Malta Gaming Authority has announced the introductory consultations on the unified self-exclusion system. The MGA plans to collect opinions for the upcoming launch.
Back to the Beginning
The idea of the introduction of a unified system first appeared in May of last year. At this time, MGA chief executive, Heathcliff Farrugia, observed:
“The protection of players is at the heart of the MGA’s regulatory agenda, and this project further underlines our resolve to ensure that players have the necessary tools to engage in gaming services responsibly. Over the years we have witnessed efforts from gaming operators to implement various responsible gaming measures, and thus we strongly believe that the unified self-exclusion system will be well received by the industry and consumers alike.”
The self-exclusion system would enable players to block access to all Malta’s operators when they opt in for the tool on a single site. Operators have already enabled the self-excluding option for customers, but there is no system which connects the companiesˈ self-exclusion databases.
MGA believes that the unified system will prevent gambling-related harm, while also aiding in creating a more secure land-based system.
How Does the System Work?
If the player self-excludes from one site, the operator will pass information to other local operators, who will be able to block the individuals from their platforms. There are observations to expand the system to operators outside of Malta. In addition, there is potential for third-party and operator-imposed exclusion based on the active protection of users.
MGA also plans to develop a central self-exclusion website, an online form for usersˈ details, self-exclusion database, data protection system and record matching system to detect users details across various accounts.
More Details
The regulator is currently seeking opinions on available technologies, promising that the final system will represent a combination of solutions. The involved products will be centralized, decentralized, cloud and on-hosted basis.
The online system of brick and mortar casinos will protect players through different channels. Only within the first six months of the previous year, there were a total of 869 self-exclusion requests from land-based customers. Compared to the results for remote gaming activities, there were, overall, a total of 540,000 self-exclusion requests in 2017.
Collection of Opinions
Everyone who wants to share the thoughts on MGA plans can complete the form available on the Maltese Government Electronic Public Procurement System. Submissions are accepted until May 31, 2019 exclusively via the written form.
Malta Gaming Authority seeks tools to intensify the consumers' protection. MGA has disclosed a Player Protection Directive to support consumers in betting related activities. The body has also prepared the Alternative Dispute Resolution Directive to ensure the formal process of complaints.
Source:
“MGA launches the consultation on unified self-exclusion system”, igamingbusiness.com, March 22, 2019.
