Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1488480
14 OPINION maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 DECEMBER 2022 Authorities, it takes two to tango LONG-HELD recreational ac- tivities such as the use of alco- hol, the exclusive membership to snuff clubs in the early 20th century, and betting on differ- ent competitive games such as horse-racing, have been instru- mental in creating recreation- al spaces in Maltese upper and middle-class societies. Although sometimes errone- ously attributed to cultural traits, the enjoyment of mind-altering substances, and the engagement in gambling or gaming activities are more an expression of hu- man behaviour, pleasure, and socialisation, than actual culture and traditions. From card games clandestinely played in small back rooms, to the more coordinat- ed approach of establishing the Malta National Lottery in 1934, Maltese society has throughout history been an important exper- iment for various profit-driven industries, particularly those of a gambling nature. A clear indi- cation of this aggressive industry is the presence of over 240 lottery retail points of sale servicing a population of just above 500,000 (assuming every Maltese person wants to engage in similar behav- iour). Two peas in a pod The profit-driven mania sur- rounding this human activity ex- panded throughout the decades and consolidated itself in 2001 under the Malta Gaming Author- ity (MGA). The MGA's mission statement establishes its aims as being: "to regulate competently the various sectors of the gaming industry that fall under the Authority by ensuring gaming is fair and trans- parent to the players, preventing crime, corruption and money laundering and by protecting mi- nor and vulnerable players." Furthermore, the MGA empha- sises the importance of providing support to the industry, which in the annual report of 2021 regis- tered a year-on-year growth in value added equivalent to 14.1%. Interestingly, the Responsi- ble Gaming Foundation (RGF), founded in 2014 aims "to create a wider awareness of the extent, possible causes and consequenc- es 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 re- covery efforts." Amongst other functions, the RGF aims to also promote fair gaming and the establishment of fair gaming and gambling markets. Curiously, the detailed statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income submitted in 2021 explained how the RGF received an estimated €460,000 from the Malta Gam- ing Authority and Maltco Limit- ed, yet still registered a deficit of €221,038. Together, the MGA and the RGF act as the gatekeeper and the supportive arm for both the industry and the customers. With a somewhat delicate bal- ance established between the profit-driven industry and risks associated with excessive gaming and gambling, one may notice that the RGF hosts its own sup- port line and acts as an important point of call for customers expe- riencing problematic use. This little open window on the aims and functions of the Malta Gaming Authority and its con- scientious sister, the Responsible Gaming Foundation, establish an important focus on the inter- dependent relationship between preventing harm and challenges of regulating a highly addictive activity such as gaming and gam- bling. In fact, a prevention campaign was launched in November this year by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services and Sedqa fol- lowing an increase in gambling addictions. Furthermore, a Times of Malta article dated 28 November 2022 reported how Magistrate Frendo Dimech observed that betting ad- verts, particularly those aired on television and not merely during some football match, were caus- ing the "destruction of many". Gambling victims, seated in the seemingly safe environment of their home watching television, were enticed and encouraged to return to bad habits. The mag- istrate emphasised that such publicity, reaching people in the sanctuary of their home, made it all the more difficult for people experiencing problematic use to overcome their addiction. She underlined that this type of pol- icy was counterproductive to ad- vice promoting responsible play and use. It is remarkable to note how the law court has taken up a harm and risk reduction approach and is clearly denouncing the devas- tating effects of a profit driven gaming industry allowed to ag- gressively promote and market activities. The green wave The focus on the negative ef- fects caused by marketing has been recognised and embedded in the legislative act establishing the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) and the prospective licensing of not-for- profit cannabis associations. The peer-led movement led by ReLeaf Malta has since 2017 underlined the importance of ensuring legislation does not allow customers are abused through marketing ploys and other techniques aimed at en- suring 'customer loyalty' – or in addiction terms 'getting the per- son hooked'. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as young adults, or people experiencing life stressors such as loneliness and trauma. There- fore, a bottom-up framework founded on a human centred ap- proach and prioritising the needs of people who consume and cultivate cannabis (the canna- bis community) is imperative to Andrew Bonello Andrew Bonello is President, Releaf Malta Magistrate Frendo Dimech observed that betting adverts, particularly those aired on television and not merely during some football match, were causing the "destruction of many"