MGA amends its Player Protection Directive to include new obligations and "markers of harm"

The Malta Gaming Authority has introduced amendments to its Player Protection Directive. The new rules came into force last week, on January 12. 

The amendments delve into the licensees’ obligations regarding their responsible gaming policies and procedures, and the introduction of markers of harm that must be considered by licensees when determining effective measures and processes to detect and address problem gambling.

The markers must include at a minimum the amount and frequency of deposits, the use of multiple payment methods and the reversal of withdrawals pending the processing. In addition to financial measures, licensees must also monitor other indicators such as increased user complaints, and the use of responsible gaming tools.

Provisions relating to real-money reinforcement and staff training have also been addressed via the amendments, which are being proposed on the basis of a review of the key sections of the Directive, carried out by an expert in the field, and on the basis of the Responsible Gaming Unit’s audits and familiarization visits.

“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 mandates.

Once the likelihood of problem gambling has been detected by a licensee, it must take appropriate steps to address the issue, or else prevent the situation from developing into an instance of problem gambling.

The Authority Publishes Amendments to the Player Protection Directive. Read more: https://t.co/55oe5FVyvi pic.twitter.com/jpwkmSWHED

— MaltaGamingAuthority (@MaltaGamingAuth) January 12, 2023

“We believe that safe, sustainable and responsible gaming is of paramount importance to the gaming sector. Following feedback received through the dedicated consulting process, the Authority is hereby publishing these amendments with the aim of strengthening and clarifying the current player protection framework,” the MGA said.

This framework will support the regulator’s initiatives moving forward and will facilitate its plans to improve player protection, including the eventual publication of detailed protection guidelines for licensees.

The MGA said it is in the process of conducting research and garnering expert experience to serve as the foundation for the eventual publication of such guidelines.