It might have been one of the backbones of Maltese industry for years, but the online gambling industry has been under increasing scrutiny in recent years across Europe. The primary concern of this focus has been the safety of players, and this is no different at Malta betting sites. Because of this, the leading brands in the country have begun working on initiatives designed to promote healthy and responsible gambling habits for casino players. 

Malta Gaming Authority Overseeing Best Betting Sites in Malta

As one of the hubs of iGaming and online casino licensing in Europe, Malta is in a unique place compared to many of its neighbours. That’s because the MGA (or the Malta Gaming Authority) is a major influence on the rest of the continent with its licences being recognised by all legal gaming jurisdictions. This means that the authority’s approach to responsible gambling is one that will be reflected internationally, given that many brands that obtain licences for Malta betting sites will operate across the continent and even further afield. As such, the MGA shoulders a large amount of the responsibility the industry holds, regularly collaborating with other authorities like the UK Gambling Commission to develop cross-jurisdiction initiatives.

Best Betting Sites Malta Hosts Taking a Strong Stance

With so many internationally renowned brands licensed in Malta, there is an impressive diversity in the way responsible gaming is approached. Looking at a list of the sports betting sites in Malta at bestbettingsites.com, brands like Betway, Bet365, and Unibet, which all figure in the top five sites available to players in the country, all have their own distinct responsible gaming methods. This can take many different forms, with Betway, for example, offering a full range of provisions, including self-exclusion and deposit and withdrawal limiting and identification checks. 

Reality Checks for Players at Betting Sites in Malta

As we enter unprecedented territory in the form of technology adoption, it has become increasingly clear that there is an unmet need when it comes to being able to deal with unhealthy habits. This is most notable in mobile devices where access has led to experts bemoaning their ubiquity and the damage this can do to brain development and behaviours. Peer-reviewed research at tandfonline.com has shown that overexposure to mobile devices like smartphones can have negative effects on psychological well being, as well as the positive aspects that this technology can present to us. Devices like iPhones can now be configured to enforce time limits on certain apps or overall screen time, with users able to change these in the devices’ settings. Now this is being seen in betting sites. 

Malta Betting Site Players Setting Time Limits

Another of the top betting sites in Malta, Bet365, has taken heed from these forms of time limits and has now begun offering what it refers to as a “Reality Check” initiative. With this, players can set a limit on the amount of time they want to be able to play for within a specified time period. Once this amount of time is reached playing at their site, the user will be presented with a notification, telling them that they have reached their limit. From there, they can choose whether to keep playing or if it’s time to take a breather. It’s hoped that this heads up will allow people to gather their thoughts and remove themselves from any potentially harmful behaviours. 

MGA Showing Cross-Authority Approach

Looking back at the MGA and how the body helps foster a sense of collaboration when it comes to tackling problem gambling habits, it’s clear that it takes its role in player protection and public health seriously. Representatives of the authority do more than simply work within their own industry and engage with other bodies across the continent. Instead, as reported here at independent.com.mt, representatives of the authority have worked with experts in other addiction areas, speaking at community events focused on harm prevention and wider support for people living with addictions.

Variety in Approach Key for Malta Betting Sites

In much the same way that the MGA is opening the discussion on responsible gaming to a wider audience by engaging with other addiction experts, the betting sites in Malta are ensuring to offer a holistic approach to player safety. Looking at Betway again, this is evident in the list of resources they provide, including self-exclusion, self-assessment, and limits and breaks. It’s clear to see that there is a need for unification both in the form of offering a diverse number of initiatives and cross-jurisdiction collaboration. While there is still work to be done in the industry, work is very clearly underway to create a healthy environment.

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