Problem gambling is an issue often used to restrict gambling activities, more particularly online gambling. Therefore it is incumbent on regulatory authorities not only to address the issue of gambling addiction, but seen to be doing so. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has announced a new initiative in this regard. If successful, it could become a benchmark for other regulatory bodies. MGA has issued licenses to leading online casinos like Royal Vegas, Spin Palace and All Slots.

The specific issue involves what is called the self-exclusion facility. All online casinos licensed by MGA are required to provide this tool to their players. It works in the following way. If any player feels that he is exhibiting problem gambling symptoms then he is advised to activate this facility. The online casino will then automatically prevent the player from logging in and gambling till the self-exclusion period expires. The period could be three to twelve months. Meanwhile the player can consult an expert agency like Gamblers Anonymous and attend to the issue.

Unfortunately, this system is not serving its function as completely as desired. A player that has excluded himself from one online casino can sign up at another one and start playing there. The information on self-excluded players is not shared between online casinos. The system is not fool proof and because the player has no control over his urge to gamble he can exploit this loop hole. Now, MGA has announced its intent to establish a unified self-exclusion system for all its remote gaming licensees. So self-exclusion from one MGA licensed online casino will prevent the player from signing up or logging in to any MGA licensed online casino.

Heathcliff Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer at MGA said that the protection of players is at the heart of the regulatory agenda, and this project will give players the necessary tools to engage in gaming services responsibly. He added that the unified self-exclusion system will be well received by the online casinos and the player.

The next step will be to rope in all other regulatory bodies into a common self-exclusion system. MGA has already started sending feelers to its counterparts in other jurisdictions. This will set up a complete firewall. Meanwhile, MGA has started assessing the suitability of a range of technical solutions for such a system. The one that appears most favourable is the Distributed Ledger Technology. MGA will next consider all the stakeholders and after getting them on board will start the process of implementation.