Information about Malta’s land-based and internet gambling industries may be found in the Malta Gambling Authority’s (MGA) 2023 Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements. The study provides a thorough summary of the Authority’s initiatives, successes, and tactics for promoting sustainability in the sector.
The MGA intensified its supervisory efforts to ensure compliance across the gaming industry. Over the year, it conducted 21 compliance audits and 125 desktop reviews, issuing 28 warnings, suspending 9 licenses, and canceling 11 licenses. Additionally, 19 administrative penalties and one regulatory settlement totaled €172,900 in financial penalties.
To combat money laundering, the MGA carried out 28 AML/CFT compliance examinations, with some penalties imposed by the FIAU totaling €994,000. Licensing activities also remained active, with 24 new applications received, 15 licenses issued, and 13 applications rejected or withdrawn.
The MGA prioritized responsible gambling, assisting 4,483 players and performing 72 responsible gambling-themed website checks. A focus on detecting and addressing problematic gambling behaviors led to updates in the Player Protection Directive, which introduced five markers of harm.
The MGA advanced its regulatory frameworks by publishing policies like the Policy on the Use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and updating its voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice for remote gaming operators. These initiatives aim to ensure operators align with global standards while fostering innovation and player protection.
Inspections across gaming establishments intensified, with over 9,500 inspections conducted in venues such as casinos, bingo halls, and National Lottery outlets. Additionally, the MGA worked to counteract misleading references by identifying 49 websites that misused its branding, with 23 flagged for non-compliance.
Collaboration remained central to the MGA’s operations. The Authority processed 255 suspicious betting reports and exchanged 235 alerts with licensees. It also contributed to 22 investigations into sports-related violations and issued 75 letters of good standing to bolster international cooperation.
MGA CEO Charles Mizzi highlighted the organization’s commitment to sustainable growth, stating: “It is not a coincidence that the theme for the Annual Report is ‘sustainability’. The MGA’s ability to strike the right balance between allowing the industry to thrive and grow in a sustainable manner, while also protecting consumers, is key to Malta’s continued success.”
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