The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched a new online self-assessment tool as part of its ongoing player protection commitments.
The tool is designed to help people reflect on their gambling behaviour and habits using a nine-question questionnaire that assesses their behaviour, taking into account social and environmental influences.
Utilising the Problem Gambling Severity Index, the online self-assessment tool is completely anonymous, free to use, accessible to all and available in both English and Maltese. Players are being encouraged to use the tool regularly to monitor their behaviour over time and stay mindful of any change.
MGA has developed the tool in collaboration with several local organisations, including Sedqa, Caritas Malta, the OASI Foundation and the Responsible Gaming Foundation.
“The tool encourages self-reflection in an accessible way, helping players consider whether they may benefit from reaching out for professional guidance,” stated the authority.
“Should a user’s results indicate the need for further support, they will be directed to one of the participating organisations, each of which serves as a trusted point of contact for advice and care. Information is also available on safer gambling tools, such as setting limits or using global bet-blocking tools.
“This initiative represents a collaborative, people-first approach to player protection, working alongside local entities in Malta and Gozo to ensure that anyone experiencing gambling-related harm is not only informed but also supported.”
Player protection has also been on the agenda of the UK Gambling Commission recently, as the Commission has announced that it will implement a new meaning to deposit limits in 2026 to provide clarity and consistency for customers.
To be implemented periodically and coming into effect from 30 June 2026, online operators will be required to provide customers with the opportunity to set a deposit limit based solely on their deposit amount paid into their account over a set period of time.
Only this form of limit may be called a “deposit limit” to avoid any misunderstanding, so the current gambling support tool of the same name will have to be redefined.
