Maltese gambling regulator – the Malta Gaming Authority – published a survey about the gaming services used by the local residents. The survey, which was carried out between 2015 and 2016, also includes a variety of economic and social considerations and provides an evaluation of the local citizen’s gambling behaviour. In addition, more information and details about problem gambling in Malta is provided.
According to the Executive Chairman of the Malta Gaming Authority, Joseph Cuschieri, the survey was important for the country and its citizens as it is the first time when a scientific survey is published on the matter. Mr. Cuschieri also explained that the survey is aimed at helping all stakeholders to base their policies on scientific data instead of on unproven information.
The Malta Gaming Authority officially announced the survey and the results of it during a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office. According to the information, presented in the survey, gaming services have turned into a pretty important part of the recreational activities provided on the territory of the country, in terms of contribution to economic activity.
As revealed by the Maltese gambling regulatory body, local citizens have spent approximately €125 million in gaming services over 2015. The figures represent about 2.8% of the total household consumption expenditure.
Also, it turns out the games provided by the National Lottery are the most preferred form of gaming across the country. The Malta Gaming Authority reported that approximately 195,300 individuals have spent money on some form of gambling activity over 2015, which is about 56% of the country’s population aged 18 years and older. According to the data provided in the survey results, these people have spent an average of €12.30 on a weekly basis. On the other hand, games that are available for free have been preferred by about 46% of the Maltese population.
When it comes to paid gaming activities, people who engage in them are usually the ones who are at least 45 years old, who hold an educational attainment up to Secondary level and who are not active in the labour market.
Between 1% and 2% of the local population, which is from 2,000 to 4,000 people, who have been engaged with gaming services, report some kind of negative effect on their lifestyle as a result of gambling. This result corresponds to the usual trends in other jurisdictions within the European Union. At the same time, according to the survey results, it is more likely for more serious and extensive problems to occur from illegal activities across the country.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services Hon Schembri explained that the survey was necessary in order for the authorities and society to thoroughly understand the gabling behaviour’s effect on the population’s social life. He also added that it is important for people to understand that their gambling behaviour also has an economic impact of their everyday life.
Mr. Schembri spoke about the positive effects of the online gambling industry to the country’s economy, but he also reminded that the Government played an important part in protecting the society from the eventual negative effects of gambling.
- Author
Daniel Williams
