Malta Gaming Authority Adds AI to Licence Screening

The Malta Gaming Authority used artificial intelligence to screen licence information and detect unusual operator data during 2025. Human reviewers still make every regulatory decision.

Good to Know

• AI now supports criminal probity checks and operator return reviews.
• The MGA approved 19 of 38 new licence applications in 2025.
• Enforcement included 30 penalties worth €162,520.

AI Flags Risk Before Staff Review

Rather than replacing investigators, MGA software narrows the areas that require closer attention. One tool examines initial data from licence applicants and flags possible criminal probity concerns. Staff then assess each alert against the country involved and MGA risk rules.

A second system searches Industry Performance Returns for patterns or anomalies. Supervisors can therefore identify possible compliance problems earlier instead of reviewing every filing through manual checks alone.

MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said:

“We recognise that AI tools are not infallible; accordingly, our approach places human oversight and verification at the centre of every implementation.”

The approach reflects an effort to use existing resources more efficiently while keeping human judgement inside the licensing process.

Licensing remained selective. The MGA issued 19 licences from 38 new applications and approved eight of ten renewals. Two applicants failed after submitting information described as false, misleading or materially incomplete.

The Fit and Proper Committee also reviewed 20 companies and 38 people. Seven failed to meet MGA suitability requirements.

Compliance teams completed 15 full audits and 109 targeted reviews. The regulator also issued 35 cease and desist letters, 22 warnings, one suspension and two licence cancellations.

Player Support closed 3,718 assistance cases, while licensees submitted 280 suspicious betting reports. The MGA shared 192 integrity alerts and joined 66 international investigations.

Fraudulent websites remained another concern. Officials reviewed 109 URLs and found 42 using fake references to the MGA or licensed companies.

The post Malta Gaming Authority Adds AI to Licence Screening appeared first on iGaming.org.