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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.”

Conferences

Institute for Gambling Regulation Curates Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026

Published

11 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

institute-for-gambling-regulation-curates-responsible-gaming-&-player-safety-day-at-hipther-prague-summit-2026

HIPTHER is proud to announce the Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day of HIPTHER Prague Summit, curated by the Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH). This special section is scheduled for Day 2 (25 March) of the Main Focus Stage at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026.

The thematic day will focus on current issues related to safer gambling, player protection, regulatory trends, compliance, and illegal gambling and its emerging forms. It will bring together legal experts, regulators, safer gambling specialists, and representatives of the gaming industry to discuss how approaches to safer gambling, consumer protection, and the sustainable development of the legal market are evolving across Europe. Attention will also be given to the way new trends in illegal gambling weaken player protection and why tackling the illegal market is an essential part of the debate on a safer gambling environment.

IPRH has long been regarded as a respected voice in the field of gambling regulation, with its representatives regularly contributing to expert discussions on legislation, public policy, and practical player protection tools in the Czech Republic and across the wider Central European region. Its cooperation with HIPTHER builds on a shared ambition to connect innovation in the sector with responsible governance, regulatory dialogue, and a strong public-interest perspective.

Three Key Topics to Watch

Alongside the broader discussion on developments across Europe, the programme will also highlight several concrete topics that are currently shaping both the market and the regulatory debate.

IRIS: one player, one view, across operators

One of the main highlights of the programme will be the presentation of IRIS, a project that introduces a new perspective on player protection. What makes it unique is that it does not look at risky behaviour solely within a single operator’s environment, but through the lens of one player across multiple operators. This approach has the potential to significantly improve early risk detection and strengthen player protection in practice. The current stage of the project will be presented by Petr Rybák, Project Manager of IRIS.

How much does illegal gambling cost the Czech Republic?

Another key session will feature a new economic study by the Centre for Economic and Market Analyses (CETA) focused on illegal gambling in the Czech Republic. The study will provide data on the scale of the illegal market, the volume of money lost outside the legal sector, and the related losses in tax revenues. Its findings will be presented by Jakub Žofčák, one of the study’s authors.

Can the IPRH model expand beyond the Czech Republic?

An important part of the programme will also be a panel discussion featuring representatives of the Czech, Slovak, and newly emerging Polish institutes. The debate will focus on cross-border cooperation in addressing shared issues in regulation and player protection. It will also explore whether the IPRH model can be transferred to other countries. IPRH is not a traditional industry association, but a unique platform bringing together business, regulators, public authorities, experts, and addiction specialists into one functional ecosystem and one shared discussion.

A Programme Connecting Law, Regulation, Research, and Practice

The Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day will offer a series of expert discussions on regulatory developments, modern player protection tools, responsible marketing, and cross-border cooperation between regulators, experts, and operators.

The programme brings together a broad range of respected professionals from the legal, regulatory, research, and operational sides of the industry. Confirmed speakers include, among others:

Petr Kozák, Lawyer and Secretary General at IPRH
Petr Rybák, Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH)
Jan Řehola, Director at IPRH and Partner at PS Legal
Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling at Casino Guru
Bill Pascrell III, Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group
Martin Lycka, Vice President Institutional Affairs at Oddin.gg
Nika Gigashvili, CEO and Partner at SMH Global
Václav Ulrich, Co-founder of the Institute for Gambling Regulation
Jakub Žofčák, Centre for Economic and Market Analyses (CETA)
Alina Tace, Partner at WH Simion & Partners
Olesea Naidion, Brand Manager at Nightrush
Dan Illovici, Vice President at ROMBET
Dávid Lenčéš, Executive Director Institute for Gambling Regulation of the Slovak Republic
Justyna Grusza-Głębicka, Attorney-at-law and Founder at Kancelaria Adwokacka dr Justyna Grusza-Głębicka

Participants can expect practical insights from different jurisdictions as well as discussion on how regulatory requirements, innovation, and the long-term sustainable development of the legal market can be effectively aligned.

A Shared Commitment to a Safer Market

The cooperation between HIPTHER and the Institute for Gambling Regulation reflects a shared commitment to promoting safer gambling and encouraging informed dialogue between regulators, experts, and market representatives.

“As the gaming environment continues to evolve, so must our approach to player protection. This dedicated day gives us an opportunity to show how technology, data, research, and responsibility can work together in the field of safer gambling. We look forward to discussing how modern regulatory frameworks and practical tools can contribute to a safer and more sustainable environment for all stakeholders,” said Petr Kozák, Lawyer and Secretary General at IPRH.

The Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day will form a central part of the 10-year anniversary edition of HIPTHER Prague Summit, bringing together leaders from gaming, fintech, AI, blockchain, and regulatory sectors for two days of discussions shaping the future of the industry.

Secure your place at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026

The post Institute for Gambling Regulation Curates Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling

White Hat Studios launches all-in-one engagement ecosystem Amplify Suite

Published

11 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

white-hat-studios-launches-all-in-one-engagement-ecosystem-amplify-suite

White Hat Studios, a specialist provider for the regulated US iGaming market, has introduced Amplify Suite, a fully integrated engagement ecosystem built to give operators greater flexibility, creative control, and measurable commercial results.

Amplify brings together the company’s promotional tools and proprietary content into a single, scalable framework, offering a broad set of performance-driven solutions designed to accelerate growth across US markets.

Built on an API-first architecture, the suite incorporates White Hat Studios’ Engage promotional engine, featuring tools such as Win Spins, Super Mode, and Triggers, alongside its established Progressive Jackpot networks. The combined offering addresses rising demand for advanced gamification, enabling operators to boost player activity and sustain long-term engagement.

These capabilities are supported by the studio’s premium content portfolio. Known for delivering tailored products for tier-one operators, the new Amplify Bespoke arm expands this approach, offering custom slot development that allows for deeper brand integration and exclusive IP ownership.

Meanwhile, Amplify Franchises is designed to turn successful standalone titles into long-term game families. A key example is the popular 7s Fire Blitz series, which demonstrates how familiar branding and player loyalty can drive strong launch performance and ongoing engagement across a franchise.

The ecosystem is further enhanced by Amplify Omni, powered through a landmark distribution agreement with Gaming Arts. This partnership enables the distribution of White Hat Studios’ content across US land-based casinos, while also facilitating the transition of land-based titles into regulated online environments for the first time.

By enabling this two-way content flow, Amplify strengthens connections between retail and digital channels, helping operators engage players seamlessly across both spaces.

The launch marks a major step in White Hat Studios’ strategic development, unifying its entire product portfolio within a single ecosystem tailored specifically for the US market.

Daniel Lechner, SVP of Sales and Marketing at White Hat Studios, said: “Amplify will serve as the promotional and engagement backbone of White Hat Studios. Bringing our diverse offering under one cohesive ecosystem, the suite is optimised to deliver tangible impact across the entire player journey.

“By combining configurable engagement tools with premium, high-performing content, Amplify empowers US operators to differentiate and scale within competitive environments.”

The post White Hat Studios launches all-in-one engagement ecosystem Amplify Suite appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BGaming

BGaming Partners With Centurion Association for Charity and Social Initiatives in Brazil

Published

11 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

bgaming-partners-with-centurion-association-for-charity-and-social-initiatives-in-brazil

Popular iGaming content provider BGaming has announced a new partnership with Centurion Association, a Brazilian non-profit focused on expanding access to sport, education, and personal development opportunities for underserved communities. The organisation promotes combat sports as a vehicle for building discipline, confidence, and pathways to social mobility.

Through the collaboration, both parties will roll out a series of social initiatives designed to deliver measurable impact across local communities in Brazil, underlining BGaming’s ongoing commitment to investing in the regions where it operates.

A key component of the partnership is a three-month charity programme aimed at supporting underserved populations. This includes a food distribution initiative that will provide 150 food baskets to families in need, reaching approximately 600 people in underfunded areas.

The programme also features weekly martial arts workshops delivered through the Faculdade da Luta initiative, alongside a youth athlete support project focused on enrolling new students and equipping local sports clubs with essential gear.

BGaming will further strengthen its presence in Brazil by attending BiS SiGMA South America from April 6 to 9, where it will be located at Booth N80 to showcase its latest developments and connect with industry stakeholders.

During the event, the company will also support CFC SIGMA, a premium MMA event hosted by Centurion, reinforcing the growing partnership between the two organisations.

Marina Ostrovtsova said: “This collaboration with Centurion Association reflects our genuine commitment to building meaningful relationships with local communities in Brazil. Social initiatives are not about visibility; they must create tangible and measurable impact.

“Brazil is one of the most dynamic markets in the industry right now, and we are proud to contribute not only to its business ecosystem, but also to meaningful community-driven long-term projects.”

Roberto Gallo, Founder & CEO of Centurion FC and President of the Centurion Association, added: “We’ve been closely following BGaming’s commitment to supporting social initiatives and meaningful community projects, and it’s truly inspiring to see the consistent effort being made to support important causes and help create positive impact.

“For us, it is truly an honor to build this partnership with BGaming and to work together on initiatives that aim to support communities and create real, lasting impact.”

The post BGaming Partners With Centurion Association for Charity and Social Initiatives in Brazil appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.