The Malta Gaming Authority has published its Annual Report for 2023. The regulator also highlighted its desire to champion industry collaboration at SiGMA Europe 2024.
MGA Continued to Oversee the Sector
In the year ended December 31, 2023, the MGA conducted 21 compliance audits, as well as 125 desktop reviews. The Commercial Communications Committee took five decisions regarding possible violations of the gaming rules. Additionally, the regulatory body issued 19 penalties and a single regulatory settlement, amounting to a total of EUR 172,900.
2023 also saw the MGA carry out 13 compliance examinations. Another 15 such examinations were conducted by the FIAU, which also imposed penalties on seven gambling licensees amounting to EUR 994,000.
Almost 1,200 criminal probity screening checks were undertaken on people within the gaming sector, resulting in a total of 64 decisions, 14 of which rejected individuals and entities who did not meet the MGA’s criteria.
In addition, the MGA issued 28 warnings, suspended 9 licenses and canceled 11 licenses, underscoring a busy year. Speaking of licenses, the company received 24 applications and issued 15 licenses.
The gambling regulator learned that 49 websites were misleadingly referencing the MGA despite not being affiliated with it. 23 of them removed the misleading information after they were notified of the violation.
In addition to the online sector, the MGA also carried out 2,300+ inspections on retail gaming and bingo parlors and lottery outlets. Another 7,275 inspections were carried out to licensed casinos.
MGA Remains Committed to Protecting the Players
The MGA continued to promote safer gambling throughout the year. In its report, the regulator stated that it assisted a total of 4,483 players in FY 2023 and carried out 72 responsible gambling themed website checks. Operators were sent 41 observation letters that identified areas of improvement.
Furthermore, the MGA amended its Player Protection Directive, introducing five markers of harm, which would help operators with gambling harm prevention.
To top it all off, in 2023, the authority published its voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice for the Remote Gaming Sector. A year later, the MGA also handed its first 14 ESG Code Approval Seals.
Charles Mizzi, CEO of the MGA, said that the theme of this latest report is “sustainability,” highlighting the authority’s desire to balance between a healthy industry and healthy customers.
MGA at SiGMA: Fostering Coexistence Between Innovation and Compliance
In the meantime, the MGA is once again participating in SiGMA Europe, an exhibition in Marsa Malta. Attended by some 27,000 delegates and more than 1,000 exhibitors, the event is set to provide unique networking opportunities to all participants.
Set to run from November 12 to 14, the event will provide industry leaders and newcomers with chances to promote their ideas to like-mined individuals and companies. The MGA is set to champion collaboration between key industry bodies.
CEO Mizzi is set to deliver a keynote speech titled A Future-Ready Industry: Ensuring the Long-Term Sustainability of Malta’s Gaming Sector at the event, highlighting the country’s approach to balanced gaming regulation.
“Events like SiGMA Europe 2024 present invaluable opportunities for us to engage directly with industry stakeholders, reinforcing our commitment towards ensuring the sustainability of the gaming ecosystem,” Mizzi commented.
He added that Malta will continue to foster a sector where innovation and compliance can coexist.
