More than half the adult population spent money on gambling in 2015, with a total spend of €125 million, according to a new report by the Malta Gaming Authority.
The survey, carried out between 2015 and 2016 among a sample of 1000 people, found the national lottery to be the most popular type of gambling, accounting for almost half of the total, followed by gaming parlours.
The 56 per cent of the population who played such games spent an average of €12.30 a week. Meanwhile, around 46 per cent engage in ‘free gaming’, including internet games and free-to-play digital games.
Only one to two per cent of gamblers felt their behaviour had a negative effect on their lives. A similar amount were found to spend as much as 60 per cent of their income on gambling.
The report notes that these findings suggest that problems associated with regular gaming remain contained. The MGA will also this year be implementing a wide-ranging Regulatory Overhaul to enhance its engagement with vulnerable consumers.
Social NGOs consulted in light of the study highlighted the need to address problems related to illegal gambling by increasing public awareness of the risks and pitfalls of irresponsible gaming, as well as strengthening prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
The study, the first of its kind into the Maltese gaming market, was released earlier today by parliamentary secretary for the digital economy Silvio Schembri and MGA chairman Joseph Cuschieri.
“This survey should help all stakeholders to shape policies based on scientific data rather than impressions or myths, creating a more informed debate about the economic and social effects of gambling in Malta,” Mr Cuschieri said. “The survey also gives size and scale to the potential gambling addiction problems in Malta.”
Parliamentary secretary Mr Schembri said the study showed that gaming activity had become an established part of Maltese culture.
While stressing that this should not be seen in a solely negative light, Mr Schembri highlighted the importance of regulation, which he said was capable of offering effective protection to vulnerable users.
Reiterating the need to better tackle the problem of illegal gambling, he added that people needed to be aware of the risks and lack of protection associated with gaming outside a regulated framework.