Malta Gaming Authority Releases Comprehensive Interim Performance Report for 2023
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has recently published its Interim Performance Report for January to June 2023, offering an insightful overview of its achievements and the Maltese gaming industry’s performance during this period.
This report presents a future-oriented medium-term outlook and detailed analysis of critical statistics in both land-based and online gaming sectors.
Intensive Supervisory Activities
In the first half of 2023, the MGA conducted a series of rigorous supervisory activities. These included 14 compliance audits and 85 desktop reviews. The Commercial Communications Committee also played a crucial role, issuing three Letters of Breach for violations of the Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09).
In its effort to enforce regulations, the MGA issued 23 warnings, cancelled four licenses, and suspended another five. The authority also imposed nine administrative penalties and one regulatory settlement, accumulating financial penalties of €124,400.
Focused on Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
The MGA’s commitment to combating money laundering was evident as it carried out 11 Compliance Examinations on behalf of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU).
These efforts led to administrative penalties totaling €599,420 being imposed on three licensees for past violations.
The Authority undertook 545 criminal probity screening checks on various stakeholders in the gaming industry.
This stringent process led to the identification of four individuals and entities that did not meet the MGA’s fit and proper criteria, and one license application was rejected.
Emphasis on Responsible Gaming
In promoting responsible gaming, the MGA assisted 2,216 players who requested help, conducted 40 responsible gambling website checks, and issued 16 observation letters to identify areas of improvement.
Additionally, the Authority investigated 11 cases of misleading references to its name and published six notices to prevent public scams.
The MGA actively collaborated with various enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities. It responded to 12 requests for information related to sports event manipulation and exchanged data 17 times.
The Authority also received 166 allegations of suspicious betting and sent 118 alerts to the industry. In total, 45 requests for information came from local regulating authorities.
The MGA plans to publish a comprehensive industry performance report for the full year in the second half of 2024, alongside its Annual Report for the financial year ending 31 December 2023.
Our Comment on the Article
The Malta Gaming Authority’s Interim Performance Report for the first half of 2023 reflects a robust and proactive regulatory approach in the gaming industry.
By emphasizing compliance, responsible gaming, and international cooperation, the MGA showcases its commitment to maintaining high industry standards.
The Authority’s efforts in supervisory activities, anti-money laundering measures, and player protection highlight the importance of regulation in fostering a safe and trustworthy gaming environment. The upcoming full-year report is eagerly anticipated for further insights into the evolving landscape of the gaming industry in Malta and beyond.
