By Damian Martinez, journalist at G&M News.
More than three years ago, you started working at the RGF in Malta. What are your responsibilities in the role and your assessment of your time in the position?
My responsibilities encompass overseeing all strategic initiatives and operations aimed at promoting responsible gaming. This includes developing and implementing educational programs, creating awareness campaigns, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring support services are accessible to those affected by problem gambling. Reflecting on my time in this position, I am proud of the strides we’ve made in increasing awareness and support for responsible gaming. We’ve successfully launched several impactful campaigns, strengthened our partnerships, and expanded our support services, which have significantly contributed to the community’s well-being.
What does the concept of ‘responsible gaming’ mean to you?
To me, responsible gaming is a fundamental principle that ensures the gaming environment remains safe, fair, and enjoyable for all participants. It involves implementing measures that prevent gambling-related harm, promoting awareness of the risks associated with gambling, and providing support for those who may be struggling with problem gambling. Personally, it signifies a commitment to protecting players and fostering a sustainable gaming industry where the well-being of individuals takes precedence over profit. Gambling has a cultural significance in many countries and is considered among the oldest forms of entertainment. If I had to give one single piece of advice to players, it would be to treat gambling as a pastime, not a way to make money. Enjoy the experience without any expectations.
What actions did the Responsible Gaming Foundation carry out during 2023 to promote RG?
During 2023, the Responsible Gaming Foundation continued to undertake several initiatives to endorse responsible gaming, mainly promoting awareness through various media platforms aimed at educating the public about the risks tied to gambling activities. We also have been emphasizing the importance of responsible gaming. In tandem with the awareness aspect, educational programs are a priority. The Foundation is reaching educational institutions through a partnership with Sedqa’s Prevention Team (Sedqa is Malta’s national agency offering prevention and treatment services both in the community and on a residential basis for addiction problems). This delivers interactive prevention programs (T.F.A.L 3, T.F.A.L 5 and Teen Outside the Box) aimed at specific age groups, namely primary, secondary and post-secondary students. Such programs provide young people with life skills which help them navigate life away from addictions. There is also another program called S.A.F.E. (Skills for Addiction-Free Employees), designed specifically to raise awareness of addictions in the workplace. Moreover, we continue striving to offer relevant support services. Apart from offering a 24/7 support line and a chat service, we cater for self-exclusion requests and introduced a counselling service to provide immediate assistance and brief intervention to affected parties. In 2023, we studied Maltese and non-Maltese citizens’ gambling and gaming behaviors in Malta for 2022. The last study was conducted in 2017, and the Foundation is committed to conducting such a study biannually. Naturally, we have continued to strengthen our network of partners, without whom much of what we do would not be possible. The collective effort augurs well for the future.
How to identify a person who has problems with gambling? What is the best way to help him/her?
Detecting a person who has a gambling problem is not an easy task, but, luckily, specific behavioral patterns help in this. The first red flag is typically when the affected person displays unusual irritability or starts withdrawing from social activities. Increased secrecy is also an indicator that something is wrong. What generally follows are financial issues such as frequently borrowing money or maxing out credit cards. Time is also an indicator since spending excessive amounts on gambling, often at the expense of other responsibilities, is highly indicative that a person is developing a problem. Needless to say, these are just a few signs that can alert us. The best way to help someone with a gambling problem is to approach them with empathy and support. Encourage them to seek professional help, such as counselling or support groups. Provide them with information about available resources and offer to accompany them to appointments if they are comfortable with that. It is crucial to be patient and understanding, as overcoming gambling issues can be a long and challenging process, but help is available.
In which way the industry as a whole can enhance its commitment to this key issue?
The gaming industry can enhance responsible gaming measures through stronger regulations that require operators to implement more robust protective measures, the utilization of advanced technology for real-time monitoring of gambling activities, comprehensive training for employees on recognizing and addressing gambling-related harm, ensuring transparency and accountability in operations, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and investing in research to understand gambling behaviors and develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. These efforts collectively aim to create a safer and, certainly, more sustainable gaming environment.
What are the company’s plans for the future?
During this year, we kept on leveraging our digital platforms to reach a broader audience with our message and kicked off a mini-project by producing short audiovisual messages that are displayed within gaming premises. Furthermore, we continue to be present in local communities through our ongoing CSR campaign, where we support local VOs (Voluntary Organizations) with small projects intended to further promote alternative activities to gambling. Looking ahead, objectives are to enhance our educational outreach further, improve our support services through innovative approaches, and continue to foster a collaborative environment with industry stakeholders. Additionally, I aim to advocate for stronger regulations and policies that protect vulnerable individuals.
