Self-Exclusion in the News — Weekly Round-up for July 13, 2018

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Jul 13, 2018

Malta Gaming Authority Reports Online Self-Exclusion Requests Up 5.3 Percent Last Year

MGA’s remote gambling self-exclusion requests numbered 790,000 in 2017

Remote gaming operators licensed under the MGA framework reported that self-exclusion requests in 2017 rose 5.3 percent to just below 790,000.

The numbers illustrate the international nature of the online gambling audience using Malta-licensed online casinos compared to Malta land gambling facilities, where over the same period a total of 1,393 self-exclusions were recorded, an increase of 9 percent y-o-y.

The regulator reports that most self-exclusions were for six months, although a significant number requjested a one-year exclusion..

Earlier this year (see previous InfoPowa reports) the Malta Gaming Authority announced plans for a Unified Self-Exclusion System for its Remote Gaming licensees following the successful roll out of the same to the land-based sector.

Self-exclusion tools are already a requirement for MGA remote licensees, however, the unified system will link all licensees so that players who self-exclude with one operator cannot simply open an account with another operator.

“The protection of players is at the heart of the MGA’s regulatory agenda, and this project further underlines our resolve to ensure that players have the necessary tools to engage in gaming services responsibly,” Heathcliff Farrugia, chief executive officer of the MGA said at the time.

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2018-07-07/local-news/MGA-s-gambling-self-exclusion-requests-up-to-1-393-in-2017-6736192911

New Gambling Self-Exclusion Technology

GameSecure hs the approval of the National Council on Problem Gambling

Vancouver-based tech company Bencon Technologies says it has the software answer to effective self-exclusion for gamblers who believe they may be developing a problem…and the National Council on Problem Gambling is throwing its support behind the new product.

Branded GameSecure, the new product allows at-risk gamblers to self-exclude from all online gambling sites in a jurisdiction at the same time, rather than having to self-exclude from each company’s site on an individual basis.

The technology platform tackles the regulatory hurdles that are currently confronting the online gaming industry. Through centralisation of the ID verification process, GameSecure streamlines the process from acquisition, selection and retention through a centralised marketing portal, all with a single login ID..

Bencon claims it will reduce risk to self-excluded online gamblers and industry operators by simplifying the self-exclusion process.

“We really support this initiative,” Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the NCPG said this week. “GameSecure provides a timely and much-needed option for regulators and operators to use technology to solve a major problem in regulated gaming today. Currently even well-intentioned self-exclusion programs fail players and operators because they do not provide coverage and support seamlessly across a jurisdiction.

“We strongly encourage all stakeholders to adopt innovative programs like GameSecure as an ethical and effective way to conduct gaming responsibly and reduce the social costs of gambling addiction.”

Bencon is currently working with various jurisdictions in the US to integrate GameSecure into their responsible gaming programs as the preferred response tool.

 

 

---