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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.”

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N1 Partners at iGB L!VE 2026: Art Collabs with Clym Evernden and Yoomoota, Exclusive Drops and N1 Sport Promo

Published

3 minutes ago

June 17, 2026

Master Editor

N1 Partners team will participate in iGB L!VE 2026 in London, July 1-2. At booth K50, N1 Partners will present exclusive art collaborations with trendy British illustrator Clym Evernden and designer Yoomoota, a new collection of branded merch drop and the N1 Sport Promo opportunities.

N1 Partners exclusive collaborations at iGB L!VE 2026

One of the main events at the N1 Partners booth on July 1 will be an art performance with the participation of Clym Evernden, a BAFTA Award winner known for his collaboration with fashion brands Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vogue, Diptyque, and Hermes.

Within the framework of iGB L!VE, the artist will create a large-scale artwork in his signature continuous line technique. Guests of the stand will be able to watch the process in real time as well as receive signed postcards and the author’s sketches.

N1 Partners has also prepared an exclusive limited-edition collection with Clym Evernden, which will be included in a select series of gifts for partners.

Another premiere will be a collectible toy created in collaboration with Yoomoota, an art project by artist and designer Taras Yoom, winner of the A’ Design Award and the Good Design Award. His work has been exhibited at PAD London, Art Miami, and the Red Dot Museum and has been featured in Forbes, Hypebeast, Vice, Elle Decor, and Designboom.

Scale sports traffic with N1 Sport Promo

One of the key business topics of the conference will be N1 Sport Promo, which runs from June 10 to July 20.

The promo was created for partners working with sports and Prediction Markets traffic, and is timed to coincide with one of the busiest sports seasons of the year. The FIFA World Cup 2026, UFC, Formula 1, Wimbledon, and other major sporting events open up additional opportunities for scaling campaigns and increasing traffic profitability.

The campaign participants receive additional bonuses for high-quality sports and prediction traffic, which allows them to increase payouts during the period of maximum demand.

N1 Duality: booth concept and activities

At iGB L!VE 2026, N1 Partners will present a new creative concept, N1 Duality, exploring the intersection of opposites: strategy and intuition, technology and creativity, business and art. It is at this juncture that new ideas, partnerships, and growth opportunities are born.

The concept will be reflected in the new limited-edition merch drop SPLIT: London.

The N1 Partners booth will be a visual continuation of N1 Duality. The space will combine business communication, creative activations, and interactive mechanics, reflecting the idea of finding new opportunities through a combination of different approaches and views.

One of the central mechanics will be the interactive DICE game with the opportunity to win instant prizes and limited gifts from N1 Partners.

N1 Partners shortlisted in iGB Affiliate Awards

During iGB L!VE 2026, the results of the iGB Affiliate Awards will be announced. N1 Partners is represented in two categories at once:

Best Affiliate Program;

Marketing Campaign of the Year.

Being shortlisted for one of the most prestigious awards in the affiliate industry has become a recognition of the company’s achievements in developing an affiliate program and implementing large-scale marketing projects.

Book a meeting with N1 Partners

Guests of the booth at the conference will be able to learn more about working with more than 14 casino and betting brands of the partner program in 10+ Tier-1 GEO with flexible cooperation models for different types of traffic.

Guests can discuss the following with the N1 Partners team:

New opportunities for casino, sports and prediction traffic;
Individual terms of cooperation;
Product updates;
Strategies for scaling and increasing traffic profitability.
Current promos and special offers from N1 Partners.

N1 Partners invites existing partners and those interested in cooperation to meet at booth K50 at iGB L!VE 2026.

Contact the team in advance to schedule a convenient meeting time:

Alexa – Head of Affiliates
Vlad – Deputy Head of Affiliates
Vladislav – Affiliate Team Lead
Daria – Affiliate Team Lead
Alina – Affiliate Team Lead
Polina – Affiliate Manager
Victoria – Affiliate Manager
Artem – Affiliate Manager
Pavel – Affiliate Manager
Alexandr – Affiliate Manager
Shirin – Affiliate Manager
Aleksandrs – Affiliate Manager

If you wish to discuss marketing activities, content projects, media placements or other collaboration formats, N1 Partners’ marketing team will be happy to meet you at iGB L!VE 2026.

Tatiana – Head of Brand Marketing (B2B & B2C)
Maria – Team Lead of PR, Event, Production
Oleksandra – Head of SMM & Content

See you at booth K50 in London.

Start working with N1 Partners — become number one!

1xBet

HLTV Awards returns to Belgrade on January 9, 2027, adding Lifetime Achievement honor

Published

9 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

hltv-awards-returns-to-belgrade-on-january-9,-2027,-adding-lifetime-achievement-honor

HLTV will stage the HLTV Awards presented by 1xBet in Belgrade, Serbia on January 9, 2027, returning to the Sava Center. The company said more than 1,000 players, industry professionals, creators, and fans are expected to attend.

HLTV also confirmed Dust2 creator David Johnston will feature as an award announcer. HLTV linked the booking to the 25th anniversary of Dust2.

For 2026, HLTV is updating its Hall of Fame process and eligibility rules. Four players will be inducted again, with “at least two and up to three” slots reserved for players from the Counter-Strike 1.6 and early eras. HLTV also removed the former “neo rule,” allowing players to be inducted for their playing careers even if they remain active in other roles such as coaching.

HLTV is adding a Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be decided by the Hall of Fame Board. The ceremony will also move Community Awards onto the main stage show for the first time, rather than the pre-show segment.

Separately, HLTV will kick off the 2027 Awards season with an invite-only “HLTV Awards by 1xBet Launch Party x GRID” in Cologne during the Major. HLTV said industry members can apply for an invite to the ceremony via its awards page.

The post HLTV Awards returns to Belgrade on January 9, 2027, adding Lifetime Achievement honor appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Benjamin Bradtke Co-Founder of ThrillTech

ThrillTech lands Gibraltar B2B supplier licence

Published

9 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

thrilltech-lands-gibraltar-b2b-supplier-licence

Approval from HM Government of Gibraltar’s Gambling Division lets the supplier serve Gibraltar-licensed iGaming operators.

ThrillTech has been granted a Gambling Services (B2B) Licence by the Gambling Division of HM Government of Gibraltar, allowing the supplier to provide its opt-in jackpot and mystery reward products to regulated iGaming operators licensed in Gibraltar.

The company said the licence supports its international expansion plans and will enable it to deploy its ThrillPots product with additional operators in the jurisdiction, which hosts a number of tier-one betting and gaming brands.

Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder of ThrillTech, said: “Securing a B2B licence in Gibraltar is an important step for ThrillTech and a testament to our market-leading jackpots technology. Gibraltar is home to some of the industry’s most prestigious operators. This approval not only accelerates our global expansion strategy but now allows us to provide these major operators with new layers of player engagement which generate incremental revenue.”

ThrillTech said it seeks market-specific licences and certifications because its side-bet jackpots operate independently of operators’ core casino games and betting products. The company added that its jackpots are powered by a proprietary, certified RNG and do not alter core game RTP, with funding coming from opt-in player contributions.

According to ThrillTech, its regulated market licences and certifications also include the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Malta, Peru, and Brazil.

The post ThrillTech lands Gibraltar B2B supplier licence appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.