Malta to introduce national self-exclusion register
Regulator outlines plans for a database that will exclude players from both land-based and online gambling services
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is planning to develop a national self-exclusion register as part of its overhaul of the country’s Gaming Act.
Within the bill, which was presented to parliament this week, the authority has outlined plans for a database that will exclude players across both online and land-based channels.
There is also a clause for a new law that requiring the segregation of player funds from an operator to further strengthen player protection standards.
MGA chairman Joseph Cuschiari discusses the new Bill at a press conference Credit: MGA
A statement released by the MGA said the Act will also aim to streamline the licensing system and tighten AML and anti-terrorist regulations.
Speaking in Parliament, the country’s secretary for financial services, Silvio Schembri, predicted the local industry would grow by 4% once new regulations were implemented.
Schembri said: “The government wants to ensure that the gaming industry continues to be run responsibly, fairly and free from criminal activity, so that the Maltese jurisdiction provides a safe and well regulated environment where the industry can also develop and innovate.”
The authority first announced its plans to overhaul regulations in July 2017 after opening a public consultation period that received response from 53 stakeholders.