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The MGA publishes its 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements

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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.

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• 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 A total of 13 applications were either rejected or withdrawn.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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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Esports Returns to Singapore with BLAST’s Dota 2 Arena Event After Sellout Counter-Strike World Final 2024

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  • BLAST Dota Slam Singapore to take place this November at Singapore Indoor Stadium in partnership with Singapore Tourism Board and AEG Presents Asia

  • The world’s best Dota teams will meet in Singapore from 4th – 9th November 2025 to compete for a prize pool of $1,000,000 at the first ever BLAST Slam arena event 

Esports entertainment company BLAST has announced the return of its world-class events to Singapore with the BLAST Dota Slam Singapore, set to take place in November 2025 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

This announcement follows the sellout success of the BLAST Premier World Final 2024, which marked BLAST’s Southeast Asia debut and saw more than ten-thousand fans pack out the Resorts World Convention Centre to witness the world’s top Counter-Strike teams compete for the $1 million prize pool.

Building on that momentum, Singapore will now host the BLAST Dota Slam arena event, teaming up with AEG Presents Asia again to bring together the world’s best Dota teams to battle it out for $1,000,000 in front of a live audience and millions of fans tuning in globally across 50+ territories and in 12 languages.

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The BLAST Dota Slam Singapore is the latest milestone in BLAST’s global expansion into Dota 2, and reinforces Singapore’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sports and live entertainment. It marks the second consecutive year the city-state has hosted a BLAST arena tournament, following the successful Counter-Strike event in 2024.

James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said: “Singapore delivered one of the most passionate esports crowds we’ve ever seen during last year’s BLAST Premier World Final. We’re thrilled to be returning with our next major arena show – this time for Dota 2 – and to once again partner with the Singapore Tourism Board and AEG Presents Asia to help to further grow Southeast Asia’s esports ecosystem. The response to our events in Singapore has been incredible, and this November’s Dota Slam promises to be another landmark moment for fans and for the region. Singapore has an impressive history and pedigree for the biggest international sporting events, supported by STB, and BLAST is proud to be building on this with the biggest esports events.”

Ms Lilian Chee, Director, Sports, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome BLAST back to Singapore, this time with the Dota Slam. Building on the success of the BLAST Premier World Final, this event further reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a world-class destination for sports and live entertainment. We look forward to welcoming the passionate fans, players and partners once again to our vibrant city.”

BLAST’s return to Singapore is set to shine a global spotlight on the city while delivering significant economic benefits and meaningful destination marketing. With an estimated economic impact in the tens of millions, the tournament further demonstrates how esports events are evolving into major cultural and economic drivers for host cities – on par with large-scale traditional international sporting events.

With Singapore, Rio, London, Austin, and Lyon among the major destinations on BLAST’s global calendar this year, it is evident that governments, cities and tourism bodies are recognising the power of esports to attract young and engaged visitors, create jobs, and drive international visibility.

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1spin4win celebrates its 4th anniversary

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This May, the fast-growing game provider 1spin4win, founded by ambitious developers with over 15 years of experience in the gambling industry in 2021, celebrates its fourth anniversary. Since its inception, it has boosted its team fivefold and extended its client list to 700+.

The brand’s reputation for quality and reliability is backed by top-tier operators such as Pin-Up, 1xBet, Blaze, Rox, BitStarz, LuckyDreams, RocketPlay, GG.bet, and others.

The studio has recently successfully increased its slot production to 4–5 monthly releases. Its portfolio has already surpassed 150 classic online titles with quality mathematics, transparent mechanics, and well-balanced gameplay — key factors driving strong player retention. Each 1spin4win game accommodates 10 languages, including those key to the LatAm market, expanding into which has lately become the company’s primary focus.

Beyond quality products with broad language support, 1spin4win consistently offers effective promotional tools to its business partners. Among them are special in-game features, various Cash & Drops campaigns, and additional marketing options such as pre-releases and free spins, which positively affect player loyalty. The provider launches over 1,300 successful promotions yearly.

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Such a comprehensive approach results in well-deserved industry appreciation. As a result, the slot provider continues to receive nominations and recognitions and, at the time of this publication, is vying for the Slot Supplier — Under 5 Years category at the EGR B2B Awards 2025.

Olga Hlukhovskaya, Business Development Director at 1spin4win, commented, I am deeply grateful to the 1spin4win team and our partners for these remarkable four years of triumphs. Of course, we won’t stop there. Our sponsorship of the DAR Bjorn Charity Gala, right around the company’s birthday, is our first step in enhancing social accountability going forward.

Visit the studio’s website to learn more about 1spin4win and its unique offer.

The post 1spin4win celebrates its 4th anniversary appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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LuckyStreak launches new SmartStudio greenscreen technology with WinSpirit

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Casino operator’s greenscreen-powered Live Blackjack experience to deliver immersive, custom gameplay and deeper brand engagement

LuckyStreak, the Riga-based live games provider, has launched its fully customisable SmartStudio greenscreen technology with online casino operator WinSpirit, delivering a high-spec branded Live Blackjack experience.

The integration gives WinSpirit the ability to completely customise every visual element of the blackjack environment, from the set, walls and floor, to the dealer’s backdrop, with the brand’s logo and colours. This creates a high-impact, bespoke experience that drives stronger engagement between brand and player.

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LuckyStreak’s green screen solution lets operators like WinSpirit create fully customised, branded live casino environments without needing physical set builds. It’s flexible, fast, and cost-effective. Operators can choose different backgrounds, themes, branding elements – even switch between them dynamically if needed.

Designed with flexibility and fast deployment in mind, LuckyStreak’s highly advanced SmartStudio system offers chroma system keys in full HD with low latency, to promise razor sharp streams. The technology offers studio-grade production, multi-camera greenscreen and a semi-dedicated table layout that enables precise drop logos, video and stills layering and vibrant colour matching. The result is a deeply immersive and visually distinct blackjack game that perfectly aligns with WinSpirit’s brand identity.

This launch reinforces LuckyStreak’s commitment to delivering versatile and custom solutions for operators looking for more tailored and brand-led experiences across their live casino offering.

Ido Kamiel, COO at LuckyStreak, said: “We’re delighted that WinSpirit has chosen to enhance their players’ blackjack experiences with our greenscreen technology. It is designed to be highly flexible to meet our customers’ diverse and individual branding needs, and simple to deploy, to really enable us to forge closer relationships between player and brand, and to ensure that those meaningful moments are unforgettable.

“We are pleased to say that this is being reflected in longer and more involved player sessions compared to their generic table KPIs.”

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Oleksandr Kotsenko, Business Development Lead at WinSpirit, said: “At WinSpirit, we’re always focused on offering players more choices and enhancing their gaming experience.

“Our partnership with LuckyStreak has been a perfect step in bringing this vision to life. We’re excited about this partnership and confident that LuckyStreak will delight our players while making a fantastic addition to our library.”

The post LuckyStreak launches new SmartStudio greenscreen technology with WinSpirit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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