MGA confirms six licence revocations and six-figure penalty total in 2022

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has confirmed it cancelled six licences in 2022 and handed out a collective €179,150 in financial penalties.

In releasing its 2022 annual report, the regulator noted that following 28 compliance audits and 228 desktop reviews, it issued 10 warnings to licensees, along with the six cancellations.

Additionally, the MGA issued a total of 16 administrative penalties and three regulatory settlements which amounted to €179,150.

Elsewhere, the MGA confirmed that six individuals and/or companies failed probity standards due to various factors, including the risk of money laundering or financing terrorism.

The MGA also conducted 85 responsible gaming-themed website checks during 2022, which found that 38 pages had misleading information.

In terms of global collaboration, the MGA was a direct participant in 15 different investigations relating to potential match-fixing cases and an indirect participant in three other investigations.

Additionally, the MGA received a total of 83 international cooperation requests from other regulators to support investigations, while it also worked with bodies on the island such as the Asset Recovery Bureau and the Sanctions Monitoring Board.

Carl Brincat, MGA CEO, said: “This report is testament to our collective efforts in promoting a fair and sustainable gaming ecosystem. Through proactive measures and leaner regulation processes, we strive to ensure a level playing field that nurtures innovation while safeguarding against any potential risks.

“As the global gaming landscape evolves, our role becomes even more critical. We embrace this responsibility with utmost determination, working tirelessly to stay ahead of emerging trends, technologies and challenges. 

“We remain steadfast in our pursuit of robust frameworks that inspire confidence, protect vulnerable individuals and render Malta the home for gaming operators of good will,” he added.