MGA publishes amendments to its Player Protection Directive
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) aims to strengthen and clarify its current player protection framework.
Malta.- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released amendments to its “Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018)” which would require licensees to monitor specified markers of harm when creating procedures to detect and address instances of problem gambling.
Under the new rules, B2C licensees will be required to employ effective measures and processes to identify those at risk of problem gambling. This must be achieved using analytical tools or behaviour monitoring systems, as well as with trained staff.
Once problem gambling has been detected by the licence holder, it must take appropriate steps to address the issue, or else prevent the situation from developing into an instance of problem gambling.
As well as ensuring that MGA licence holders regularly observe player behaviour and finances, the new rules also include new standards for staff training when dealing with situations where intervention may be required.
“B2C licensees shall ensure that employees who are responsible for dealing with responsible gaming-related matters, and for player interaction in general, are properly and routinely trained in the relevant responsible gaming procedures,” the directive states.
Users must have “the ability to access the player’s gambling history of the immediately preceding six months, including but not limited to, data relating to the player’s total wins and losses, amounts of money deposited, and amounts withdrawn”.
A pop-up message must offer players the opportunity to set an alert at certain intervals when playing games that utilise an “auto-spin” feature. Subject to the transitory provisions of the directive, the amendments shall come into force on January 12.
