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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.”
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Big Betty Partners
Big Betty Partners Launches the Big Deal Promo for Affiliates
Big Betty Partners, an iGaming affiliate program operating since 2021, has announced the launch of its new large-scale campaign, Big Deal Promo, designed for both new and existing affiliates working with Tier-1 markets.
Over the past several years, the program has built a reputation as a fast-growing affiliate platform offering flexible monetization models, high-converting brands, and transparent analytics tools that help partners scale their traffic effectively. Working directly with advertisers, Big Betty Partners provides affiliates with multiple cooperation models, including RevShare, CPA, and hybrid structures.
The newly launched Big Deal Promo introduces an additional reward layer to the standard affiliate revenue model. During the campaign, partners continue earning their regular commissions while simultaneously participating in the Big Deal Show rewards campaign, creating a double-benefit structure for traffic monetization.
For new affiliates joining the program, Big Betty Partners is also offering RevShare of up to 65% for the first three months with the promo code BIG-65, providing an additional incentive to start working with the program during the promotional period.
Affiliates can already join BigBetty.io, activate the promotion, and begin accumulating Betty Points through their traffic performance.
How the Big Deal Promo Works

The promotion runs from March 10 to June 1, 2026, giving affiliates several months to test strategies, scale their campaigns, and accumulate Betty Points.
The campaign operates alongside the standard affiliate model. Partners generate FTDs as usual, while each new deposit contributes to their Betty Points balance. These points later determine which rewards affiliates can claim.
The accumulation rules are straightforward:
PPC and SEO traffic
1 FTD = 2 Betty Points
ASO, Influencer, Email, and SMS traffic
1 FTD = 1 Betty Point
As affiliates generate deposits during the campaign, their Betty Points balance steadily increases. The structure rewards consistent performance over time and allows partners to scale their activity throughout the promotion gradually.
Partners who join earlier gain more time to accumulate points, while affiliates entering later in the campaign can still build a competitive balance through effective traffic strategies.
Markets and Campaign Scope

The Big Deal Promo focuses on Tier-1 markets and includes all projects operated by Big Betty Partners.
Affiliates working with these markets can integrate the promotion into strategies across multiple traffic sources, including:
- SEO
- PPC
- ASO
- influencer marketing
- email marketing
- media buying campaigns
Each FTD generated during the promotion adds Betty Points to the partner’s balance, turning performance directly into reward potential.

The campaign includes 100 prize positions, allowing affiliates to exchange their accumulated points for rewards depending on the number of Betty Points they have earned during the promotion.
Throughout the campaign, affiliate managers provide partners with guidance on GEO selection, campaign optimization, and traffic strategies to help maximize results.
What Happens at the Big Deal Show?
The campaign will conclude during the Big Deal Show, streamed live on June 5, 2026, on the official Big Betty Partners YouTube channel.
During the broadcast, the Big Betty team will unveil the full catalogue of prizes available within the promotion. Each reward will correspond to a specific Betty Points value, allowing partners to determine which items they can claim based on their accumulated balance.
The prize catalogue remains undisclosed throughout the campaign, building anticipation until the live reveal.
Following the broadcast, affiliates will be able to exchange their Betty Points through their affiliate managers. The reward exchange window will remain open until June 10, 2026.
Join the Big Deal Promo
Registration for the Big Deal Promo is already open.
Affiliates interested in participating can sign up at BigBetty.io, activate the promotion, and begin accumulating Betty Points while continuing to earn their regular affiliate commissions.
With several months available before the finale, partners have time to test traffic strategies, scale their campaigns, and build their Betty Points balance ahead of the Big Deal Show reveal.
For affiliates looking to combine traditional revenue models with additional incentives, the Big Deal Promo introduces a campaign format built around measurable performance and long-term partner engagement.
The post Big Betty Partners Launches the Big Deal Promo for Affiliates appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Carsten Koerl Founder and CEO of Sportradar
Sportradar Introduces Playradar, Delivering Sports-Data-Backed Casino Content to Operators Around the Globe
New brand to link sportsbook and casino experiences via exclusive hybrid content.
Sportradar Group AG, a prominent worldwide sports technology firm that develops engaging experiences for sports enthusiasts and bettors, today unveiled Playradar, a specialized brand providing a comprehensive ecosystem of interconnected gaming experiences for international operators. This signifies the subsequent phase in the development of Sportradar’s iGaming operations.
Sportradar has recently appointed Edo Haitin, the former CEO of Playtech Live, to head its iGaming division as part of this expansion. Haitin offers over 20 years of experience in iGaming operations, live casino development, and executive leadership, contributing senior-level knowledge to enhance Sportradar’s iGaming expansion.
Playradar will leverage Sportradar’s live and historical sports data and AV streams, combined with casino games, to create unique, proprietary, hybrid products featuring:
- Live 24/7 Experience Centre – players will be offered a game and a live stream to watch simultaneously on the same screen, blending sports viewing and gaming for pure engagement or betting real money. This creates a community and opportunities for players to interact in real-time, sharing tips, game preferences and reactions.
- Live & Historical Streaming Sports/Casino Hybrid Content – transforming real sporting moments into interactive event driven gameplay by blending live and historical sports streaming with casino mechanics to create innovative hybrid gaming experiences. A live prediction product will also be powered by Sportradar’s live data.
- Premium iGaming Content – virtual sports and a full suite of casino games, from slots and table games to arcade and crash, developed to the highest standards for a positive player experience.
Sportradar is exceptionally poised to expand its iGaming operations by leveraging its current game studio, sports data knowledge, streaming abilities, and worldwide distribution network. The marketing, acquisition, and retention technologies of the company utilize profound understanding of player behavior across both betting and iGaming sectors, strengthening Sportradar’s connections with sportsbook and casino operators globally. Since most of Sportradar’s clients already function in both areas, iGaming serves as an organic pathway to foster sustained monetization and lifetime value in conjunction with betting.
Playradar will function solely in regulated markets, incorporating responsible gaming and integrity into each product it offers. Game launches are planned for 2026, starting in the UK, North America, and Latin America. The complete product lineup will include classic table games, arcade games, slots, and virtual sports.
Carsten Koerl, Founder and CEO of Sportradar, said: “iGaming represents a natural and scalable extension of our business, and a strategic acceleration of our long-term growth roadmap. Playradar content is designed to provide optimized cross-sell between the worlds of sport and casinos, helping operators to increase player value and session length at a time when engagement and retention are key to operational sustainability. In Edo, we have an experienced and proven industry leader to drive the business forward, with the support of a passionate and dedicated team.”
Edo Haitin, EVP of iGaming added: “By combining our unrivalled experience in sports data and live streaming, along with a proven track record of product development, we aim to create hybrid content and gaming experiences to capitalize on the rising popularity of sports casino consumption. We’re uniquely positioned to seamlessly blend live and historical sports events, innovative gaming mechanics, and casino content and have the advantage of being able to distribute games to an already licensed portfolio of operators. I’m incredibly excited to be further strengthening our iGaming business through Playradar and to grow it into a leader in iGaming content, leveraging Sportradar’s existing resources and the highly experienced and skilled team already in place.”
The post Sportradar Introduces Playradar, Delivering Sports-Data-Backed Casino Content to Operators Around the Globe appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Games Global
Games Global and Just For The Win® continue the ghostly adventure in Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage™
Games Global, in collaboration with studio partner Just For The Win, has launched Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage
, the latest entry in its established pirate-themed slot franchise.
The release builds on the success of previous titles in the Dark Waters
series, introducing new mechanics and enhanced progression systems designed to increase player engagement. As competition intensifies in the online slots market, sequels that evolve proven formulas are becoming a key strategy for suppliers looking to retain player interest.
Set within a supernatural seafaring world, the game features a 6×4 grid with 4,096 ways to win. A central addition is the Sail into Riches progression meter, which guides players through a six-stage journey, unlocking feature upgrades and gameplay enhancements as they advance. This progression-based approach reflects a broader trend in slot development, where layered mechanics are used to extend session time and improve retention.
At the core of the gameplay is the Cash Collect feature, allowing Money Symbols ranging from 5x to 5,000x to land across the reels. Wins are triggered when a Collect symbol appears, creating the potential for high-value payouts.
The game also incorporates a Free Spins mode activated by Bonus Tokens, showcasing the signature Power Combo
mechanic. This includes features such as Giant Reels, Stack Collect, and Golden Reels, which can combine and upgrade across four levels. At maximum progression, the reel layout expands to a 6×8 grid, offering up to 262,144 ways to win and significantly increasing payout potential.
Additional gameplay depth is introduced through the Diamond Menu, which offers features like Bonus Hunt, Coin Burst, Crew’s Choice, and Captain’s Choice—each providing alternative paths to access or enhance bonus functionality.
Commenting on the release, Edward Eklund, Account Manager at Just For The Win® Studios, said:
“With Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage
, we wanted to build a sense of progression that players can really feel, where every spin contributes to something bigger.
“Combining that journey with the flexibility of the Power Combo
mechanic allowed us to create a game that constantly evolves and keeps players engaged.”
David Reynolds, Director of Games Strategy and Partner Management at Games Global, added:
“This latest instalment shows how Just For The Win® continues to refine and elevate a proven concept, building on the strong success of the Dark Waters
series so far.
“Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage
stands out for the way it keeps gameplay fresh while staying instantly accessible. It is a fantastic addition that strengthens what has already been a hugely popular trilogy.”
The release aligns with broader industry trends highlighted by organisations such as the Malta Gaming Authority, where innovation in mechanics and responsible engagement remain central to market growth.
For more on slot development trends, see Europa Gaming’s coverage on Slot Mechanics Evolution and iGaming Game Design Trends.
As suppliers continue to refine successful franchises, releases like Dark Waters III demonstrate how iterative innovation—rather than entirely new concepts—can play a key role in sustaining long-term player engagement in the iGaming sector.
The post Games Global and Just For The Win® continue the ghostly adventure in Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage™ appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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