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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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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
International Game Technology PLC announced that its dynamic Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium Wheel cabinet recently launched in casinos across the US. Guests of Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, Calif. and of Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. were among the first players in the world to enjoy the Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Reels Double Diamond and Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Reels Double Gold games on IGT’s new ultra-high-tech, mechanical-reel cabinet. Designed exclusively for Wheel of Fortune game content, the Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium Wheel cabinet boasts a 20-inch physical wheel, a 32-inch LCD top box and a 23-inch transmissive display.
CT Gaming continues its strong momentum from the first quarter of 2025 with a new wave of installations in Panama. Strengthening its position in the Latin American market, the company has partnered with leading operators to introduce top-performing products, including the EZ Modulo 32/32/32 slot cabinet and the highly successful Diamond King series. Among the highlights of the installation is Diamond King 3—CT Gaming’s bestselling multigame featuring 50 captivating titles. Players can enjoy a diverse mix of content, including the legendary Mega Jack trio: Aztec Gold, Slot-O-Pol Deluxe and Champagne Party. The experience is further enhanced by the Diamond Tree progressive jackpot, which delivers elevated gameplay and exciting reward potential.
Las Vegas Sands has contributed $100,000 through the Sands Cares global community engagement programme to 100 Black Men Las Vegas in support of the organisation’s youth mentorship, scholarship and community service offerings. The 2025 donation will enable 100 Black Men Las Vegas to offer new programmes including a science, technology, engineering and math initiative; the Pathways to Public Service programme, which focuses on developing a pipeline of law enforcement and first responder professionals; and Realtist Academy, which prepares participants to become licensed real estate agents or mortgage brokers. In addition, Sands Cares funding will help 100 Black Men Las Vegas pursue efforts to identify a permanent location for the organisation.
Partnerships
SCCG Management has announced an expanded partnership with AWARE, a global leader in biometric verification software. Under this agreement, SCCG becomes a preferred reseller for AWARE’s biometric and identity verification solutions within the global gaming industry. AWARE’s advanced biometric technology offers a future-proof solution for iGaming and gambling platforms—empowering operators to ensure compliance, prevent fraud and protect players, all while delivering a seamless and secure user experience. With growing regulatory scrutiny and rising demand for frictionless onboarding, AWARE’s adaptive biometrics provide a scalable and trusted identity framework for modern gaming environments.
The Brazilian Football Confederation and Sportradar Integrity & Regulatory Services, a unit of Sportradar AG announced the extension of their long-standing partnership, set to begin with the 2025 season. The new agreement aims to enhance efforts to combat match-fixing in Brazilian football and safeguard the integrity of the sport. Sportradar, through its industry-leading Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS), will deliver integrity monitoring for more than 8200 men’s and women’s matches organised annually by the CBF. Through this renewed partnership, the UFDS will now cover all Brazilian national championships.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 21-27 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SOFTSWISS, a leading global provider of iGaming software, announces the appointment of three seasoned professionals to key leadership positions: Denis Ilienkov as Product & Technology Non-Executive Director; Kyryl Avdieienko as Chief Product Officer (CPO); and Viktor Iegorov as Chief Delivery Officer (CDO).
These strategic appointments are integral to SOFTSWISS’ vision of strengthening its leadership team to navigate the complexities of the global iGaming landscape, ensuring agility and innovation in product development and delivery.
Denis Ilienkov, in his new role as Product & Technology Non-Executive Director, will oversee product and technology-related operations, including control responsibilities. Kyryl Avdieienko, appointed as CPO, will lead product strategy and development across the SOFTSWISS product portfolio. With a background in iGaming, game development, and fintech, Kyryl brings a wealth of experience to the role. Viktor Iegorov, as CDO, will be responsible for developing processes and managing the strategic delivery portfolio.
These appointments are part of SOFTSWISS’ ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative and synergistic leadership approach. Denis, Kyryl, and Viktor will work closely to drive the company’s mission of delivering cutting-edge iGaming solutions, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Denis Ilienkov commented on the appointments: “At SOFTSWISS, we’ve always prided ourselves on our agility and innovation. As we venture into new markets like Brazil and South Africa, it’s imperative that our leadership structure evolves to meet the unique challenges and opportunities these regions present. The introduction of roles such as the Chief Delivery Officer ensures that our delivery processes are not only maintained but continuously enhanced. This strategic shift is about more than just titles; it’s about positioning SOFTSWISS to deliver unparalleled value to our clients and partners worldwide.”
These leadership changes closely follow SOFTSWISS’ recent product and technology milestones. Notably, the company celebrated its first Sportsbook Network Jackpot win during the SiGMA Americas event in São Paulo, where a player claimed €80,294.89 – more than doubling the initial €35,000 prize pool. Additionally, SOFTSWISS’ Deputy CTO, Sergey Kastukevich, was honoured as CTO of the Year in EMEA at the 2025 Oracle Excellence Awards, recognising his strategic use of emerging technologies to advance the company’s objectives.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Enhances Leadership Team to Drive Global Expansion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
NSoft, a leading provider of premium sportsbook solutions, has partnered with InnovaPlay, enhancing its sportsbook platform with the industry-leading NextGen Sportsbook. This strategic collaboration integrates NSoft’s innovative sportsbook technology seamlessly into InnovaPlay’s comprehensive white-label and full web solution, empowering sportsbook operators to reach new heights of performance and player engagement.
NextGen Sportsbook, known for its four main pillars – stability, unparalleled speed, multifeed integration, and dynamic player experience – is perfectly tailored to meet diverse betting market demands. It adapts effortlessly to various odds presentations, aligning with local and regional preferences, and stands out as the industry’s fastest sportsbook, generating standard offers in an exceptional 20 milliseconds.
Placing the player experience at its core, NextGen Sportsbook offers personalized and highly engaging betting interactions. Features such as individualized betting options, dynamic odds, custom bonuses, individual cashout capabilities, and tailored odds layouts significantly enhance player satisfaction, fostering loyalty and sustained engagement.
Operators benefit from NextGen’s powerful integration capabilities, which manage multiple betting feeds, including sports betting, esports, and horse or dog racing, in both pre-match and live scenarios. The advanced multifeed system ensures uninterrupted operations by seamlessly switching between providers as needed.
NSoft’s NextGen Sportsbook also boasts comprehensive player engagement tools such as Cash Out, Edit Bet, Bet Builder, and advanced betting stimulation products. Its multi-language and multi-currency functionalities allow operators to expand their reach globally. The sportsbook’s flexible bonus engine and dynamic trading options, including full automation, DIY, and hybrid franchise models, give operators complete control and flexibility. Additionally, its sophisticated AI personalization capabilities further elevate the betting experience by delivering personalized recommendations to each punter.
Shaun Grech, Technical Director at InnovaPlay, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This strategic partnership with NSoft represents a game-changer for our sportsbook operators. By integrating NSoft’s award-winning sports betting engine and virtual sports products into our platform, we’re giving operators three key competitive advantages:
- Lightning-fast betting markets with the deepest liquidity pool in the industry
- Seamless cross-sell opportunities between casino and sportsbook verticals
- Full customization of odds, limits, and betting rules to match local market demands.
This is how modern sports betting platforms should perform – with surgical precision and total operator control.”
Drago Ćavar, Managing Director of Sportsbook Platform at NSoft, added: “Our collaboration with InnovaPlay underlines our commitment to providing sportsbook operators with groundbreaking technology that drives growth and player satisfaction. NextGen Sportsbook’s exceptional speed, versatility, and personalized betting experience make it an ideal solution for forward-thinking operators. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and confident it will set new industry standards.”
Through this collaboration, InnovaPlay and NSoft are poised to redefine excellence in sportsbook operations, positioning NextGen Sportsbook as the preferred choice for operators seeking advanced capabilities and unmatched player engagement.
The post NSoft and InnovaPlay Strengthen Sportsbook Offering with Strategic Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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