National Lottery PLC successfully achieves European Lotteries Responsible Gaming Certification

Feb 16 2024

National Lottery PLC is recognized as a national lottery operator that complies with European RG regulations.

On the 15th of February 2023, National Lottery plc, the principal lottery operator in Malta, proudly announced its successful completion of the European Lottery (EL) Responsible Gaming (RG) certification. This prestigious certification, also endorsed by the World Lotteries Association (WLA), highlights the steadfast dedication of IZI Group and National Lottery plc towards promoting responsible gaming practices, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants. The company’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility within the lottery industry is evident through this achievement.

Following its recognition as a full member of the EL a few months prior, the company embarked on a rigorous journey to obtain RG certification. Spearheaded by Mr. Joseph Bonanno – Chief Operating Officer of National Lottery plc, this process involved meticulous assessment of all policies and procedures against predetermined standards and frameworks. Additionally, comprehensive training programs were conducted across the organization, encompassing agents and front-office personnel, coupled with the implementation of necessary tools.

The RG certification process entailed a rigorous external audit by TÜV NORD GROUP, an international certification entity, evaluating the company’s policies, procedures, and their implementation. Mr. Bonanno expressed his satisfaction with this milestone, stating, “Achieving the European Lotteries (EL) RG certification underscores our firm commitment to nurturing a secure and enjoyable gaming environment while mitigating the risks associated with problem gaming. We have collaborated closely with various stakeholders, including the Responsible Gaming Foundation (RGF) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), to establish practices aligned with the most stringent international RG standards.”

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Greece makes history by legalising same-sex civil marriage

Feb 16 2024

Greece recently made history by legalizing same-sex marriage, marking a significant milestone as the first Orthodox Christian nation to do so. Despite facing staunch opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church, the parliament approved the bill with a 176-76 majority.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis lauded the law as a crucial step toward eliminating inequality. However, the decision has sparked division within the country, with local LGBTQ organizations supporting it while the Orthodox Church voiced concerns over its impact on traditional nuclear families and social cohesion.

Despite these divisions, polls indicate majority support for the bill among Greeks. The new law not only permits same-sex marriage but also allows for adoption by same-sex couples. Mitsotakis emphasized during parliamentary debates that the law will bring visibility to marginalized individuals and offer many children the opportunity to find loving homes.

This development is particularly noteworthy as Greece has historically lagged behind other European Union members in LGBTQ rights, signaling a positive shift not only for Greece but also for the broader Eastern European region where acceptance of gay rights has been slower to evolve.

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Small city in France bans the public use of phones.

Feb 16 2024

Should Malta implement this law?

Villagers in the city of Seine Porte, a small city located in the south of Paris, will no longer be able to scroll on their smartphones in public as part of the mobile crackdown.

This mobile crackdown referendum restricts adults and children from scrolling on their devices whilst walking down the streets, in shops, cafes, or even eating in restaurants. This ban even extends to parents waiting for their children outside of school gates.

The village whose population is around 2000 people, went to the polls last week as part of the referendum, 277 turned out to vote, with 54% of them voting in favour of the new anti-tech measures.

The referendum results have led to the creation of a “screen-free charter” in the town, with alternative activities now being offered to youngsters, who were the primary focus of this vote. A new sports center and cinema have been introduced for teens and children to keep them busy and active and away from their screens.

The mayor, Vincent Paul- Petit states that this new law is now enforceable by the police. Officers couldn’t stop or fine people from scrolling in the street as there was no national law against it, but the mayor described it as an incitement to stop scrolling and guidance for limiting phone use. Shopkeepers are being urged to put stickers up in windows indicating for people to stop scrolling.

Do you agree with this law?

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PN Leader Bernard Grech Addresses Farmer Protest

Feb 16 2024

Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech joined the farmers’ protest yesterday, saying that we need to be able to guarantee ‘food and water’ in Malta.

Speaking to the farmers and journalists, the Opposition leader said that he has been vying for this point for the last 3 and a half years.

He added that consultations for the rights of farmers do not start on the day of the protest but is, instead, an ongoing process.

Bernard Grech said that the PN had brought up the issue of how the laws will impact the livelihoods of farmers, but the laws passed nonetheless.

He said that he understands that governments try to do what is best, but in such circumstances, the government needs to do much more.

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