Malta Gaming Authority Introduces New Self-Assessment Tool for Gamblers
Introduction of the New Self-Assessment Tool
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has introduced an innovative online self-assessment tool aimed at helping gamblers evaluate their gambling habits. This resource is accessible in both English and Maltese and is designed to assist individuals in understanding their gambling behaviors better.
The tool is free of charge and was created with collaboration from several organizations, including Sedqa, Caritas Malta, the OASI Foundation, and the Responsible Gaming Foundation. It features a concise questionnaire consisting of nine questions that assess gambling patterns.
Based on the responses, users may receive guidance on how to seek professional support if needed. The tool is also designed to ensure user anonymity, providing a private and accessible way for individuals to reflect on their gambling tendencies.
The Rise in Gambling Activities
There has been a noticeable increase in gambling participation worldwide, leading to the development of tools like this self-assessment questionnaire. In the United States, gambling revenue has significantly grown, particularly with the surge in popularity of sports betting.
Similarly, in the UK and other parts of Europe, gambling has become more widespread, largely due to the ease of access through various platforms. Other countries are also taking steps to address challenges related to gambling; for example, Brazil has recently created a tool to verify the legitimacy of online gambling websites to combat illegal operations.
Ensuring Legitimacy in Online Gambling
The Malta Gaming Authority has had to address issues with online gambling sites falsely claiming MGA affiliation. An example is the 2020 revocation of PG Soft’s license due to the false claim of holding an MGA license and failure to provide necessary documents.
More recently, the Filipino government investigated the online casino PHLove, finding that it was not certified by any of the licensing authorities it cited. These measures highlight ongoing efforts to maintain integrity and consumer protection in the gambling industry.
