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The MGA publishes its 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements

Published

1 year ago

November 15, 2024

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Malta Gaming Authority has published its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the 2023 financial year. The report provides insights into the Maltese land-based and online gaming industries, and outlines their performance in 2023. The report further provides an overview of the Authority’s accomplishments and offers a medium-term outlook for the future.

Supervisory Activities

• In 2023, the Authority conducted 21 compliance audits, and 125 desktop reviews The Commercial Communications Committee took five decisions regarding possible breaches of the Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09). The Authority also issued 28 warnings, suspended nine licences and cancelled 11 licences. Furthermore, the MGA issued a total of 19 administrative penalties and one regulatory settlement, which amount to a total financial penalty of €172,900.

• A total of 28 AML/CFT Compliance Examinations were carried out; 13 were carried out by MGA and 15 by FIAU. During the same period, the FIAU imposed remediation and/or administrative penalties on seven licensees, based on violations discovered during examinations carried out in previous years, which amounted to €994,000.

• During 2023, the Authority received 24 applications for new gaming licences and issued 15 licences. A total of 13 applications were either rejected or withdrawn.

• Almost 1200 criminal probity screening checks were undertaken on individuals, shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, key persons, employees and businesses from both the land-based and online gaming sectors. Applications of a more complex nature were escalated to the Fit & Proper Committee. In total, 64 decisions were taken by the Committee, including 14 decisions to reject individuals and entities who did not meet the Authority’s fit and properness criteria. The Supervisory Council reviewed 19 licence applications of which 14 were approved and four were rejected. One application was sent back to the applicant for further clarification.

• In 2023, 38 interviews with prospective MLROs and key persons carrying out AML/CFT functions were conducted with the aim of assessing their competence and understanding of the Maltese AML/CFT legal framework.

• The Authority, in its efforts to safeguard players and promote responsible gambling, assisted a total of 4483 players who requested assistance (including spill-over from 2022). Furthermore, 72 responsible gambling themed website checks were carried out, and 41 observation letters were issued to licensees outlining the responsible gambling issues and identifying areas of improvement.

• The Authority examines the financial standing of its licensees to ensure the continued viability of the business but also to safeguard the player funds. In 2023, 2059 Player Funds Reports were received and 24 player data extractions were carried out.

• A total of 49 websites were found to have misleading references to the Authority. In 23 instances, the information was not removed following notification, and notices are published on the MGA’s website with the aim of preventing the public from falling victim to such scams.

• In 2023, the Authority carried out just over 2300 inspections on Gaming Parlours, National Lottery Outlets, Bingo Halls and Non-Profit Tombola, in addition to another 7275 inspections, which were carried out to licensed casinos with the aim of having 24/7 inspectorate presence in such gaming establishments. Furthermore, the Authority was present during all the National Lottery licensee’s drawing operations. This is done to ensure compliance of the land-based licensees with the relevant rules and regulations.

• In 2023, following a consultation period, the Authority published the “Policy on the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) by Authorised Persons”. This policy supersedes “Guidance on the use of Innovative Technology Arrangements and the acceptance of Virtual Financial Assets and Virtual Tokens through the implementation of a Sandbox Environment”.

• In 2023, the Authority published amendments to the Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018), introducing five markers of harm. These are designed to help operators identify early signs of problematic gambling behaviour, enabling them to intervene in a timely and effective manner.

• In 2023, the Authority also published its voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice for the Remote Gaming Sector. The Code seeks to serve as an instrument for self-regulation, helping remote gaming companies align with best practices and maintain a position that allows them to effectively meet the evolving expectations of key stakeholders in the sector.

National and International Cooperation

• In 2023, the Authority received 255 suspicious betting reports from licensees and other interested parties. The Authority collaborated with enforcement agencies, sports governing bodies, integrity units and other regulatory authorities on 34 requests for information in relation to the manipulation of sporting events or violations of sporting regulations. Subsequently, these requests resulted in 44 data exchanges. In addition, a total of 235 alerts on suspicious betting were shared with the licensees. The Authority also contributed to 22 investigations into sports rules violations or manipulation of sporting competitions in 2023.

• The Authority sent 42 requests and received 77 requests for international collaboration. In both cases, most requests related to background checks as part of authorisation processes, or requests for information about the local regime.

• In 2023, a total of 75 letters of good standing were issued, providing feedback on the regulatory standing of the MGA’s licensed operators to the relevant authorities asking for this information.

• Additionally, in 2023, the Authority collaborated with other local regulating authorities and governing bodies on 124 requests for information.

MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said: “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.”

The post The MGA publishes its 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Gems of Ra 3 Pots

Evoplay Opens the Portal to Wealth in Gems of Ra 3 Pots

Published

34 minutes ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Evoplay, the acclaimed game development studio, has unveiled a sunlit Egyptian tale with the launch of Gems of Ra 3 Pots, its newest slot game where holy riches and celestial enhancements influence every spin.

Nestled among majestic pyramids, Gems of Ra 3 Pots crafts a realm overseen by the deities Anubis, Horus, and Isis, each bestowing distinct abilities that alter the Bonus Game.

Wilds show up on reels two to five, replacing all standard symbols to form winning combinations. They can appear as individual icons or in complete stacks, boosting the likelihood of triggering payouts in the base game.

Central to the experience are four kinds of Bonus symbols: Blue, Red, Green, and Money, each with random values and the chance to activate Mini, Mega, and Super jackpots.

Activating the Bonus Game occurs when landing Blue, Red, or Green symbols with a matching booster. The Extra Wealth enhancer boosts the worth of as many as four Bonus symbols, while Extra Reels introduces a separate independent bonus area, with both grids merging their rewards at the conclusion of the round. The Extra Spins booster enhances the feature to four spins, prolonging the pursuit of treasure even more.

The Bonus Game can be activated with one, two, or all three boosters at the same time. In this feature, only Money Bonus symbols are present, and gathering all 15 spots grants access to the Grand Jackpot.

Featuring win potential exceeding 6,000x, the game combines a traditional Egyptian slot ambiance with a contemporary feature design centered on strategy-focused bonus upgrades.

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Gems of Ra 3 Pots is all about discovery and escalation. We wanted to create a slot that captures the grandeur of Egyptian mythology while giving players meaningful ways to influence the Bonus Game through the different god-powered boosters.

“It’s a title that combines atmosphere, clarity, and strong win potential, offering a fresh take on a theme players continue to love.”

The post Evoplay Opens the Portal to Wealth in Gems of Ra 3 Pots appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

bet365

Peter & Sons Joins bet365 in Strategic Multi‑Market Collaboration

Published

34 minutes ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

peter-&-sons-joins-bet365-in-strategic-multi‑market-collaboration

Maverick game studio Peter & Sons has revealed a significant new collaboration with bet365, a top online gambling operator globally, enhancing its foothold in essential regulated markets around the world.

Peter & Sons’ unique portfolio has now launched with bet365 in the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and various other regulated markets, providing fully localized and compliant experiences customized for players in each region. The launch signifies an important achievement for the studio, emphasizing its dedication to controlled expansion and enduring strategic alliances.

Established in 2019 with a goal to represent the “anti-boring,” Peter & Sons has gained acclaim for striking art direction, engaging narratives, and creative mechanics. Through the integration of exceptional artistry, mathematics, and sound creation, the studio consistently produces top-performing games that shine in competitive markets.

bet365 is internationally acknowledged for its technology-focused platform, strict regulatory adherence, and exceptional player experience. Catering to millions of clients in regulated regions, the operator is recognized for collaborating with top suppliers to improve its varied gaming portfolio.

The partnership is expected to grow further in the upcoming months, with Italy, Brazil, Ontario, Greece, and Sweden already confirmed as new launch markets. This gradual implementation will greatly expand the worldwide availability of Peter & Sons’ content, presenting its distinctive collection to a wider global audience.

Yann Bautista, Commercial Director and Founder at Peter & Sons commented: “Partnering with bet365 represents an important step in our regulated market strategy. bet365’s reputation for technological excellence and compliance aligns perfectly with our long-term vision. We are proud to see our games live across several major jurisdictions and look forward to expanding this collaboration even further.”

Clement Le Scanff, bet365 Head of Gaming Commercial and Operations, said: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Peter & Sons. This collaboration is testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge content that enhances the customer experience and delivers engaging, entertaining gameplay.”

The post Peter & Sons Joins bet365 in Strategic Multi‑Market Collaboration appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Alina Mihaela Popa Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21

ICONIC21 Boosts Romania Operations Through VivaBet Alliance

Published

34 minutes ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

iconic21-boosts-romania-operations-through-vivabet-alliance

ICONIC21 advances its strategic growth in regulated markets through a new collaboration with VivaBet, a rapidly expanding online casino operator in Romania.

By means of this agreement, sought-after supplier ICONIC21 provides a collection of more than 15 live casino games, enhancing VivaBet’s selection with content focused on performance.

VivaBet established a solid presence in the Romanian market by emphasizing a varied casino selection and a user-friendly platform designed for local users. Functioning within Romanian regulations, the brand persists in investing to broaden its content library to stay pertinent in a fiercely competitive landscape.

The inclusion of ICONIC21’s live casino collection helps achieve this goal by presenting contemporary studios, rapid gameplay, and multiplier-driven features that enhance player involvement.

Among the games going live with VivaBet are some of ICONIC21’s strongest performers:

· Gravity Blackjack

· Gravity Roulette

· Multiple variations of Baccarat

The Gravity Series, recognized for its multiplier mechanics integrated into classic formats, introduces an additional dimension to conventional table games. This strategy has reliably produced high engagement metrics in various markets.

Merging traditional casino elements with improved payout opportunities and refined studio aesthetics, the collection meets the desires of Romanian players who are progressively pursuing both recognition and extra thrill.

Commenting on the partnership, Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21, said: “Romania is a key regulated market for us, and partnering with VivaBet marks another important step in strengthening our footprint locally. We see strong demand for live content that blends classic gameplay with modern mechanics, particularly within our Gravity Series. Collaborating with an operator that understands its audience and is focused on continuous growth allows us to deliver real value.”

From VivaBet’s side, Matei Secaci, Head of Casino, added: “We are pleased to integrate ICONIC21’s live portfolio into our platform. Expanding our array of games with a provider that is growing quickly and investing in high quality production enables us to further enhance the experience we offer our players. The addition of titles such as Gravity Blackjack and Gravity Roulette brings fresh energy to our live casino section.”

The partnership with VivaBet is a key element of ICONIC21’s wider growth plan in regulated European markets. Through providing adaptable integration, a varied live portfolio, and studio-led innovation, the company remains a dependable partner for operators in search of unique live casino content.

With the increasing demand for interactive, enhanced live games, collaborations like this one strengthen ICONIC21’s dedication to providing scalable, performance-oriented solutions customized to the requirements of each market.

The post ICONIC21 Boosts Romania Operations Through VivaBet Alliance appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.