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The MGA publishes its 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statements

Published

3 years ago

June 2, 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes

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.”

Industry News

SpringbokCasino.co.za Presents ‘Savanna Stand-Up’ This ‘Funny April’ — with 25 Free Spins on Devil’s Jackpot

Published

46 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

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SpringbokCasino.co.za is turning the African savanna into a comedy stage with “Savanna Stand-Up”, a five-part series where animals take the spotlight to deliver classic jokes with a uniquely wild twist.

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The Comedy Lineup

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From the Wild to the Reels

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April Free Spins Offer

Players can claim:

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The post SpringbokCasino.co.za Presents ‘Savanna Stand-Up’ This ‘Funny April’ — with 25 Free Spins on Devil’s Jackpot appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Bjørnar Heggernes Chief Commercial Officer at The Mill Adventure

The Mill Adventure Strengthens Its European Footprint With Winz.nl Alliance

Published

46 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

the-mill-adventure-strengthens-its-european-footprint-with-winz.nl-alliance

Top platform provider launches Netherlands’ latest brand delivering a player-centered experience.

The Mill Adventure, a technology-oriented platform provider, has significantly enhanced its presence in the European regulated market by successfully facilitating the launch of the new Dutch brand Winz.nl.

By partnering with The Mill Adventure, operator Orange Gaming’s new brand is leveraging the provider’s comprehensive turnkey solution, which features AI-powered SmartLobbies, enhanced player personalization options, and real-time Business Intelligence tools.

The platform has been tailored to align with Dutch regulations, integrating extensive responsible gambling protocols, strong player protection features, and complete adherence to KSA standards.

The complete launch comes after Orange Gaming obtained its license from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in late 2025, with Winz.nl having a soft launch in January. The brand has launched in the Dutch market with a clear goal of offering a superior, player-focused option in a field primarily controlled by global companies.

A significant differentiator is WinClub, a loyalty program intended to provide players real options regarding how and when they can redeem rewards. Departing from conventional operator-managed bonus systems, the platform enables players to accumulate points via consistent gameplay and choose from a selection of bonuses, free spins, and rewards as they wish. This player-driven approach closely follows responsible gambling guidelines, promoting more intentional participation while steering clear of forceful promotional “pressure” tactics.

Through the integration of local market aspirations and The Mill Adventure’s scalable, compliance-focused technology, the partnership highlights the provider’s capability to launch ambitious brands in Europe’s leading regulated markets.

Bjørnar Heggernes, Chief Commercial Officer at The Mill Adventure, said: “Going live with Winz.nl marks another important milestone in our European growth strategy. The Netherlands is a highly regulated and competitive market, and this launch demonstrates both the flexibility of our platform and our ability to support ambitious new entrants from day one.

“Our turnkey solution enables partners to combine strong brand vision with advanced personalisation, automated lobby management and real-time data insight, all within a fully compliant framework. We are excited to support Winz.nl as it builds momentum and delivers a differentiated, player-first experience in the Dutch market.”

Petrit Dibrani, CEO at Orange Gaming, said: “Our vision is to make the regulated Dutch offer the clear first choice for players – safer, more trustworthy and genuinely enjoyable. Launching with The Mill Adventure’s platform gives us the technology, compliance confidence and analytical capabilities to execute that vision effectively.

“Early results show that players are not only signing up but staying engaged. By focusing on quality, transparency and giving players meaningful control, we are building a brand designed for sustainable growth within the regulated Dutch landscape.”

The post The Mill Adventure Strengthens Its European Footprint With Winz.nl Alliance appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

1win

1win Named Crypto Casino of the Year and Takes Top Honors at BWIGA

Published

46 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

1win-named-crypto-casino-of-the-year-and-takes-top-honors-at-bwiga

Global iGaming platform 1win has been named “Crypto Casino of the Year 2026” at the Belgrade Web3 & iGaming Awards (BWIGA Awards), a leading event uniting experts from Web3, blockchain, and iGaming industries. 1win Partners also received additional recognitions for “Best Affiliate Program” and “Best CMO,” highlighting its growing influence in the global crypto iGaming ecosystem.

The award recognizes 1win’s focus on building a high-performance platform designed for the crypto-friendly generation. Since its launch in 2016, 1win has been refining the balance between premium entertainment and blockchain technology, offering a product where speed, privacy, and accessibility are built into the core experience. As a Curaçao-licensed casino, 1win provides a globally accessible platform with multi-language support and seamless performance across devices, including native iOS and Android applications.

At the heart of its offering is a crypto-first approach. The platform supports a wide range of digital assets, including BTC, ETH (ERC-20), TRX (TRC-20), BSC (BEP-20), TON, SOL, DOGE, DASH, and XRP, allowing users to move funds efficiently across networks. In line with its focus on crypto users, 1win offers an enhanced bonus system, with up to 600% on crypto deposits.

Commenting on the recognition, Mike Danshin, CMO 1win Crypto, said: “Today, the market is no longer competing on bonuses or traffic, it is competing for attention. In crypto iGaming, players are exposed to similar offers across platforms, and the real difference comes from how well a brand understands its audience and builds trust. At 1win, we focus on being a truly crypto-native product. This means clear positioning, tailored communication for different player segments, and a scalable marketing ecosystem that combines global brand presence with local relevance. Receiving this award as the best crypto casino is a strong validation of our approach.”

The Belgrade Web3 & iGaming Awards is one of the key industry platforms in the region, recognizing companies that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and impact across emerging digital ecosystems. The recognition further reinforces 1win’s position as a major player shaping the future of crypto-powered online entertainment.

About 1win

Founded in 2016, 1win is a crypto platform in the global gaming industry. Operating across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, 1win offers a wide range of services adapted to regional audiences. In 2024, 1win partnered with actor Johnny Sins as its brand ambassador. In 2025, MMA legend Jon Jones joined 1win as its global ambassador. American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, Gable Steveson, stepped into the 1win global ambassador team earlier this year.