For Alan Alden, deeply involved within the gaming, financial and crypto-currency sectors, now is the time for Government to show it respects the gaming sector and wishes it to stay.

Mr Alden, who commented in his personal capacity – is the Director of Kyte Consultants Ltd, a company specialising in remote gaming, PCI DSS, internal audit and data protection services, and is also the General Secretary of the Malta Remote Gaming Council.

Last night, Prime Minster Robert Abela announced a third wave of financial measures, this time aimed at subsidising wages for workers in a list of the most critically impacted sectors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures were agreed upon with the Malta Council of Economic Development (MCESD).

The most generous wage subsidy measures were aimed at companies operating in industries deemed most critical.

Gaming, as well as many others – real estate, insurance, logistics, shipping, manufacturing, and more – have been left out of the critical industries list.

Asked to comment as a stakeholder in the gaming industry, Mr Alden said:

“On the MCESD there is no representation of the gaming industry. The Malta Remote Gaming Council had initiated discussion with Hon. [Economy Minister] Silvio Schembri to give the industry a better voice at the necessary levels, however this never happened.

“Unfortunately, the MRGC has been unable to establish a communication channel with the Minister responsible, as there have been too many changes in that position.

“Whilst some operators have so far not been as badly affected by this virus as the sectors receiving the aid, there are companies that are already struggling.

“Those operators whose main source of revenues is derived from sports-betting have been just as badly hit and they have practically zero revenues.

“Any suppliers to these operators could possibly not get paid. We expect that the Government carries out a detailed analysis of the drop in revenues of the gaming sector and reacts accordingly.

“For example, gaming taxes and compliance contributions that are payable monthly should be waived until revenues can be generated.

“Hardest hit operators should also benefit from the €800 aid. The gaming industry has been disappointed with comments made recently about workers being sent back [to their country of origin].”

The comments referred to were made by Minister Schembri who said third country nationals losing their jobs should return home. He has since apologised for the “unfortunate” choice of words.

“Now is the time to show that the Government respects and wants the industry to survive and stay.”