Malta’s Ministry for Finance and Employment oversees a fiscal receipt lottery, which, despite not falling under the traditional jurisdiction of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), benefits from the regulator’s expertise to ensure fairness and transparency.
Lottery Process Overview:
The fiscal receipt lottery begins with members of the public sending their receipts to Malta’s Ministry for Finance and Employment. The MGA, although not mandated to oversee such lotteries, has actively participated in maintaining transparency. Inspections were conducted, revealing existing safeguards within the lottery’s standard operating procedures.
Collection and Secure Handling:
Upon receipt, fiscal receipts are placed in containers, which are then emptied into an ‘urn.’ The rotation of the urn is initiated once a predetermined number of containers are filled. Importantly, the urn’s power switch is sealed with a numbered lock, preventing any external interference. This crucial step is documented through photographs, with the images sent to Malta’s Commissioner for Revenue (CFR) department.
Sealing and Draw Procedure:
The numbered seal on the urn is only broken in the presence of board members responsible for the draw. These members represent the CFR department, the Ministry for Finance and Employment, the National Audit Office, and a randomly selected member of the public. The individual responsible for drawing receipts is chosen by the Ministry for Finance and Employment for each draw, ensuring impartiality. Following the draw, all remaining receipts are appropriately disposed of.
MGA’s In-Depth Assessment:
The MGA conducted a thorough evaluation to identify potential gaps or issues in the lottery process. While specific recommendations were not explicitly outlined, the regulator collaborated with the Ministry for Finance and Employment to address any concerns raised during the assessment.
Collaborative Efforts:
The partnership between the MGA, the Ministry for Finance and Employment, and other key stakeholders underscores a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the fiscal receipt lottery. Regular discussions have taken place to address any identified issues and implement necessary improvements.
Enhancing Transparency and Public Participation:
To further enhance transparency, the Ministry for Finance and Employment has taken steps to involve a member of the public in the draw. This ensures an additional layer of impartiality and fosters public trust in the lottery’s proceedings.
Malta’s fiscal receipt lottery stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and government departments to ensure transparency and fairness. The detailed procedures, coupled with the active involvement of the MGA, provide a robust framework for the lottery’s operations. Ongoing assessments and discussions demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, instilling confidence in the public and maintaining the lottery’s integrity.