Gambling outlets operating without license

19-06-08, Malta; The growing number of gambling arcades in Malta are exploiting a legal limbo, timesofmalta.com reports,and there is no authority responsible for licencing them. 

The 10,000 or so gaming machines were still around before, but they are now more noticeable because of their display in the growing number of gambling arcades. 

According to Mr. Mario Galea, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lotteries and Gaming Authority the legality of the machines was clear but while some paid a licence for amusement machines, the Lotteries and Gaming Authority "did not know the situation of most of these machines" since there was never a proper standard that defined them.

Mr Galea added that these arcades should have some sort of a licence but in reality they have none because they opened prior to the official issue and enforcement of the regulations.

"To date, the authority hasn't taken responsibility of these arcades but we will", said Mr. Galea. Regulations will be applied as well as other requirements similar to the ones applicable to casinos.