Nearly one in two Maltese adults gamble on a regular basis, according to the latest government survey on adult consumption habits, which for the first time offers a detailed breakdown of gambling-related behavior across the population.
Based on data collected in 2023 from a sample of approximately 3,500 residents aged between 18 and 65, 43.1% of respondents reported gambling weekly or almost weekly.
This represents an increase compared to 2013, when the figure stood at just under 34%, though it remains below the levels recorded in the early 2000s, when more than half of the population reported a similar gambling frequency.
Gambling Frequency and Changing Consumption Patterns
The analysis highlights a clear polarization in gambling behavior. Alongside those who gamble weekly, a very similar share of citizens fall into the category of occasional gamblers, playing less than once a month.
By contrast, the proportion of individuals who gamble on a monthly basis is smaller, suggesting a gradual shift toward more extreme consumption patterns—ranging from regular participation to highly sporadic engagement.
Overall, these trends point to a transformation in how gambling fits into everyday life in Malta, with fewer people occupying the middle ground.
Age Groups, Preferences, and Incentives
From a demographic perspective, participation is highest among older age groups, particularly those aged 55 to 59, who show a strong preference for lotteries and casino games. Engagement in this segment is often supported by structured loyalty schemes and casino rewards offered by licensed operators.
Among younger adults, however, different patterns emerge. Individuals aged 18 to 24 are more inclined toward sports betting, online gambling, and card games, reflecting a shift toward digital platforms and interactive formats.
These differences underline how age influences not only the frequency of gambling, but also the types of products and incentives that appeal to players.
Gender Gap and Spending Levels
The gender gap remains significant. Men continue to gamble more than women, with participation exceeding 37%, compared to approximately 31% among women.
When it comes to spending, the survey shows that only a small minority of gamblers spend more than €50, indicating a strong prevalence of low-cost gambling across the population.
Overall, the findings depict a country where gambling remains widespread, but with patterns that differ markedly from the past and a landscape that continues to evolve in response to demographic, economic, and regulatory factors.
