CASINO WORKERS TO LOSE JOBS OVER HEFTY NEW FEES

The Government is proposing hefty fees on the gambling industry, which have casino operators fearing they would have to shut down or send home workers.

“These fees would definitely lead to the closure of small and medium gaming houses and loss of jobs,” a major investor in the industry said in response to the just-announced proposed charges.

The projected fees are in a list of regulations released by the recently created Gaming Control Commission.

An annual betting owner’s licence would be $150,000 for large casinos, $100,000 for medium facilities and $75,000 for small shops.

A large casino, of more than 150 gaming instruments, would be required to pay $50,000 a year for an operator’s licence, according to the proposed fee structure.

An annual licence for a medium facility of between 95 and 130 devices would be $40,000, while a small casino, of under 95 machines, would be made to pay $30,000.

According to the proposal, betting shops would be mandated to dish out annual fees as high as $50,000.

The yearly charge put forward for a gaming machine distributor machine is $600,000.

A one-year gaming machine operating licence is proposed at $350,000.

That licence would permit the sale or lease of gaming machines.

The scheduled fee for a bookmaker’s annual licence is $200,000.

A three-year promoter’s licence to stage live racing and conduct pool betting activities is listed as $50,000.

Fees are also proposed for a technical operator’s licence, premises licence, and gaming lounge.

Casino owners would also be made to pay fees for each employee.

There is a proposed $75,000 annual fee for a gaming machine manufacture licence.

Charges are listed for various other industry activities, including renewal and variation of licences, and public registers.

“These fees would threaten the viability of our industry, which is already suffering from the decline in the national economy,” the casino operative stated.

The Commission was established following the passage of the Gambling Control Bill in 2021.

Comments in response to the proposals are being accepted this month.

There would be consultations during August, the Commission said.

The legislation was introduced to revamp the casino industry and introduce a licensing regime.

There was extensive debate and review by a parliamentary joint select committee.

Several casino operators welcomed the legislation, saying it would provide safeguards and proper regulations, and modernise the sector.

But they are concerned about the industry’s viability in light of the sweeping proposed fees.

One veteran claimed that the authorities have not considered casinos as a provider of jobs, an attraction for tourists and a source of entertainment and amusement.

“The Government should examine ways to aid the industry to develop and become lucrative, which would create more economic opportunities,” he recommended.

There are also fears that foreign casino owners would survive while locals would be driven out of business.

He noted that operators already pay various charges, including costs of machines, rental of property, and security.

The industry employs many single mothers.

Following consultations by the Commission, the regulations would have to be taken to Parliament for approval.

There is speculation that Finance Minister Colm Imbert will formally announce the fees in the 2024-24 national Budget, which is expected to be presented in early October.