SiGMA Magazine: Pulling the same rope
In his first interview following his appointment this January to CEO of the Malta Gaming Authority, Carl Brincat joined SiGMA Group Founder Eman Pulis for the final part of an exclusive series of executive interviews
This article is taken from the 14th edition of SiGMA Magazine which is now available online here.
At the core of Brincat’s mission was the ambition to drive change within the organisation, and to make improvements to the industry and the country at large. He explains: “There came a point where I said that the best way for me to contribute to the organisation would be to apply for the position of CEO.”
DRIVING CHANGE TO THE CURRENT REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS VS CONTINUITY
Does Brincat want to rock the boat in his new position? On whether he wants to drive change to the current regulatory frameworks or apply continuity, he said, “I feel that a level of continuity within the organisation is necessary. That does not mean that changes will not be made.
Everyone has their style and everyone has a style that suit to the particular time they are heading the MGA. Certain improvements that need to be made, certain tweaks, are already ongoing. As a regulator, we want an open channel of communication with the industry. We ultimately want the same thing – an industry that is sustainable and at the same time compliant. That is a message we want to make sure we get across,” he said.
“Reputation is extremely important for the jurisdiction, for the industry, and for us a regulator. That cannot be prejudiced so that is something that we will continue to build on. At the same time, the regulatory intervention must be both effective and proportionate, as it is through the sustainable growth of a compliance-focused industry that we can ensure that players are channeled to a regulated offer and duly protected, and the sector is kept free from crime.
TALKING OF SUSTAINABLE GROWTH – DOES MALTA HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO HAVE AN INTEGRATED RESORT? BECAUSE OF THE LIMITATIONS OF SLOTS TO TABLES HERE, COULD AN IR EVER MATERIALISE?
Malta’s size may be a disincentive for the development of an integrated resort, but it would depend on the type of integrated resort one would look at. If the government looks into the possibility of having an IR in Malta, the governing legislation is sufficiently flexible to cater to the possibility of widening the currently envisaged restrictions. Ultimately the purpose of the licence is to make sure that gaming is offered in a fair and safe manner – so increasing the number of slots and tables would not prejudice that if accompanied by corresponding safeguards.
Malta Week – Save the dates:
For the first time ever SiGMA Group is bringing its 4 leading shows together for the mother of all conferences. From the 16th to 19th November, SiGMA, alongside AGS and AIBC will bring the best in the business to a first-class meeting point. Join us for the 7th edition of SiGMA at the MFCC – Malta Fairs Conventions Centre, and explore how you can benefit from being a delegate, a sponsor, an exhibitor, or a keynote speaker.
Get in touch with Sophie for more info about SiGMA Europe Malta. Get in touch with Bernard & Renee to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
