The Ministry of Economy of Malta criticized the proposals of the Irish regulator, which recommended limiting winnings in lotteries, bingo, and casino games. In response, the Maltese government filed a complaint with the European Union. According to Maltese authorities, such measures might violate European legislation, threatening the “freedom to provide services.” The Mediterranean island nation doubted whether the restrictions Ireland intends to introduce can be justified.
The Irish government proposed a bill that prohibits winnings over 3,000 euros in gambling. Meanwhile, lotteries, except for the country’s National Lottery, will be limited to amounts ranging from 3,000 to 360,000 euros, depending on frequency. Local bookmakers and casinos also opposed the initiative, arguing that these measures will make the black market for gambling more attractive than the legal one, especially for novice gamers.
In particular, the vice president of the Irish and British lottery Lottoland, Mike Kirwan, supported the Maltese authorities’ opinion. He noted that the limit on the maximum amount of winnings will push the Irish to gamble dishonestly.
