Press Release in Greek here.

Melco executives participated in the Safer Gambling Conference during Safer Gambling Week (“SGW”) organised by the National Betting Authority between 5-11 October – demonstrating the Company’s continued efforts to raise awareness for Responsible Gaming (“RG”) and to providing customers of Cyprus Casinos (“C2”) and City of Dreams Mediterranean a safe gaming environment.

In a panel discussion highlighting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on responsible betting and gaming, Ms. Isobel John, Head of Regulatory Compliance of Melco Cyprus, expressed how Melco recently introduced the RG Ambassador initiative and regularly reviews related policies. She explained, “Advanced training enables Melco RG Ambassadors to recognize problem gaming behaviour and interact with customers to promote RG awareness and C2’s support initiatives.” 

At the event, Ms. Pinelope Georgiou, Regulatory Compliance Manager & AMLRO of Melco Cyprus, presented an overview of the C2 Responsible Gaming Programme, including its priorities of raising public and stakeholder awareness, preventing and combatting gaming addiction and protecting young persons and vulnerable groups from problem gaming. 

Ms. Georgiou said, “For Melco, Responsible Gaming is not a legal obligation but an integral part of its culture. We are committed to providing a safe space for gaming and entertainment where clients are encouraged to stay in control.” Ms. Georgiou also added that Melco requires all employees to undergo mandatory RG training. 

The C2 Responsible Gaming Programme offers the following three options to support safer gaming:

• “Self-Exclusion” for customers to voluntarily request exclusion from entering the casino and gaming for a period of six months.
• “Time Out” allowing customers to take a temporary break from gaming for one day, one week or one month. 
• “Setting Limits” which provides customers with the option to determine the maximum amount of money and time to be spent on each visit, as well as the maximum number of casino visits he/she can have in any given month. 

C2 continues to enhance awareness through on-premise leaflets, displays and signage – highlighting RG messages with the slogan ‘Stay in Control’, while further C2 initiatives in place during SGW include the display of promotional banners at all casino entrances, SGW-branded goods giveaways for customers, and promotional badges and t-shirts being worn by frontline and office employees. 

All C2 colleagues also underwent a specialised RG online training course to further improve related knowledge and skills. Ultimately, C2 encourages the use of the national gaming addiction hotline for patrons who may require such service.