Technologically neutral regulations of slot machines in land-based gaming : how do regulations need to adapt?

Abstract

As time went by, the progress of the “traditional arcade coin-operated video game” and of the industries producing casino style slots have had various milestones and it can be said that they have reached a new one. This is because various slot machine manufactures are trying to come up with innovative themes, along with game formats and graphics so as to attract the casinos’ patrons. An overview of this technological convergence has been produced, and this has been strengthened with the views of two Directors of Operations from different casinos in Malta. Correspondence has also been made with a representative from Euro Games Technology; a company which manufactures slots and other related gaming devices. A comparative analysis has been carried out showing how a number of countries in Europe and also non-European jurisdictions have dealt with such technological convergence in their laws. Lastly, light was shed on the Maltese law which deals with the gaming devices and the casinos in Malta, namely the Gaming Devices Regulations, the Gaming Act and the Gaming Act Regulations, and how these pieces of legislation differ when it comes to technological neutrality. It has been concluded that since technological convergence in the gaming industry is a never-ending process, it is more ideal if the main laws are kept technologically neutral and the technical specifications should be dealt with in separate Directives issued by the Malta Gaming Authority. This is done so as to avoid abuse and protect the players, especially the most vulnerable ones.