The Malta Gaming Authority has published its Supervisory Engagement Efforts for 2026, outlining the areas that will shape its regulatory oversight of the online gaming sector in the year ahead.

Building on the supervisory framework refined in 2025, the Authority will continue to apply a risk‑based, evidence‑led and outcomes‑focused approach. This enables the Authority to identify and assess regulatory risks more effectively, direct supervisory resources where they are most needed, and maintain a proactive and responsive regulatory environment.

For 2026, supervisory efforts are structured around three core regulatory themes: compliance, player protection and sports betting integrity. Within these pillars, the Authority has identified a number of targeted focus areas that reflect its ongoing risk assessment, supervisory observations and engagement with Authorised Persons.

Key supervisory priorities for 2026 include:

• a thematic review of internal control frameworks around the use of cash and cash equivalents within the online gaming industry;

• a thematic review of internal control frameworks around the use of crypto assets;

• focused integrity reviews relating to athletes betting on their own sport and integrity risks linked to esports markets; and

• enhanced oversight of player protection measures, including the quality and consistency of operator monthly ADR reporting.

Through these focused supervisory engagements, the Authority aims to strengthen regulatory standards, safeguard player interests and reinforce the long‑term resilience and integrity of the online gaming sector.

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Inspired Entertainment, Inc.  is thrilled to unveil the debut of Golden Horsey Winner Grand Chance in the UK and Maltese iGaming markets as well as in UK B3/CAT C retail.

Golden Horsey Winner Grand Chance races onto the reels as a progression of the acclaimed slot, Golden Winner Grand Chance, fusing the franchise’s successful, record-setting mechanics with an energetic horse racing motif. It provides participants with a new, seasonal adventure that’s filled with significant winning possibilities and dynamic gameplay for top-tier omni-channel gaming enjoyment.

Participants can take part via various bonus entry options, such as Free Spins, Gold Bar Stack, Gamble, Fortune Spins offered in both retail and interactive formats, along with Fortune Bet and Bonus Buy in the interactive version. Collector Jockeys, paired with the advanced Grand Chance mechanic, creates multipliers and uncovers pot prizes for thrilling, nail-biting moments. Unexpected reel modifiers and adjustable volatility in the interactive format guarantee that each spin brings thrill and suspense, providing both online and brick-and-mortar operators with a flexible and captivating game suitable for a wide range of players, just in time for the eagerly awaited UK horse-racing season.

Dave Johnston, Head of Inspired’s Bell-Fruit Game Studio, said: “Golden Winner Grand Chance has been a fan favourite for both online players and retail audiences, so bringing it to life with a horse racing twist felt like the perfect next step. It is a playful, fast-paced slot, that’s full of fun, winning moments, precisely what players love, and we can’t wait to see them enjoy this seasonal spin on what has become, a classic favourite.”

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published the results of a Thematic Review on how online B2C licensees implement self‑exclusion and other responsible gambling safeguards. The Review sought to identify any systemic weaknesses and clarify regulatory expectations relating to player protection, highlighting areas performing well as well as opportunities for licensees to strengthen their practices.

The Review was carried out in 2025 following reports that some players were able to access multiple brands despite being self‑excluded due to problem gambling. It examined the real‑world performance of player protection tools across 20 licensees and 58 active URLs. A mystery shopping exercise assessed the effectiveness of self‑exclusion processes, cross‑brand account controls, and the presentation of responsible gambling protections at key points of play.

The findings presented in this document reaffirm the Authority’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding players and upholding the integrity of the online gaming sector. Overall, the Thematic Review indicates a positive level of compliance, with the majority of licensees assessed demonstrating practices that are broadly in line with regulatory expectations. At the same time, the Review highlights opportunities for further strengthening player protection measures across the sector.

The assessment outlines the specific areas where enhancements would be beneficial. These include delays in activating self‑exclusion, instances where exclusions were lifted without applying a mandatory cooling‑off period, challenges in detecting duplicate or closely matching player identity details across brands, the absence of limit‑setting prompts during registration, and incomplete information displayed within Reality Check pop‑ups. Together, these findings provide guidance where systems and processes can be enhanced to ensure player protection measures operate as intended.

The Authority has communicated the findings to the relevant licensees, each of whom has been asked to address the points raised and submit rectification plans. Follow‑up supervisory engagement will continue where necessary, including monitoring the implementation of corrective actions. This work forms part of the Authority’s broader risk‑based oversight approach, aimed at promoting higher and more consistent standards of player protection across the sector.

Through this Guidance Document, the Authority encourages all licensees to use the insights from this Review to reinforce their internal frameworks, enhance their responsible gambling controls, and continue contributing to a safer and more sustainable gaming environment.

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