Experts have called for the introduction of insurance policies against risks arising from using games and recreational machines at amusement centers, a local newspaper reported.
The experts, quoted by the paper, suggested that the insurance policy could be designed by insurance regulators and headed by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) and relevant insurance firms.
The entertainment centers lack insurance policy premiums against risks arising from the use of entertainment machines and the majority of visitors to these centers do not lodge complaints to the organizations concerned due to a lack of knowledge on how to be compensated in such cases.
In this context, experts have called for stricter regulations regarding entertainment game machines in instances when their life span is over four years.
Shoura Council member and insurance expert Fahad Al-Inizi said that apart from SAMA, the Civil Defense could have a leading role in the control and inspection of amusement centers.
Insurance firms could put forth safety conditions and standards, which would allow machine operators and investors in these centers to devise a realistic approach on how to avert safety threats arising from riding and handling these games.
Insurance provider firms will put their own operation and maintenance terms as many of the entertainment machines are not subject to regular service programs and are vulnerable to failure due to a lack of regular maintenance, thereby exposing children and attendees to risks, he said.
Musa Al-Ribai’an, another insurance expert, proposed that regulatory agencies insist that the renewal of the license for recreational centers be conditional upon performing maintenance services every three months. He also expressed the view that insurance policies must be made mandatory for recreation centers.
Insurance expert Mahir Al-Ji’airi added his voice to others in urging for the creation of insurance policies for amusement centers and offering compensation to victims. He said the proposed insurance policy would increase the revenues of insurance firms and ensure that the liquidity of companies is pumped into the insurance providers.
Some amusement centers do not adhere to regular maintenance services and lack qualified cadres to operate game machines.
According to Al-Ji’airi, the Civil Defense should ban the operation of machines whose life span exceeds 10 years and the Customs Department should prohibit importing machines whose production span is more than four years.
Experts have also warned against the risks of high-speed and other rides during holiday seasons when these centers are packed with visitors and children.
Insurance cover for amusement centers suggested
