The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has confirmed that Article 13 of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directive (Directive 5 of 2018) will be officially repealed on July 20, 2025. The decision aligns with the recent implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/3228, which repeals the longstanding Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Regulation (EU) No 524/2013, and mandates the shutdown of the ODR Platform across the European Union.
Implications for Licensees
As a result, all B2C online gaming licensees regulated by the MGA are required to remove all mentions of the ODR Platform from their websites, terms and conditions, and any customer-facing communications. This measure aims to prevent confusion and ensure that outdated compliance references are not misinterpreted by users. The MGA strongly advises all operators to review the new EU regulation in detail to assess any remaining obligations under the revised framework.
Background: What Was the ODR Platform?
The now-defunct ODR Platform was an EU-run digital interface that enabled consumers to settle disputes with businesses online, without going to court. With its repeal, member states and regulators such as the MGA are stepping in to clarify and realign dispute resolution requirements.
Timing of the Announcement
This regulatory update follows closely on the heels of the MGA’s 2024 Annual Report, which showcased the authority’s enforcement activity and fiscal performance:
- 25 administrative penalties issued
- 8 licenses revoked
- 17 new licenses granted
- Over 3,300 player complaints resolved
These actions contributed to a reported €84.1 million ($90.3 million) in total revenue for 2024 and a significant increase in the MGA’s operational surplus.
Context: Malta’s Complex Regulatory Posture
While this repeal illustrates Malta’s commitment to EU alignment in digital compliance, the country has also recently stirred debate by enacting legislation that allows it to reject recognition or enforcement of foreign judgments involving Maltese-registered companies. This could have wide-reaching consequences for iGaming operators headquartered in Malta, many of whom are drawn by the jurisdiction’s competitive regulatory structure.
About the Malta Gaming Authority
Established in 2001, the Malta Gaming Authority is a globally respected regulatory body responsible for the oversight of land-based and remote gambling. Its mission centers on ensuring fairness, transparency, and consumer protection within the gaming sector, while combating crime and safeguarding vulnerable populations. The MGA continues to position itself as a global benchmark for responsible and sustainable gaming regulation.
