James Debono

“Children are being sent to catechism lessons to save their souls only to be lured by the temptation of a gaming hall which has opened right next to the centre for Catholic doctrine,” denounced Joe Gerada – chief executive officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare-when contacted by MaltaToday.
Gerada was referring to a gaming hall in Marsa which has recently opened shop opposite the M.U.S.E.U.M in Isouard Street.
Entrance to the gaming hall is banned to persons under 18 but it’s proximity to the catechism centre has prompted concern among parents and catechism teachers alike.
Gerada is backing a call made by Sedqa to prevent gaming halls from opening in the vicinity of schools and places frequented by youths and children.
“Just as pushers are given a greater punishment if they sell drugs in the vicinity of a school, gaming halls should not be allowed to operate in with 100 metres of any school or youth club.”
Although gaming halls are bound by law not to allow minors to frequent their premises, Gerada complained that the law is not always being enforced.
“We all know that young people are frequenting these places,” he told MaltaToday.
Sedqa’s Operations Director Jean Claude Cardona backed the call to prevent gaming halls from opening next to places frequented by children.
“Simply ensuring that under-18s do not enter these premises is not enough of a deterrent. Gambling halls should not be allowed within 100 metres of any school, youth club, playground or where it is known that young people congregate.”
According to Sedqa, gambling halls and shops are known to have gambling machines that are enticing to youths on account of their graphical and engagement content.
“This would be extremely appealing to young people, particularly to children as they would not always make the distinction between amusement machines and gambling machines.”
Sedqa also notes that problematic gambling patterns are on the increase and the protection of young people and vulnerable persons is of paramount importance.
Another recommendation is that under-18s should not be allowed in premises where licensed gambling can take place, and that all forms of sponsorship of sports and cultural events by the gaming industry should be prohibited.
It also proposes that a percentage of taxes and profits collected from gaming should be channelled into the provision of prevention and therapy services
“We are informed that government is considering our recommendations,” Cardona told MaltaToday.
Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina has requested the National Commission for Drugs, Alcohol and Other Dependencies to draft a national policy on gambling.
“This policy should give utmost consideration to various proposals to act in response to the effects of the gambling industry particularly on children and young people,” a spokesperson for Minister Cristina told MaltaToday.
The Ministry pointed out that the influence of this industry on children and young people goes beyond gambling outlets, as accessibility is much wider.
“It is a known fact that victims of gambling find access even through online gambling from the comfort of their home.”
Joe Gerada also expressed concern that with Super 5 reaching a record prize money of Lm 500,000 next week, some families refrain from buying essential products to take a remote chance at becoming rich overnight.
But Gerada warns that gaming halls pose a far greater threat than lotteries with fantastic prizes, as gaming halls and scratch-and-win cards can be far more addictive than lotteries.
“While there is a waiting period between buying numbers and a lottery draw, this sort of gambling is far more addictive as it offers instant wins.”

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt