The Executive Chairman and staff of the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Dr George Abela at San Anton Palace on Friday, 6th December, 2013.
The LGA’s Executive Chairman Mr Joseph Cuschieri thanked the President of Malta for the invitation and confirmed that the Authority as in previous years is committed to collect donations for Istrina 2013 from its licensees. Mr Cuschieri briefed H.E. Dr George Abela on the Authority’s mission to promote responsible gaming, to safeguard the players’ interest and to protect the vulnerable and minors as well as the Authority’s continuous effort to give back to society. Mr Cuschieri announced the imminent launch of the Responsible Gaming Foundation where a percentage of the proceeds collected from licensees will be transferred to this foundation to finance responsible gaming initiatives.
President George Abela thanked the staff of the LGA for their work contribution stating that Malta’s profile has benefitted due to the services sector in particular the financial and gaming sectors. President Abela explained the significance of the Community Chest Fund to our society which collects millions of Euro in donations, as well as generates revenue from initiatives such as Istrina, the sale of books Tisjir mill-Qalb which sold 45,000 copies in the last four years, the President’s Charity Fun Run and Rockestra. H.E. the President mentioned that this year was a record year for the President’s Charity Fun run as more than 14,600 participants took part in this year’s event.
Furthermore, the President noted that since January 2013, 2.9million Euro has been donated to several NGOs from the Community Chest Fund. The President of Malta mentioned a relatively new initiative Dar Kenn ghall-Sahhtek which was founded in 2012 to host patients suffering from eating disorders in particular obesity and anorexia.
Whilst wishing all the best to the LGA staff and their respective families, the President of Malta, invited the staff for high tea followed by a tour of the recently restored Presidential Palace.