Step-by-step manual
Self-exclusion in Malta
Malta does not have a single online self-exclusion register covering every licensee. Instead, each MGA-licensed online operator must offer self-exclusion, and since a 2025 thematic review the MGA expects exclusions linked to gambling harm to apply across all brands under the same licence. For land-based gambling, residents can self-bar from licensed casinos, gaming parlours and bingo halls for periods from six months to indefinite or auto-renewing, with the MGA able to help. Because most MGA licensees serve players abroad, people outside Malta should also use their own country's national register where one exists, as well as blocking software.
- Scheme
- Operator self-exclusion; venue self-barring
- Type
- Operator-level
- Minimum
- 6 months (land-based)
- Cost
- Free
The steps
- 1
For land-based venues, go in person
Visit a licensed casino, gaming parlour or bingo hall, or contact the MGA, and ask to self-bar. Bring a valid ID card; periods range from six months to indefinite or auto-renewal.
- 2
For online sites, use the account tools
Log in to each MGA-licensed site you use, open the responsible-gambling section and choose self-exclusion for a definite or indefinite period. If you cannot find it, contact customer support in writing.
- 3
Ask for brand-wide exclusion
Request that the exclusion covers every brand run under the same licence. The MGA expects operators to apply harm-related exclusions across brands and detect duplicate accounts.
- 4
Repeat for every operator
There is no central online register, so list every site you have an account with and exclude from each one.
- 5
Install blocking tools
Use gambling blocking software on all devices and ask your bank about blocking gambling transactions, to cover operators you have not excluded from.
- 6
Get support
Call the Responsible Gaming Foundation on 1777 for advice, or 179 to arrange counselling.
- 7
Know the revocation rules
You may ask an online operator in writing to shorten or lift an exclusion. If accepted, the account stays closed for at least 24 hours (definite exclusion) or seven days (indefinite exclusion).
Before you start — what to know
- No central online register: exclusion must be requested from each operator separately.
- Land-based self-barring runs from six months up to indefinite or auto-renewal; indefinite barring may require extra documentation.
- Online revocation requires a written request and a cooling-off period of at least 24 hours or seven days.
- The MGA's 2025 review found weaknesses at some licensees, such as delays in activating exclusion and missing cooling-off periods; report any breach to the MGA.
- Players outside Malta should also use their home country's national scheme, which MGA licensees serving that market may be required to check.
Make it stronger: add more barriers
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta an offshore jurisdiction?
No. Malta is a full EU member state. It is grouped with licensing hubs here because most of its licensed operators serve players in other countries.
What is Bill 55?
A 2023 amendment adding Article 56A to the Gaming Act, allowing Maltese courts to refuse to enforce foreign judgments against MGA licensees on public-policy grounds. The European Commission opened infringement proceedings in 2025.
Does an MGA licence make a site legal in my country?
Not necessarily. EU law lets member states restrict gambling licensed elsewhere, as the Court of Justice confirmed in April 2026. Check your own country's rules.
Is there a national self-exclusion register in Malta?
Not for online gambling. You exclude with each operator; land-based venues offer self-barring from six months.
Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.