposing adequate and proportionate measures to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
The MGA remarked that this situation could also be particularly distressing to players, and it reminded its licensees that, in accordance with the Commercial Communications Regulations to which they are subject, all commercial communications must be socially responsible, especially in light of the current situation. Any direct or indirect reference to Covid-19, or any related circumstance, would be considered to amount to a breach of this regulation, the regulatory body stated.
Amongst other requirements, commercial communications must not directly or indirectly: encourage antisocial behaviour; suggest that gaming can be a resolution to social, educational, personal or professional problems; suggest that gaming can be an alternative to employment; a solution to financial concerns or a form of financial investment; portray gaming as socially attractive or suggest that solitary gaming is preferable to social gaming.
“The MGA urges its licensees to pass on this information to any affiliates, and to be vigilant and ensure that their brands are not being promoted in an unethical and socially irresponsible manner,” regulators concluded.
On Monday, the Malta Gaming Authority also issued the Ruling on Low Risk Games in Care and Nursing Homes. The ruling is applicable to any care and nursing home that wishes to organise a low risk game whereby such care and nursing homes shall be exempted from obtaining the relevant approval from the authority provided that the released requirements are adhered to.