Latest News

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.”

Latest News

Where to Drive Tier-1 Sport Traffic in April: Top Events & Promos

Published

5 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

where-to-drive-tier-1-sport-traffic-in-april:-top-events-&-promos

April continues the high-intensity sports season, with a dense schedule of matches, tournaments, and decisive stages that consistently drive spikes in player engagement and deposit activity. For affiliates, this creates a strong opportunity window to capture high-intent traffic and scale performance during peak moments.

Affiliates working with N1 Partners can run sports-driven traffic across three products: N1 Bet, RollXO and Lucky Hunter.

This gives you the flexibility to scale on a dedicated sportsbook while also expanding monetization through high-converting casino brands. By covering both betting and casino audiences, you can tap into a wider range of user intent and increase overall revenue potential.

This is especially relevant for partners participating in the N1 SEO Traffic Cup, where timing, traffic allocation, and smart scaling directly impact your final results — and where teams can also drive SEO traffic to sports, expanding their coverage and growth opportunities.

Key Sports Events in April

To help you plan campaigns and scale Tier-1 traffic efficiently, the N1 Partners team has prepared a selection of key sports events worth focusing on this month.

Soccer

April is driven by decisive European competitions and top-league clashes. Quarter-finals and semi-finals in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League, along with key domestic matches, create consistent traffic spikes.

Basketball

The start of the NBA Playoffs marks one of the strongest engagement periods for high-intent traffic and repeat activity

18.04 | NBA | Playoffs

Ice Hockey

April combines regular-season action with the start of NHL Playoffs, where engagement traditionally grows as teams fight for elimination rounds.

10.04 | NHL | Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild
18.04–21.06 | NHL | Playoffs

Tennis

21.04 | WTA | Madrid Open
22.04 | ATP Masters | Madrid

MMA & Boxing

Fight cards in April include headline matchups and strong co-main events, which work well for short-term traffic bursts and hype-driven campaigns.

11.04 | Boxing | Tyson Fury vs Makhmudov
12.04 | UFC 327 | Procházka vs Ulberg
12.04 | UFC 327 | Van vs Taira
12.04 | UFC 327 | Blaydes vs Hokit
12.04 | PFL | Pettis vs McKee

Cricket

International series provide steady traffic flow, especially in GEOs where cricket has strong demand.

17.04–23.04 | ODI Series | Bangladesh vs New Zealand
27.04–29.04 | T20 Series | Bangladesh vs New Zealand

Active Promotions Across N1 Partners Brands

To help affiliates maximize conversion and extract more value from traffic, N1 Partners is running a range of seasonal promos across key brands for users. These campaigns give you stronger angles for creatives and help drive higher player engagement.

Fortune’s Gold Lottery (N1 Bet, RollXO)
Period: 09.04–29.04
Prize pool: €85,000 (RollXO) | €100,000 (N1 Bet)

Advent Calendar (N1 Bet, RollXO)
Period: 03.04–12.04
10 daily tasks with rewards for players.

Egg Hunt (RetroBet, Jet4Bet, SlotLounge, Spirit Casino)
Period: 01.04–04.04
Seasonal Easter promo with short-term engagement mechanics.

Race Lottery (RetroBet, Jet4Bet, SlotLounge, Spirit Casino)
Period: 10.04–16.04
Prize pool: €20,000 + 5,000 FS

April Fortune Lottery (SlotLords, SlotsMines)
Period: 10.04–16.04
Prize pool: €10,000 + 5,000 FS (SlotLords) | €7,000 + 3,000 FS (SlotsMines)

Easter Lottery (SlotMafia, SlotHunter, LuckyHunter)
Period: 10.04–17.04
Prize pool: €10,000 (LuckyHunter) | €8,000 (SlotMafia, SlotHunter)

To learn more about the promos, contact your manager.

How to Maximize Results from Event-Driven Traffic

Performance in Tier-1 markets is directly tied to major events. Key matches, playoffs, and finals naturally increase attention and create better conditions for deposits and repeat engagement.

To get the most out of April traffic:

focus on high-impact matches, playoffs, and finals where user intent is strongest
align campaigns with match days and key tournament stages
scale budgets during peak demand windows instead of spreading traffic evenly
combine sportsbook and casino funnels to increase total monetization
react quickly to performance data and scale winning campaigns

How Affiliates Can Scale Traffic Right Now

April offers multiple high-conversion windows driven by major sports events and strong promotional mechanics for players.

Drive traffic to key sports events and active promos across N1 Partners brands: N1 Bet, RollXO and Lucky Hunter.

The N1 Partners team is ready to support you with up-to-date promos, analytics, and hands-on guidance to help you scale efficiently.

Join N1 Partners

N1 Partners is a multi-brand affiliate program and direct advertiser, bringing together 14+ casino and betting brands with strong LTV and Reg2Dep rates of up to 70% across Tier-1 GEOs.

N1 Partners offers competitive terms for top partners, including CPA up to €650-700 and RevShare up to 45%, ensuring stable and scalable performance.

Trusted by 14,000+ partners, N1 Partners stands out for its transparency, flexibility, and focus on long-term partnerships, supported by a strong product portfolio and advanced retention systems.

The post Where to Drive Tier-1 Sport Traffic in April: Top Events & Promos appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2RBO Affiliates

2RBO Affiliates Presents Lodur: a Viking-Inspired Casino and Sportsbook

Published

5 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

2rbo-affiliates-presents-lodur:-a-viking-inspired-casino-and-sportsbook

2RBO Affiliates is proud to present Lodur, a new casino and sportsbook brand that brings Norse mythology to life through an immersive, gamified experience.

Inspired by the age of Vikings, their conquests, legends, and spirit of exploration, Lodur invites players into a world where every bet contributes to continuous progression.

At the core of the experience is the Island System, a persistent progression layer that evolves across sessions. Alongside sports betting and casino play, players build and upgrade their own island settlements, unlock new territories, and voyage through more than 110 uniquely themed islands — ranging from Nordic-inspired landscapes to cyberpunk enclaves and eerie cemeteries.

Progression is fueled by Elixir, a resource earned through every deposit and wager. Players use Eliksir to access the Lodur Slot game, where they can win the coins needed to build and upgrade their settlements. Beyond building, landing the right symbols can trigger the Attack feature, allowing players to breach a rival’s defenses and claim their coins.

This interactive layer introduces a fierce rivalry that fuels long-term engagement. Whether attacking an opponent or defending their own settlement, players must constantly evolve their tactics to grow. With a vast world to conquer, Lodur offers a deep and rewarding journey — a high-stakes loop of building and competing that drives continuous player loyalty and forges a lasting bond with the saga.

“Lodur is a product where entertainment and progression go hand in hand. For players, there is always a new island to conquer and new land to explore, ensuring the hunt for glory never ends and the next horizon is always within reach. For affiliates, this creates a high-retention ecosystem where players stay invested in their journey, remain active, and scale in value over time,” commented Aviv, Head of 2RBO Affiliates.

For partners, Lodur is a powerful retention machine. By merging a premier sportsbook and casino with an adventurous Viking world, the brand creates a thrilling journey accessible via both iOS and Android apps. This seamless ecosystem of high-action gaming and continuous progression transforms standard traffic into a loyal, high-value player base, ensuring steady growth and maximum LTV for partners.

Lodur is now live and ready to fuel your profitability. Be among the first to drive traffic to Lodur and unlock a treasury of opportunities with 2RBO Affiliates!

About 2RBO Affiliates:

2RBO Affiliates is a high-performance affiliate program representing top iGaming brands. Built on an advanced platform, it combines modern gamification features, flexible commission models, and a no negative carryover policy to maximize partner profitability.

The post 2RBO Affiliates Presents Lodur: a Viking-Inspired Casino and Sportsbook appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

ELA Games scales up its presence in Europe by certifying a suite of 9 hit games in 5 key markets

Published

5 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

ela-games-scales-up-its-presence-in-europe-by-certifying-a-suite-of-9-hit-games-in-5-key-markets

ELA Games is accelerating its European expansion strategy after securing certifications for nine of its top-performing titles across five major regulated markets: Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Romania, and Malta.

This latest milestone enables operators in these regions to access a diverse portfolio of proven games, featuring award-nominated mechanics and modern takes on classic casino experiences.

A Balanced Portfolio for Local Markets

With a strong focus on localisation, ELA Games has curated a selection designed to resonate with varied player preferences across Europe. The newly certified lineup is built around three core pillars:

High-Performing Hits: Titles such as Buffalo Force, Piñatas Festival, and Riches Express have delivered strong GGR growth and demonstrated high player engagement in competitive markets.
Innovative Mechanics: The rollout introduces ELA Games’ Winpot feature to new jurisdictions. This mechanic, which allows players to control their cash-out strategy, is now available through titles like Zeus Winpot and Rabbit Winpot Deluxe.
Modernised Classics: Games such as Juicy Crystal and Noble Crown bring updated visuals and smooth gameplay to traditional slot formats, appealing to players who prefer familiar mechanics with a modern twist.

Market Availability

The certified titles are now live across multiple operator platforms, with game selections varying by jurisdiction:

Sweden: Betinia, Swiper, CampoBet, QuickCasino
Denmark: Betinia, CampoBet, Swiper, Betoro
Romania: Don.ro, TopBet, Swiper
Greece: ElaBet

Strengthening European Partnerships

These certifications build on ELA Games’ growing presence across Europe, supported by strategic partnerships with leading operators. The company has recently expanded in Denmark through a notable collaboration with Stake.dk, alongside integrations with Danske Licens Spil (Tivoli Casino), RoyalCasino, and Casino House.

Further expansion has been driven by partnerships with major industry players such as Betsson, as well as regulatory approval from the Hellenic Gaming Commission in Greece.

With a steadily growing footprint and a portfolio tailored for regulated markets, ELA Games is well positioned to capture additional market share and deliver strong returns for its partners across Europe.

The post ELA Games scales up its presence in Europe by certifying a suite of 9 hit games in 5 key markets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.