Latest News
The MGA publishes its 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statements
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/Authority) is publishing its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2022. In addition to outlining the performance of the Maltese gaming business in 2022, the report gives a broad summary of the Authority’s accomplishments during the year under review and offers a medium-term outlook for the future. A thorough report outlining key statistics for the land-based and online gaming industries is then presented.
Supervisory Activities
- 28 compliance audits were conducted and 228 desktop reviews were carried out during 2022, accompanied by additional AML/CFT compliance examinations that are carried out by the FIAU, or by the MGA on its behalf. Following information which emerged from compliance audits, compliance reviews and formal investigations, the Authority issued 10 warnings and cancelled six (6) licences. In addition, the MGA issued a total of 16 administrative penalties as well as three (3) regulatory settlements, with a collective total financial penalty of €179,150.
- A total of 25 licensees were subject to remediation and/or administrative measures by the FIAU, ranging from written reprimands to administrative penalties, based on the breaches identified during examinations carried out in previous years, including by the MGA. In total, these amounted to just over €738,000.
- Six (6) individuals and companies were deemed by the Fit & Proper Committee to not be up to the Authority’s probity standards due to various factors, including due to the risks of money laundering or funding of terrorism.
- Forty-one (41) gaming licence applications were received during 2022. Thirty-one (31) licences were issued, while twenty-one (21) were unsuccessful.
- Over 1,500 criminal probity screening checks were undertaken on individuals, shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners, key persons and other employees, and companies from both the land-based and online gaming sectors.
- The Authority conducted 48 interviews with prospective MLROs and key persons carrying out the AML/CFT function to determine the knowledge and suitability of each candidate.
- The Commercial Communication Committee of the MGA issued a total of nine (9) Letters of Breach following breaches of the Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09).
- In its efforts to protect players and encourage responsible gambling, the Authority supported a total of 5,280 players who requested assistance, covering most of the cases received during 2022 and the spill-over from 2021.
- The MGA conducted 85 responsible gaming-themed website checks, through which 38 URLs were found to have misleading information. This led to 17 notices being published on the MGA website, and 30 observation letters that were sent out reflecting responsible gaming issues.
Improvements in Efficiency and Effectiveness
- The Authority commissioned a sectorial skills strategy to address the gaming industry’s challenges with respect to the ongoing demand for qualified and skilled human capital, which increased significantly as the economy grew and diversified into numerous sectors.
- Consultation exercises were conducted with industry stakeholders regarding the bets offered by licensees – with a focus on sports integrity and player protection considerations – on the proposed amendments to the Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018), and on the proposed policy on the use of Innovative Technology Arrangements (ITAs) and the acceptance of Virtual Financial Assets (VFAs) and Virtual Tokens, which led to amendments and a finalised Policy, respectively.
- The Authority streamlined the approval process of appointing an MLRO in collaboration with the FIAU while, at the same time, ensuring that the industry is kept updated on any changes affecting this process and on any best practices that are intrinsic to the role of the MLRO.
- The concept of Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUPs) Reports was introduced, covering player funds and Gaming Revenue. Audit firms are drawing up these reports in compliance with the ‘International Standard on Related Services (ISRS) 4400 (Revised) Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements’.
- The MGA kickstarted a process for possibly implementing a voluntary Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice for the industry to showcase and increase the positive social and environmental impacts of the gambling sector.
National and International Cooperation
- Throughout 2022, the Authority issued 43 news items on its website and 26 external communications, providing a synopsis of various updates and developments at the Authority and across the industry.
- A total of 224 alerts were sent to the industry, 167 of which were also sent to the appropriate Sports Governing Bodies.
- A total of 44 requests for information specifically relating to the manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules were submitted by enforcement agencies, sport governing bodies, integrity units, and other regulatory bodies. As a result of such requests, data was exchanged in 25 instances. Additionally, a total of 475 suspicious betting reports from licensees and other concerned parties were received.
- During the period under review, the Authority was a direct participant in 15 different investigations across the globe relating to the manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules, as well as an indirect participant in 3 such investigations.
- The Authority received a total of 83 international cooperation requests from other regulators and sent 97 such requests, with the majority referring to requests for background checks as part of an authorisation process.
- A total of 177 official replies were issued providing feedback on the regulatory good standing of our licensed operators to the relevant authorities asking for this information.
- The MGA works together with other local regulating authorities and governing bodies. This is reflected through responses furnished by the MGA to requests for information made by the Asset Recovery Bureau (ARB), the FIAU, as well as the MPF on the gaming sector. Additionally, the relevant information is provided to the Sanctions Monitoring Board (SMB) to assist in issuing penalties in instances of non-compliance with sanctions screening obligations.
In publishing this report, the CEO, Dr Carl Brincat said: “This report is testament to our collective efforts in promoting a fair and sustainable gaming ecosystem. Through proactive measures and leaner regulation processes, we strive to ensure a level playing field that nurtures innovation while safeguarding against any potential risks.
“As the global gaming landscape evolves, our role becomes even more critical. We embrace this responsibility with utmost determination, working tirelessly to stay ahead of emerging trends, technologies, and challenges. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of robust frameworks that inspire confidence, protect vulnerable individuals and render Malta the home for gaming operators of good will.”
Powered by WPeMatico
Betnacional
Brazil: Betting pressures household budgets and reshapes the competition for consumer spending
As the industry prepares for BiS SiGMA South America 2026, the largest and most influential iGaming event in Latin America, real market data begins to reveal a profound transformation in the behavior of the Brazilian consumer.
It is no longer just about “betting volume”, but about a reconfiguration of the Share of Wallet (participation in household spending).
The unprecedented study “Bets na Mesa, Consumo em Jogo”, carried out by NielsenIQ Brazil, sheds light on a reality that will be the center of technical debates at the Transamerica Expo Center: in 2025, 26.3% of Brazilian households participated in some form of betting.
This figure is not just a number; it is the reflection of a “new parallel shopper journey” that is capturing the attention and income of the population.
Radiography of Consumption: Who and what is being bet?
The Brazilian market in 2026 shows a clear fragmentation.
Despite the explosion of digital platforms, traditional modalities maintain notable resilience, creating a hybrid ecosystem between analog and digital.
Dominant Modalities
According to the NielsenIQ study, preferences are distributed as follows:
• Mega-Sena: 15.8% of households.
• Video Slots (such as the “Jogo do Tigrinho”): 7.7%.
• Jogo do Bicho: 3.9%.
• Sports Betting (Bets): 3.6%.
Socioeconomic and generational profiles in Brazil
The study reveals that bettors are not a homogeneous group. There is a marked division by Socioeconomic Level (SEL) and age:
• The Slots phenomenon: The “Jogo do Tigrinho” concentrates bettors from middle SEL (63.3%) and a notably young audience, with 42.4% of bettors up to 35 years old.
• The maturity of Mega-Sena: It predominates in high SEL (45.5%) and in a more mature profile, where 49.1% are over 51 years old.
As Gabriel Fagundes, Insights Leader for the Industry at NielsenIQ, points out: “We had already identified that betting became a popular and common practice in the routine of the Brazilian consumer.”
“Now, the numbers also point to the dimension that this practice is taking within household expenses and in the income of bettors.”
The Economic Motivation: Extra Income or Entertainment?
One of the most critical points for operators that will meet at BiS SiGMA is to understand the “why” behind betting.
The data from 2026 shows a diffuse frontier between gambling as leisure and gambling as economic hope.
For 49% of bettors, the main motivation is to obtain extra income, while 43.5% expect a “radical change of life”.
This second profile is more common in casual Mega-Sena players.
Classification by Intensity
The market is divided into three levels of commitment:
- Casual (73%): They play at least once a month.
- “Pro” (28%): They bet once a week. From this group, 65.8% seek extra income.
- “Elite” (9.3%): They bet weekly and spend more than R$ 100 per month.
This “gaming intensity” is, according to the study, the real driver of the economic impact on households, especially in the Northeast regions (29% penetration) and South (28.3%).
The Impact on Retail and the Consumption Basket
For the iGaming industry, understanding which expenses are being substituted is vital for sustainability and social responsibility.
The study reveals that only 10% of households admit substituting expenses directly for betting, but the affected categories are alarming.
Affected Categories
Among those who substitute expenses:
• Food: 47% of the cases.
• Fixed bills (water, electricity, internet): 45.3%.
• Beer: It is the category with the greatest retraction, registering a drop of 1.7 percentage points in the participation of spending.
• Cookies, perfumes and soft drinks: They also present negative impacts.
The main strategy of the consumer to accommodate spending on betting has been to reduce the quantity of items purchased; in fact, 60% of the consumption categories registered a decrease in the volume acquired in 2025.
Strategic Challenges for the Legal Market in 2026
The NielsenIQ data presents a direct challenge for brands and operators that seek to consolidate themselves in “Legal Brazil”.
The pressure on the domestic budget forces manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and betting operators to compete for the same currency.
“Betting is a new competitor in the consumer’s Share of Wallet.
This pressures manufacturers to act with more precision in communication, price and activation to recover relevance in front of this new competitor: the habit of betting itself.”
Towards BiS SiGMA 2026
As we approach the largest event in the region, this study serves as a warning and an opportunity. The Brazilian market of 2026 is mature, but it is under intense social scrutiny due to the impact on low-income families.
Operators that wish to have long-term success must:
- Differentiate the profiles: It is not possible to treat the young middle SEL slot player the same as the high SEL Mega-Sena bettor.
- Promote Responsible Gaming: The substitution of food and fixed bills for betting is a regulatory “red flag” that could tighten laws in the near future.
- Regional Innovation: The Northeast and the South are the markets with the highest intensity, requiring more aggressive localization strategies.
BiS SiGMA South America will be the perfect stage to discuss how the industry can grow without compromising the economic stability of Brazilian households, ensuring that iGaming is seen as entertainment and not as an unsustainable financial burden.

Superscore consolidates in Brazil and launches weekly analysis for the press.
The platform offers statistical analysis of the Brazilian Championship and of the main national and international championships, such as the Copa Libertadores, the World Cup and the Champions League, among others, with metrics that go beyond goals and assists for fans and sports experts.
Superscore Insights is the new newsletter for the press, with a weekly publication and another analysis of the latest news.
Superscore, a sports intelligence application associated with Superbet, advances and consolidates itself in Brazil as a strategic platform to transform data into reliable information for football fans in real time and without advertising.
With its own methodology, the solution establishes itself as a reference among sports fans, bringing together advanced statistics, rankings and in-depth analysis of the main tournaments, players and coaches in the country.
Now, the platform takes a new step with the launch of Superscore Insights, expanding its collaboration with the press by offering even more solid analysis, contextualized data and specialized support for sports coverage.
On Mondays, journalists will receive an exclusive bulletin with deep and original analysis of the weekend matches, a specialized analysis of the most important events of the day, as well as predictions and statistics of upcoming events.
With global coverage, Superscore already gathers more than 1,900 competitions, 63,000 teams and more than 480,000 monitored players, offering a solid base for historical and real-time analysis.
The data from Superscore comes from leading partners worldwide in the collection and distribution of sports data, the same ones used by Superbet and the main companies in the sector.
These providers offer high precision, low latency and comprehensive coverage of competitions worldwide.
“Superscore was born as a free sports intelligence application, without advertising, that goes beyond the basics by offering a wide database and statistics for those who want to understand the game in depth.
In just one year, it has already achieved thousands of users and grows approximately 30% monthly, climbing positions in the Google Play ranking.”
“The platform offers a solid experience for both fans and professionals, in addition to facilitating more informed decisions in sports betting, thus reinforcing the commitment to responsible gaming,” states Patrícia Prates, Marketing Director of Superbet and of the alliance with Superscore.
Superscore: Exclusive data and decades of history
In a context where sports coverage increasingly requires qualified data and contextualization, Superscore distinguishes itself by going beyond traditional indicators, incorporating metrics such as accurate shots, passes in the offensive third, tackles, recoveries, participation in decisive plays and time on the field, among other indicators.
These data are translated into the Superscore Score, a proprietary index that allows building Top 5 or Top 10 rankings of the best players of each round, with graphical visualizations and quick analysis.
Another differentiating factor is the expanded historical database, which gathers information from the Brazilian Championship since 1937, the Copa Libertadores since 1960 and the Champions League since 1992, which allows comparative analysis and identifying patterns over decades.
“We are talking about a platform built on a solid technological base, which combines a large volume of unique data, history and a team prepared to transform this information into relevant content for football fans.
Superscore organizes and translates these data so that they can also be used in sports coverage,” states Guilherme Simantob, director of Superscore in Brazil.
Superscore offers free and integrable widgets for the press and content creators, facilitating the incorporation of statistics, graphics and comparisons directly into articles, enriching journalistic narrative with reliable and visually accessible data.
The app is available in the App Store and Google Play.

Reevo arrives in Brazil with Betsson
Reevo has expanded its presence in Latin America after launching its aggregation platform and its own games catalog in Brazil in collaboration with Betsson.
The integration, carried out through a single connection, allows the operator to expand its content offering with Reevo’s own titles and third-party titles.
The movement reinforces the alliance between both companies and is part of a growth strategy in regulated markets, especially Brazil, considered one of the most promising in the region after regulatory advances.
From Betsson, Andrea Rossi highlighted the impact of the agreement by stating that the incorporation of Reevo’s content “expands the entertainment offer available for our players in one of the fastest-growing markets in the region.”
Additionally, both companies anticipated new joint expansions in other markets, after a recent launch also in Mexico.
Reevo continues to bet on its aggregation model as a way to facilitate access to multiple studios through a single integration, while expanding its global distribution network.
BTG launches prediction platform and increases the dispute between banks, stock exchange and betting
The launch of BTG Trends by BTG Pactual marks a new chapter in the growth of prediction markets in Brazil, intensifying competition between banks, the stock exchange and the betting sector.
This new platform allows investors to operate binary contracts (“yes” or “no”) based on probabilities about financial events, such as the dollar, the Ibovespa or interest rate decisions, using already regulated derivative instruments.
The movement is not isolated. The Brazilian stock exchange (B3) also advances in this direction, with the development of financial event contracts and digital derivatives, although restricted to professional investors.
At the same time, the platform XP established a partnership with Kalshi, facilitating access for Brazilian investors to international predictive markets, while new startups such as VoxFi explore broader applications, including geopolitics and culture.
At a global level, these markets have gained relevance and volume, driven by platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi.
However, their regulation continues to be a subject under debate. In the United States, the CFTC considers these contracts as financial derivatives, although discussions still exist about limits and risks, especially in sensitive events.
In Brazil, authorities, including the CVM and the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, are already analyzing how to frame these activities from a regulatory point of view, especially when they overlap with sports events.
The advance of these products has also generated reaction from the betting sector.
The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) maintains that, when there is money involved in uncertain events, it is essentially betting, regardless of the format, and warns about risks such as unfair competition and lower consumer protection if they operate outside the regulated framework.
The main difference between betting and prediction markets lies in their structure: in betting, the user plays against the house, while in prediction markets prices are formed among participants and reflect collective probabilities.
Even so, the boundary between both models remains diffuse.
With banks, stock exchange and new platforms advancing simultaneously, prediction markets stop being an emerging trend and become a new field of dispute within the financial system.
The regulatory framework is still under construction, and the evolution of the sector will depend on how the limits between investment and betting are defined as these products scale.
The post Brazil: Betting pressures household budgets and reshapes the competition for consumer spending appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Casino Guru
Casino Guru Awards partner with Ethical Gambling Forum to champion transparency and player protection
Casino Guru is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with the Ethical Gambling Forum (EGF), a leading industry event focused on responsible gambling, sustainability, and ethical business practices. This partnership represents a major step forward in promoting ethics, transparency, and player protection across the iGaming sector.
As part of the initiative, the Casino Guru Awards will take a prominent role during the upcoming EGF conference, bringing the awards process directly into a space where industry stakeholders are united in their commitment to raising standards and safeguarding players.
From April 30 to May 1, Casino Guru will host an exclusive judges’ session during the conference week. This hands-on gathering will allow the Awards jury to actively review shortlisted nominees, conducting direct calls with candidates to gain deeper insight into their operations, values, and dedication to responsible gambling. This approach ensures that the Awards remain rigorous, transparent, and merit-based.
Additionally, Casino Guru will lead a panel discussion at the conference, featuring Awards judges and industry experts. The session will explore the significance of independent evaluation, ethical standards in iGaming, and how initiatives like the Casino Guru Awards contribute to a safer, more transparent gambling environment.
Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Projects Director at Casino Guru, said:
“This partnership with the Ethical Gambling Forum is a natural fit. We share core values around ethics, transparency, responsible gambling, and player protection. By enabling judges to engage directly with shortlisted candidates, we add an extra layer of integrity and depth to the evaluation process, which truly sets the Casino Guru Awards apart.”
Jo Abergel, Co-Founder of the Ethical Gambling Forum, added:
“Partnering with Casino Guru for the Leeds event reinforces the message that accountability must be at the heart of our industry’s future. Together, we are creating a space for honest dialogue and meaningful progress, celebrating those who lead by example in player protection and industry integrity.”
This collaboration underscores the shared mission of Casino Guru and EGF: to elevate industry standards, support responsible operators, and recognize organizations that prioritize player well-being. By embedding the Awards judging process within the Ethical Gambling Forum, both organizations aim to foster transparency, encourage accountability, and celebrate ethical leadership in iGaming.
The post Casino Guru Awards partner with Ethical Gambling Forum to champion transparency and player protection appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Endorphina
NAZAR WISHES AWAIT YOUR COMMAND
Let your wishes guide you to fortune in Nazar Wishes, the latest visually stunning and immersive online slot from Endorphina.
Players are invited on a mystical journey through an Arabian fantasy world, traveling by camel along a desert path toward a radiant temple brimming with treasures. This enchanting adventure features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 20 fixed paylines, an RTP of 96.07%, and high volatility, promising thrilling gameplay with every spin.
Along the way, players are guarded by the Nazar Wishes amulet, a symbol of good luck bestowed by friendly genies. This mystical talisman protects against Nazar, the ‘evil eye’, who seeks to claim the prizes for himself.
Why Nazar Wishes Stands Out
Endorphina’s latest release adds a touch of magic to its growing slot portfolio. Players can summon colorful enchantments through Lucky Time Features and Hold & Win Bonus Games, triggered with the help of sacred lamp spirits.
The game also includes a Pick Me Bonus Game with Min, Mid, Max, and Ultra jackpots, offering rewards of up to 1,000x the total bet.
Built for seamless play across desktop, tablet, and mobile, Nazar Wishes delivers fast-loading, flawless performance, allowing players to enjoy their mystical adventure anytime, anywhere.
Double Your Wins with 10 Risk Attempts
Endorphina’s classic Risk Game returns, giving players up to 10 chances to double their winnings, adding extra excitement to each session.
With its enchanting Arabian theme, magical bonus mechanics, and smooth gameplay, Nazar Wishes promises a captivating journey for players seeking high-quality, immersive entertainment.
The post NAZAR WISHES AWAIT YOUR COMMAND appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Alberta6 days agoMedia Troopers Prepares for Alberta iGaming Launch with Canadian Gaming Law Firm
-
40 Sparkling Crown6 days agoTaDa Gaming Enters South Africa via Strategic Betway Partnership
-
Asia5 days agoGLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines
-
Bettingbladet.se6 days agoBettingbladet Aims to Become Sweden’s Central Hub for Gambling Industry News & Trends
-
Barbie Nerz Head of Online Games at Staatliche Toto-Lotto GmbH Baden-Württemberg6 days agoPeter & Sons Partners with Staatliche Toto-Lotto GmbH Baden-Württemberg for German Market Entry
-
Games Global6 days agoGames Global and Just For The Win® continue the ghostly adventure in Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage™
-
ADM6 days agoENJOY gains Italian approval amid advancing regulated expansion strategy
-
Bragg Gaming Group6 days agoBragg Gaming Group Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Revenues



