Malta Gaming Authority’s 2023 Report Highlights Industry Trends and Regulatory Actions

Fewer New Licences Issued

The MGA issued 15 licences out of 24 applications in 2023. This is part of a downward trend from previous years, 46 licences were issued in 2021 and 31 in 2022. 13 applications were either rejected or withdrawn, the MGA is being cautious with licensing in this changing regulatory environment.

Misleading References and Player Support

Efforts to curb misleading references included 49 websites referencing the MGA without authorisation; 23 of these were still unresolved after notification.

The MGA also focused on player protection, helped 4,483 players who requested support in 2023 as part of its responsible gambling practices.

Increased Enforcement

The MGA’s enforcement activities saw an increase in warnings issued, 20 in 2023, double the number from the previous year.

9 licences were suspended and 11 were cancelled, the MGA is firm on regulatory compliance.

The MGA received 255 suspicious betting reports, which led to 22 global investigations on potential sports manipulation, with MGA involvement.

International Cooperation

As part of its integrity efforts the MGA collaborated internationally, sent 42 and received 77 requests for cooperation, mostly for background checks.

This is key for cross border regulatory consistency and part of the MGA’s overall industry standards protection.

New ESG Code Approval Seal Initiative

In a recent move to promote sustainable practices, the MGA awarded its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Code Approval Seal to 14 online gaming operators. This recognition reflects a commitment to sustainability, a theme echoed by MGA CEO Charles Mizzi, who stated, “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.”