HomeInsightsMalta Gaming Authority publishes consultation on national self-exclusion scheme

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has recently issued a Preliminary Market Consultation (PMC) document to request information on projects for the implementation of a “Unified Self-Exclusion System” (USES) for both land-based and remote gambling in Malta. A USES is currently in place in Malta but applies to land-based operations only.

The preliminary consultation forms part of a number of initiatives the MGA is driving forward in a bid to further strengthen player protection and prevent gambling-related harm.

The delivery of a USES for remote gambling in Malta would represent part of an increasing trend across regulated markets in Europe to introduce national self-exclusion measures: 14 EU jurisdictions now maintain some form of national self-exclusion register (whether for land-based or remote gambling)[1], the most recent of those introduced being Spelpaus, Sweden’s national self-exclusion scheme.

Assuming that the MGA moves forward with the implementation of a USES, it would be the first scheme of its kind to potentially touch on grey market revenues.

The preliminary consultation is due to close on 31 May 2019.

[1] Source: Consumer protection in EU online gambling regulation: Review of the implementation of selected provisions of European Union Commission Recommendation 2014/478/EU across EU States. Study prepared for European Gaming and Betting Association (12 December 2018).