Malta Gaming Authority Publishes 2024 Annual Report

Licensing and Permit Issuance in 2024

During 2024, the MGA received 28 new gaming license applications and approved 17. Additionally, 12 operators applied to renew expiring licenses, of which eight were approved. For low-risk games such as non-profit tombola and lottery events, the Authority issued 1,812 event-specific permits for tombola, 19 for lottery, and 84 certificates for commercial communication games.

The Supervisory Council evaluated 30 license applications, including both new and renewal requests. Two applications were rejected after findings of misleading or incomplete submissions. One additional case remained pending under the ‘Minded to Refuse’ phase.

Compliance Audits and Regulatory Decisions

In 2024, the MGA conducted 13 on-site compliance audits and completed 116 desktop reviews. The Authority also performed nearly 1,200 criminal probity checks on individuals involved in both land-based and online gaming operations. These included license holders, key persons, directors, and financial stakeholders.

As a result of these reviews, the Fit and Proper Committee issued 64 decisions, with 16 cases deemed not to meet suitability criteria. The MGA also issued 35 warnings, imposed 25 administrative penalties totaling €306,250, and reached three regulatory settlements valued at €61,522. Two licenses were suspended and eight were canceled.

AML/CFT Supervision and Enforcement

Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) remained a regulatory priority. The MGA and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) initiated 43 compliance examinations and concluded 60. Eleven closure letters were issued where concerns were either addressed or found to be minor.

The FIAU imposed financial penalties and/or remediation measures on six licensees, with total penalties nearing €185,000. Additionally, the MGA conducted 37 interviews with prospective MLROs to ensure adequate understanding of AML/CFT obligations under Maltese law.

Player Protection and Market Monitoring

Player safety continued to be a key focus, with 3,372 requests for assistance resolved during the year. The MGA received 1,897 player fund reports and conducted 27 data extractions to ensure compliance with safeguarding obligations.

A total of 40 responsible gambling-themed website checks were carried out, leading to 27 observation letters. The Authority also investigated 83 websites for misleading content, resulting in 29 public notices.

More than 9,000 inspections were conducted across various gaming venues, including casinos, bingo halls, national lottery outlets, and non-profit gaming premises.

International Cooperation and Information Exchange

The MGA received 244 suspicious betting reports and shared 247 alerts related to suspicious activity. The Authority participated in 30 cross-jurisdictional investigations and handled 85 international cooperation requests from other regulators, while initiating 30 of its own.

In total, 59 official responses were provided to international authorities seeking regulatory insight into MGA licensees. Domestically, the Authority collaborated on 161 information requests with local regulators and public bodies.

Strategic Outlook and Internal Improvements

MGA CEO Charles Mizzi emphasized the Authority’s commitment to resilience and adaptability.

“Resilience is not just about endurance – it’s about adapting with purpose and staying focused on what matters. Over the past year, we improved how we work, strengthened our internal processes, and continued investing in the people and systems that support effective regulation. 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.”