MGA Publishes Self-Exclusion Thematic Review Findings

The Malta Gaming Authority has released a comprehensive thematic review assessing how online B2C licensees implement self-exclusion mechanisms and related responsible gambling controls. The supervisory exercise, conducted via mystery shopping across 20 licensees and 58 active URLs in the first half of 2025, highlights overall positive compliance but identifies targeted shortcomings that require immediate rectification.

The review underscores the MGA's ongoing commitment to player protection in Malta's highly regulated iGaming ecosystem, which serves as a benchmark for many emerging and established markets. Self-exclusion remains a cornerstone of responsible gambling, enabling players to voluntarily restrict access to gambling services for defined periods or indefinitely. The findings emphasize the need for seamless, timely, and consistent application across brands and platforms to prevent harm.

Key areas of concern include delays in processing self-exclusion requests (two licensees failed to close accounts within the required 24-hour timeframe), instances in which verification documents were required before honoring requests, gaps in cross-brand or group-wide exclusions, and inconsistencies in Reality Check features that prompt players about session duration and spending.

The MGA has instructed affected operators to submit detailed remediation plans to address these gaps, reinforcing expectations for robust technical and procedural safeguards. This development signals heightened regulatory scrutiny on RG tools, likely influencing license renewals, approvals for new entrants, and group operations in Malta and jurisdictions that recognize MGA standards.

• Strengthens player trust in regulated markets by closing loopholes in self-exclusion, critical for new casino launches targeting European players.
• Raises compliance bar for operators, particularly those expanding or debuting brands, to integrate advanced RG features from the outset.
• Supports the broader trend toward proactive harm prevention, aligning with initiatives in jurisdictions such as the UK, Sweden, and Ontario.

This review arrives amid evolving European regulations prioritizing consumer safeguards, positioning Malta as a leader in enforcing effective RG practices. Operators planning market entries or platform integrations must prioritize these standards to avoid enforcement actions and ensure sustainable growth.

Sources: Malta Gaming Authority (official announcement), Next.io (reporting on findings)