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MGA Publishes its 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. The report offers an in-depth overview of the performance of Malta’s land-based and online gaming sectors during 2024, while also highlighting the Authority’s key activities and regulatory developments over the past year. It also offers a medium-term outlook for the broader gaming industry, reflecting emerging trends, regulatory shifts and the evolving market landscape.

Key Highlights from 2024

Supervisory Activity & Enforcement

In 2024, the MGA received 28 applications for new gaming licences and issued 17 licences. In addition, the Authority received a further 12 gaming licence renewal applications from operators to renew their gaming licence that was bound to expire in 2024 and issued eight licence renewals.

Low-risk games require a permit, which is valid only for a singular event and expires when the event is concluded. To this end, the MGA issued 1812 permits for non-profit tombola, 19 permits for non-profit lottery and 84 certificates for commercial communication games.

As part of the Authority’s process to assess applications, the MGA carried out just under 1200 criminal probity screening checks on authorised persons, persons holding qualifying interest, directors, key persons and any third parties providing funding or exercising control over an authorised person in both the land-based and online gaming sectors. The Fit and Proper Committee made 64 decisions, 16 of which determined that the criteria to be considered as fit and proper were not met.

The Supervisory Council reviewed 30 gaming licence applications, including new and renewal requests. Out of these, two applications were rejected on the grounds that information or submissions provided were false, misleading, inaccurate, or materially incomplete following the completion of the “Minded Letter” process. One application remained in the “Minded to Refuse” stage.

In 2024, the MGA concluded 13 compliance audits and 116 desktop reviews.

The Authority was notified by the licensees of 123 Technical Information Security Incidents, which the MGA investigated to ensure that no licensed activity was adversely affected.

The Commercial Communications Committee took seven decisions regarding possible breaches of the Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations.

In 2024, the Authority also issued 35 warnings, 25 administrative penalties amounting to €306,250 and reached three regulatory settlements amounting to €61,522. The MGA also suspended two licences and cancelled eight.

AML/CFT Oversight

43 AML/CFT compliance examinations were initiated by the FIAU or by the MGA on its behalf.

60 examinations were concluded, and 11 closure letters were issued to licensees who either addressed the identified issues or where the findings from the compliance examinations were not deemed to be serious and/or systematic.

The FIAU imposed remediation measures and/or administrative penalties on six licensees. The total administrative penalties issued amounted to just under €185,000.

The Authority conducted 37 interviews on prospective MLROs to ensure that candidates meet the required standards of knowledge and awareness of the Maltese AML/CFT legal framework.

Player Protection and Inspections

As part of its efforts to safeguard players and promote responsible gambling, the MGA resolved 3372 requests for assistance (including spill-over from 2023).

To continue safeguarding player funds, the Authority received 1897 player funds reports and carried out 27 data extractions during the reporting period.

The Authority conducted 40 responsible gambling-themed website checks and issued 27 observation letters outlining the issues and areas for improvement.

The MGA investigated 83 cases involving websites that published misleading information and issued 29 public notices on its website.

During the reporting period, the MGA carried out just over 9000 inspections on Gaming Premises (including casinos and commercial bingo halls), Controlled Gaming Premises, National Lottery Outlets including National Lottery Outlets – Controlled Gaming Premises and Non-Profit Tombola.

National and International Cooperation

In 2024, the MGA received 244 suspicious betting reports from licensees and shared 247 alerts on suspicious betting. The Authority participated in 30 investigations across different jurisdictions.

The MGA collaborated with enforcement agencies, sports governing bodies, integrity units and regulatory authorities on 31 requests for information and participated in 39 data exchanges.

The MGA received 85 requests for international collaboration from other regulators. Most of the requests received were generic requests for cooperation or requests for background checks as part of authorisations processes.

The Authority issued 59 official replies to provide feedback on the regulatory standing of its licensed operators to the relevant authorities requesting the information.

The MGA collaborated with local regulating authorities and governing bodies on 161 requests for information.

“Resilience is not just about endurance – it’s about adapting with purpose and staying focused on what matters,” CEO Charles Mizzi said.

“Over the past year, we improved how we work, strengthened our internal processes, and continued investing in the people and systems that support effective regulation. As the sector continues to evolve, the MGA remains committed to anticipating challenges, adapting with purpose, and upholding the standards that define Malta’s reputation as a trusted jurisdiction.”

The post MGA Publishes its 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

3 Oaks Gaming

3 Oaks Gaming fortifies position in Italy’s regulated gambling market with Stanleybet.it tie-up

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3 Oaks Gaming, a leading distributor of iGaming content, has expanded its presence within the Italian Regulated market through a new partnership with Stanleybet.it, one of the country’s leading online gaming platforms.

Under the agreement, Stanleybet.it will integrate 19 of 3 Oaks Gaming’s premium slot titles, providing a diverse range of games that combine strong maths models, polished design and proven retention mechanics.

The collaboration reflects 3 Oaks Gaming’s ongoing commitment to working with established iGaming platforms within key regulated markets.

By partnering with Stanleybet.it, the distributor strengthens its global reach and continues to deliver premium, feature-rich slots to operators seeking engaging and reliable content.

Luca Richter, Sales Manager at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Italy remains a key region for our continued European growth, and partnering with Stanleybet.it reinforces our dedication to working with established, trusted platforms,”
“By integrating 19 of our top-performing titles, we’re ensuring their players enjoy a wider range of immersive, premium slot experiences that deliver both excitement and long-term engagement.”

Dalia Pecingina, Head of Online at Stanleybet.it said: “We are thrilled to bring 3 Oaks slots to our users, a provider we admire for its ability to combine innovation, quality, and fun. The games represent a unique offering
in the Italian gaming landscape, designed for those seeking diverse and engaging gaming experiences. This launch further strengthens our commitment to providing excellent content
and cutting-edge entertainment.”

The post 3 Oaks Gaming fortifies position in Italy’s regulated gambling market with Stanleybet.it tie-up appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Compliance Updates

Finland’s Gambling Reform Is Official – What Happens Next?

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The wait is over: The Finnish Parliament has officially approved the new gambling legislation. In a decisive plenary session, MPs voted 158 in favor to 9 opposed, with 32 abstaining. The text remained unchanged from the version presented in previous weeks, solidifying the framework for Finland’s transition from a monopoly to a licensed market.

With the political uncertainty resolved, the focus now shifts to implementation. For operators, this means the race to compliance—and market entry—has effectively begun.

The Confirmed Timeline

With the legislation passed, the roadmap to the market opening is now set. Operators must use the coming months to prepare for a rigorous licensing process.

  • Early 2026: The application window is expected to open. The regulator will begin accepting and reviewing license applications.

  • 2026 (Throughout): The “preparatory year.” This period is dedicated to vetting applicants, ensuring technical compliance, and establishing the new supervisory authority.

  • January 1, 2027: The regulated Finnish market officially opens. Licensed operators can go live with betting and online casino services.

Entering the Finnish Market with Nordic Legal

Navigating a new jurisdiction is complex, but it doesn’t have to be inefficient. With extensive experience advising on gaming licences across the Nordic markets, Nordic Legal brings a proven, practical approach to the Finnish process.

Efficiency Through Synergy If you already work with us in Denmark or Sweden, we ensure your Finnish licence application isn’t a “start from scratch” project. We build directly on our existing knowledge of your organisation and systems.

Your usual Nordic Legal contact will coordinate directly with our Helsinki team at no extra cost. This integrated approach saves you time and avoids the frustration of duplicating work you’ve already done for other Nordic licenses.

Our Approach We focus on smart compliance:

  • Reusing documentation where regulations overlap.

  • Anticipating regulatory questions before they are asked.

  • Aligning requirements for technical standards and responsible gambling.

  • Engaging constructively with the Finnish authority to ensure a smooth process.

The Finnish Licence Application Package

To support your entry, we offer a comprehensive package designed to handle the heavy lifting:

  • Translation of all required documents.

  • Guidance and completion of complex application forms.

  • Full project management from start to submission.

  • Direct communication with the Finnish regulator on your behalf.

Next Steps

The window for preparation is narrowing. Contact your usual Nordic Legal advisor today to discuss the new legislation or our Licence Application Package. Alternatively, reach out to us directly to secure your place in Finland’s upcoming regulated market.

The post Finland’s Gambling Reform Is Official – What Happens Next? appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Gamepop

GAMEPOP: The Culture of Play by Red Bull Media House – the first bookazine devoted entirely to video game culture

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Introducing GAMEPOP: The Culture of Play, a new premium bookazine by Red Bull Media House and the world’s first magazine dedicated entirely to video-game culture. Designed as a rich, book-like publication, GAMEPOP rethinks what a magazine can be, capturing the creativity, personalities and ideas shaping modern gaming. GAMEPOP will debut at the Red Bull Tetris World Final in Dubai from December 11 to 13, followed by The Game Awards on December 11. The issue will then be available through select international retailers in the weeks that follow.

Across 180 pages, the issue brings together a wide range of cultural voices, including Japanese game designer Hideo Kojima, leading DC Comics creators, the Oscar-nominated team behind Grand Theft Hamlet and contributors with bylines in Vogue. The bookazine also spotlights standout Red Bull talent, including YouTube star Ludwig, Twitch creators Emiru and Caedrel, and Red Bull athlete MenaRD.

Rather than treating gaming as a standalone medium, GAMEPOP looks at how games influence, and are influenced by, wider culture. Through original photography, long-form features, illustration and visual essays, the publication explores how gaming connects to global trends in style, music, movement, storytelling and performance, and the creative communities driving that conversation.

The issue also includes interactive elements, including a bespoke Choose Your Own Adventure story created exclusively for the launch. A limited collector edition of 150 copies takes the concept a step further, featuring a fully functioning Tetris® device embedded directly into the cover – an industry first that turns the magazine into an object of play.

The post GAMEPOP: The Culture of Play by Red Bull Media House – the first bookazine devoted entirely to video game culture appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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