Maltco Lotteries embarks on a national project to promote Responsible Gaming

"We do not just create our games and advertise them on the market, we analyze and design them in a way that they can be played in a responsible way", Dr Katakis said.

The company's primary aim is to promote Responsible Gaming not only to its players but also to General Public. In an effort to further improve this concept, the company gives regular training to its agents, sellers and employees. Every point of Sale has been given an Information Pack on the subject containing detailed information related to how a gambler can be identified, what are the main symptoms of Problem Gambling, what help should be offered to players identified as problem gamblers. Dr. Katakis said also that anyone can undertake a self assessment test to check whether he/she is in a risk of becoming an addictive gambler. This test can be undertaken either in one of Maltco's Points of Sale or on the company's website.

Dr. Katakis spoke also about the regular involvement and collaboration that Maltco has with the Lotteries and Gaming Authority which produced a leaflet on Responsible Gaming and is distributed to all Maltco's agents and sellers. Maltco's C.EO. stated that no recent information exists on Problem Gambling in Malta other than that which dates back to 2001. He said that with the help and collaboration of the Government and other major stakeholders and entities, a dedicated research on Problem Gambling, will allow everyone to understand better, such addiction and where this problem stands in Malta. Maltco is prepared to contribute its global experience and knowhow by forming part of the Intralot Group in implementing the Responsible Gaming concept in Malta.

Maltco organized this initiative as part of the global initiative being promoted by the World Lotteries Association together with the European Lotteries both of which Maltco is a member representing Malta. Both organizations have established guidelines for implementing Responsible Gaming and in the case of Maltco Lotteries a certification will be given. The Responsible Gaming training will help Maltco's games and operations to be differentiated from other types of irresponsible gaming thus increasing credibility and confidence level of the Maltco's games offered to the players.

The company dedicated the past week to Responsible Gaming. In view of this, Ms Laura Da Silva, an international expert on the subject was invited to come to Malta to give specialized training to all Maltco's agents, sellers and employees. Ms Da Silva conducted also various meetings with Maltco's Management in order to help them understand and learn practical tools on how to promote more the concept of Responsible Gaming. Ms Da Silva said that she was very satisfied with the training given to Maltco's agents who were keen to learn and acquire any tools that they can use in their daily encounters with their players: "Responsible Gaming is not just about distributing leaflets and attaching signs,

it is also about understanding one's problem and giving support to those gamblers in need. It is very reassuring to know that in Malta there are specialized centres who give professional treatment to gamblers who seek help" she stated.