Foundation Background

The Responsible Gaming Foundation was founded on the 18th February 2014 by the then parliamentary secretary for competitiveness and economic growth Edward Zammit Lewis and by the then social solidarity minister Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. The requirement for an independent Foundation emerged following the debate in Parliament on the amendments of the Lotteries and Other Games Act (Cap.438 of the Laws of Malta) to introduce regulations governing land-based gaming parlours. The Government and Opposition agreed on the establishment of a fund to promote responsible gaming and initiatives/studies in relation to responsible gaming measures and actions.

Mission

To create a wider awareness of the extent, possible causes and consequences of problem gaming in Malta with a view to preventing it and to provide the necessary support and advice to problem gamblers and their dependents in their recovery efforts.

Objectives

The Foundation shall administer funds donated or collected from the Maltese gaming sector, be it online or offline, and direct them to its main mission. This has been identified as:

1.To administer funds collected for the support mechanisms for individuals who are in some way affected by gambling-related problems;
2.To promote fair gaming and responsible markets;
3.To undergo further research into problem gambling;
4.To increase awareness on gambling addiction through information campaigns;
5.To embark on advertising campaigns earmarked at convincing gamblers to stop;
6.To assist and promote activities alternate to gambling;
7.To promote and/or provide services for the rehabilitation of problem gambler;
8.To protect the young and vulnerable; and
9.To safeguard against money laundering.

Commitment and Perseverance

The Responsible Gaming Foundation believes that it is crucial for the officers to foster the right level of commitment towards its stakeholders, the Fund, and its projects and demonstrate perseverance in achieving its objectives.