Maltese gambling regulator finds room for improvement in responsibility measures
The MGA carried out a review of 20 licensees and found several areas where self‑exclusion and responsible gambling safeguards could be improved.
Malta.- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published the results of a Thematic Review into how B2C online gambling licensees implement self‑exclusion and other responsible gambling safeguards. The Review sought to identify any systemic weaknesses and clarify regulatory expectations relating to player protection, highlighting areas performing well as well as opportunities for licensees to strengthen their practices.
The review was carried out last year following reports that some players were able to access multiple brands despite having self‑excluded due to problem gambling. The study examined the real‑world performance of player protection tools across 20 licensees and 58 active URLs. A mystery shopping exercise tested the effectiveness of self‑exclusion processes, cross‑brand account controls, and the presentation of responsible gambling protections at key points of play.
Overall, the Thematic Review found a positive level of compliance. The majority of licensees who were assessed demonstrated practices “broadly in line with regulatory expectations”. However, the review also found opportunities for strengthening of player protection measures across the sector.
Specific areas identified for improvements include delays in activating self‑exclusion, instances where exclusions were lifted without applying a mandatory cooling‑off period, challenges in detecting duplicate or closely matching player identity details across brands, the absence of limit‑setting prompts during registration, and incomplete information displayed within Reality Check pop‑ups. The report provides guidance on where systems and processes can be enhanced to ensure player protection measures operate as intended.
The MGA said it has communicated the findings to the relevant licensees, each of whom has been asked to address the points raised and submit rectification plans. Follow‑up supervisory engagement will continue where necessary, including monitoring the implementation of corrective actions.
The regulator said the review’s findings reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding players and upholding the integrity of the online gaming sector as part of its risk‑based oversight approach aimed at promoting higher and more consistent standards of player protection across the sector.
