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The MGA publishes its 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statements

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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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When Dreams Become Reality: How WinSpirit’s “Wish Express” Reunited a Family After 11 Years

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As the holiday lights dim and the New Year takes flight, one story in the iGaming world proves that magic isn’t just for children. WinSpirit Casino has officially concluded its Wish Express campaign — a seasonal initiative that evolved from a standard promotion into a profound celebration of human connection.

Returning to the Magic of Childhood

The core idea of “Wish Express” was simple yet daring: in a world of practical goals and data-driven results, when was the last time you let your “inner child” truly dream? WinSpirit invited its community — from players and streamers to game providers and partners — to step away from spreadsheets and strategy to write a literal letter to Santa.

What started as a simple idea quickly grew into something much more meaningful. Inspired by childhood nostalgia, Wish Express brought back the excitement of sending dreams to the North Pole, thoughtfully reimagining that familiar experience for the digital age.

A Community United by Sincerity

The response was overwhelming. Over 2,000 unique wishes flooded the “Wish Express” headquarters. The campaign saw a staggering 169% increase in social media reach and a 76% boost in engagement, proving that sincerity is the most powerful currency in modern branding.

The project received unexpected support from industry giants. Major game providers like Gamebeat, Mascot, 1spin4win, and Zillion joined the journey, sharing their own festive dreams on social media. This cross-industry participation turned the “Wish Express” into a collective movement, blurring the lines between “business” and “community.”

From Disneyland to Backyard Concerts

While the campaign offered rewards for participation, the highlight was the community voting process. WinSpirit narrowed down the entries to the most heartwarming stories, letting the public decide on the most inspiring dreams. The community-voted winners received 100 Free Spins.

The wishes were a mosaic of human desires:

  • A parent longing to see the joy in their children’s eyes at Disneyland.
  • Someone wishing for a global “chain of kindness.”
  • A gamer wanting to share a PlayStation 5 with their kids.
  • Whimsical dreams of private backyard concerts and world travels.

The Real-Life Reunion

The most touching moment of the campaign came when WinSpirit reviewed a wish from a player who hadn’t seen their mother, grandmother, and aunt in 11 years. The distance and life’s obstacles had kept them apart for over a decade, making a family Christmas feel like an impossible dream.

Moving beyond digital rewards, WinSpirit stepped in to play the role of Santa’s helper. They covered the full cost of round-trip flights, making the long-awaited reunion a reality. For the first time in 11 years, the player celebrated the holidays in the warm embrace of their family.

“We believe that a reunion with family is the greatest gift one can receive at Christmas,” a WinSpirit representative noted. By fulfilling this wish, WinSpirit showed that behind every spin lies a team that truly cares.

A New Standard for Engagement

“Wish Express” has set a new benchmark for how iGaming brands can interact with their audience. It wasn’t just a campaign; it was a reminder that magic still exists when a brand chooses to listen. As the “Wish Express” returns to its station, it leaves behind a community that is not only more engaged but more connected through shared hope and the belief that sometimes, dreams really do come true.

In a competitive industry, WinSpirit has shown that emotional connection isn’t a ‘nice extra’ — it’s a strategic advantage. This campaign didn’t just win hearts. It built trust, visibility, and a deeper relationship with the community.

The post When Dreams Become Reality: How WinSpirit’s “Wish Express” Reunited a Family After 11 Years appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Diego Simeone Named Official Ambassador for Betinia and CampoBet

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Betinia and CampoBet have announced Diego Simeone as their official ambassador, a move that places one of football’s most recognisable and influential leaders at the heart of both brands’ campaigns.

Simeone is celebrated globally for his winning mindset, discipline, and intensity. Since becoming the manager of Atlético de Madrid in 2011, the Argentine coach has cemented his reputation as one of modern football’s elite, guiding the club to two LaLiga titles. He also had a stellar career as a player, earning over 100 caps for Argentina.

Players of Betinia’s football manager game can test their tactical thinking and advance through a journey that rewards progress. Simeone will help strengthen Betinia and CampoBet’s position with a clear, football-led story that affiliates can activate across content, SEO, social, email and performance media.

Betinia’s five-tier VIP loyalty journey is also built around the idea of progression, mirroring a football career path from Beginner to Amateur, Professional, World Class, and ultimately Legend. This structure gives affiliates an additional retention-led narrative to work with, supporting longer player lifecycles and stronger value beyond the first conversion.

“Diego Simeone is the kind of figure audiences recognise instantly, and that recognition translates into stronger storytelling and higher intent traffic,” said Aviv, Head of Affiliate “Our role is to help partners turn this announcement into measurable performance. We are rolling out updated creative packs, campaign angles and landing page flows designed to lift conversion, while keeping every activation aligned with local requirements.”

2RBO Affiliates combine flexible commission models with a no-negative-carryover policy to help partners scale with confidence. Affiliates also benefit from transparent, real-time reporting, innovative tracking tools, and proactive compliance support, alongside partner loyalty initiatives including personalised account management, exclusive incentives, and VIP networking events.

About 2RBO Affiliates

2RBO Affiliates is a high-performance affiliate programme representing numerous iGaming brands including Betinia and, CampoBet. Built on an advanced platform, the programme combines modern gamification features, flexible commission models, and a no negative carryover policy to help maximise partner profitability. With transparent reporting, innovative tracking tools, and a strong focus on partner support and compliance, 2RBO Affiliates delivers scalable growth and long-term collaboration across competitive markets.

Contact

2RBO Affiliates
https://www.2rbo.com/#team

The post Diego Simeone Named Official Ambassador for Betinia and CampoBet appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Vegangster’s Scroll & Play Adds Queue to Streamline Game Discovery

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Platform provider Vegangster has introduced a new queue mechanic to its Scroll & Play video feed, giving players a faster and more flexible way to discover and launch games.

Scroll & Play already offers a continuous feed of short, autoplaying previews that help players explore new titles quickly. With the new queue feature, players can add several games from the feed to a personal list, open them in advance, and move between them without waiting for each title to load again.

The queue removes the final layer of friction between discovery and gameplay. Players can build a shortlist as they scroll, load the games they want to try, and switch between them instantly. Imagine making a spin in one game, swiping, and making a spin in another without loading times. The result is a smoother path from curiosity to action, especially for mobile users who prefer quick, uninterrupted interactions.

Early operator tests show that players tend to queue newly discovered titles more often than familiar ones, indicating that the mechanic supports broader catalogue exploration and helps surface games that are usually overlooked.

Michael Oziransky, Chief Product Officer at Vegangster, said:

 “Scroll & Play works because it matches how people already consume content. The queue removes the last bit of friction, letting players build a shortlist as they scroll and jump straight into play. Early feedback from operators shows it’s particularly effective at surfacing catalogue depth.”

The queue update is part of Vegangster’s ongoing work on social-style UX patterns inside its casino stack, following recent enhancements to Stories, in-feed promotions, and dynamic video placements.

Operators can try the new queue mechanic at ICE Barcelona, Fira Barcelona Gran Via, 19–21 January 2026, with live Scroll and Play demos available at stand 1E20.

About Vegangster

Vegangster provides a full-stack iGaming platform engineered for speed, scalability, and operator control. Its turnkey, white-label, and sweepstakes solutions integrate casino and sportsbook content, payments, CRM, compliance, and social features into a single mobile-first system. With Vegangster, operators can launch quickly and scale with confidence.

Press contact
Romans Kozlovskis
Senior Content & PR Manager
Vegangster
[email protected]

The post Vegangster’s Scroll & Play Adds Queue to Streamline Game Discovery appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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