Malta Gaming Authority’s Commitment to Compliance & Industry Growth
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has unveiled its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the 2024 fiscal year, providing a comprehensive analysis of Malta’s gaming sector. The report highlights the regulator’s activities, achievements, and industry outlook, reinforcing the MGA’s dedication to compliance and responsible gaming.
Licensing & Regulatory Oversight
Throughout 2024, the MGA processed 28 new gaming license applications, granting 17 approvals while rejecting two due to misleading or incomplete information. Additionally, 12 license renewal requests were submitted, with eight successfully approved.
The Supervisory Council assessed 30 license applications, with one still pending review. Meanwhile, the MGA issued a variety of low-risk event permits, including:
- 1,812 permits for non-profit tombolas,
- 19 permits for charitable lotteries,
- 84 certificates for commercial communication games.
Strengthening Compliance & Industry Standards
The MGA remained proactive in market oversight, conducting 1,200 criminal probity screenings for individuals involved in the gaming industry. The Fit and Proper Committee rendered 64 decisions, determining that 16 applicants did not meet regulatory criteria.
Further enforcement actions included:
- 13 compliance audits,
- 116 desktop reviews,
- Investigations into 123 Technical Information Security Incidents,
- 7 rulings on Gaming Commercial Communications violations.
As a result of these regulatory measures, the MGA issued 35 warnings, 23 administrative penalties, and three regulatory settlements. Additionally, it suspended two gaming licenses and revoked eight others.
Anti-Fraud & Financial Integrity Measures
The MGA reinforced its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) efforts, referring 43 compliance examinations to the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU). The regulator completed 60 independent investigations, issuing 11 closure letters for minor violations and remediation actions.
The FIAU imposed corrective measures on six companies, leading to a total of €185,000 in fines. Additionally, the MGA conducted rigorous MLRO candidate interviews to ensure adherence to Malta’s AML/CFT standards.
Player Protection & Responsible Gaming Initiatives
In 2024, the MGA addressed 3,372 player assistance requests, with some cases dating back to 2023. The regulator also received 1,897 player fund reports and conducted 27 data extractions to ensure financial transparency.
Further responsible gaming actions included:
- 40 Responsible Gaming (RG) compliance checks,
- 27 observation letters highlighting industry shortcomings,
- Investigations into 83 cases of misleading information,
- 29 public notices issued regarding non-compliant entities.
Additionally, the MGA carried out over 9,000 inspections across retail gaming venues, reinforcing its commitment to industry safety.
CEO Charles Mizzi Praises MGA’s Progress
MGA Chief Executive Officer Charles Mizzi emphasized the regulator’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a resilient and effective oversight system. He praised the MGA’s 2024 achievements, reaffirming the authority’s dedication to industry integrity and consumer protection.
“As the sector continues to evolve, the MGA remains committed to anticipating challenges, adapting with purpose, and upholding the standards that define Malta’s reputation as a trusted jurisdiction,” said Mizzi.
Looking Ahead: MGA’s Regulatory Vision
The MGA’s medium-term strategy aims to strengthen compliance frameworks, enhance responsible gaming initiatives, and continue fostering a transparent gaming ecosystem.
