The public lotto department : a post-privatisation evaluation

Abstract

This study is about the privatisation of the Maltese State Lotteries. In the year 2004, the Maltese government signed an agreement with Maltco Lotteries Limited, granting the company a seven (7) year license to operate the National Lottery games in Malta. The government still regulates this activity. It has set up the Lotteries and Gaming Authority to assist it to regulate the Lotteries and Gaming Sector in Malta. The aim of this study is to be able to evaluate the privatisation policy adopted by government in respect of the Public Lotto Department. The concerns of this study are to gather views of various stakeholders regarding the present situation, now that this privatisation has been in place for this past year. The set intentions are to allow various stakeholders to express their thoughts regarding the subject matter. The aim of the interviews conducted is to present hindsight of State Lotteries. Among the questions raised are: What are the outcomes of this privatisation? What is its significance? Did other possible alternatives exist? Moreover, all the respondents were asked to state the reasons behind their position taken, whether being in favour, against or indifferent to this privatisation. Social awareness, illegal gambling and the perception, participation and efficiency of the stakeholders are among the issues that emerge during this qualitative study. The objectives of this privatisation are defined by the Privatisation Unit. Other privatisation alternatives are suggested by the stakeholders. Altogether, these findings put forward a post-privatisation evaluation of this 'government regulated private monopoly'.