The report outlines key statistics and achievements in licensing, compliance, player protection and international collaboration while providing a medium-term outlook for the sector.
Key points:
- The MGA conducted 611 probity screenings and issued eight licences during H1 2024
- Player protection efforts included assisting 1,625 individuals and conducting nearly 5,000 gaming premises inspections
- The Authority managed 162 suspicious betting reports and engaged in 57 international collaborations
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released its Interim Performance Report for the first half of 2024, offering insights into its regulatory activities and the performance of the Maltese gaming industry.
Between January and June 2024, the MGA carried out 611 criminal probity screenings on individuals and businesses from the land-based and online gaming sectors. Twenty-nine cases were escalated to the Fit and Proper Committee, which deemed seven applicants unsuitable.
The MGA also issued eight new licences and renewed four during this period.
Compliance activities included 11 audits, 49 desktop reviews and investigations into 16 technical incidents. Enforcement actions led to 20 warnings, 10 administrative penalties and eight licence cancellations – with penalties totalling €128,800 ($134,000) and regulatory settlements amounting to €61,522.
Beyond this, the MGA continued its efforts in player protection and responsible gambling by assisting 1,625 individuals with concerns, conducting 12 responsible gambling website checks and investigating 10 websites for misleading information.
A total of 4,757 inspections of gaming premises, including casinos and lottery outlets, were conducted to ensure adherence to regulations.
Good to know: Of 15 gaming licence applications reviewed, two were rejected for submitting false or incomplete information
Additionally, the Authority monitored anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, with 23 examinations completed and fines nearing €185,000 imposed by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit on MGA licensees.
In the world of sports integrity, the MGA processed 162 suspicious betting reports and collaborated on 17 investigations while sharing 143 alerts with stakeholders.
Internationally, it handled 35 collaboration requests and issued 28 regulatory good standing confirmations for licensed operators.
The MGA will publish a comprehensive industry performance report covering the full year in the second half of 2025, offering further analysis of trends and developments.
|
|