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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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DATA.BET

DATA.BET Issues Comprehensive Sportsbook Report

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DATA.BET, a trusted sportsbook solution supplier, has published its annual Sportsbook Report, an in-depth look at its performance in 2025, and the key trends shaping the European iGaming industry heading into 2026. The reports reflect the company’s commitment to transparency and giving operators a clear view of what’s working and how to capitalize on it.

The 2025 Sportsbook Report goes beyond the numbers as it unpacks the thinking behind DATA.BET’s performance to date. The company saw an average of 23% increase in their clients’ turnover, demonstrating a clear picture of what’s working in the iGaming space today. The report covers:

  • Industry trends that defined iGaming in 2025 and continue to influence the market in 2026
  • Rising tax & regulation across European markets, pushing operators to reassess where and how they run their business
  • The demand of low-tier esports tournaments and high-engagement disciplines such as Valorant semi-pro matches has proven growth.
  • Key metrics and business results across the company’s three verticals: esports, sports, and virtuals.
  • A practical guide for casino brands planning to add a sportsbook to their projects in 2026, backed by proof of existing client base.

“We believe that transparency builds trust and moves the whole industry forward. At DATA.BET sits at the core of everything we do, and this report reflects that. With the addition of sports betting last year, we want to show how our product continues to evolve and improve, and how we help operators grow their revenue through betting that works,” commented Yurii Berest, CEO of DATA.BET.

The DATA.BET Sportsbook Report is available via the link.

The post DATA.BET Issues Comprehensive Sportsbook Report appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Booming Games

Booming Games launches Mr. Oinkster’s Power Hit slot

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New release adds an expanding 3x4x4x4x3 grid, up to 1,194 ways to win, and a 5,000x max win, the studio says.

Booming Games has launched Mr. Oinkster’s Power Hit, the latest entry in its Mr Oinkster slot series.

The company said the game uses a 3x4x4x4x3 grid that can expand to 3x6x6x6x3, offering between 576 and 1,194 ways to win. Booming Games also stated the title has a maximum win potential of 5,000x.

According to the studio, COLLECT symbols on reels one and five gather coin values across all reels, with Reel Frenzy multipliers ranging from 2x to 5x. The game also includes progressive prizes that can be boosted by special symbols in the base game, as well as Second Chance respins.

Booming Games said three Scatter symbols trigger 10 Free Spins, where “sticky nudging collectors” expand and return to collect additional coin values. During Free Spins, prize pots are boosted to maximum values, alongside more frequent collects and Reel Frenzy triggers.

Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “This is the latest iteration of our classic Mr Oinkster series, which we’re confident will be as popular as ever. The game is packed with features that build tension and keep the fun going for longer, making this an innovative twist on a timeless classic. Are you ready to unlock truly pigtastic wins? Play Mr. Oinkster’s Power Hit now!”

The post Booming Games launches Mr. Oinkster’s Power Hit slot appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Conferences

NOVOMATIC Americas Ignites Momentum at Indian Gaming Association Trade Show & Convention

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NOVOMATIC Americas showcased its industry leadership at the Indian Gaming Association Trade Show & Convention with a compelling presentation of its latest offerings, including the debut of the striking visual “Neon Nile” experience, highlighting its commitment to design, innovation, and performance-driven product strategy.

From opening day through close, the NOVOMATIC Americas booth emerged as a high-interest destination on the show floor, drawing strong reaction from tribal operators, partners, and industry leaders across North America.

Key highlights from the event included sustained, high-quality booth traffic from key Class III tribal operators; particularly strong reception to RISING TREASURES link, including its recent debut on the Eilers & Krejcik Gaming performance index, reinforcing its position as a proven, performance-driven link; and VISION LINK, which drew significant attention for its scalable progressive architecture and future-ready flexibility. A standout on the show floor was the integrated presentation of VISION LINK with the outstanding 4-POD sign, creating a high-impact merchandising installation that elevated both the bank’s and the brand’s presence. Additional highlights included Novo Unity Pro electronic table game innovations and strategic customer interactions focused on performance, growth, and expanding relationships across tribal gaming markets.

“This year’s IGA was about more than presence; it was about consistency and progress. The customer energy and response to our new products, our people, and the evolving visual experience exceeded expectations and validated the direction we’re taking as an organization,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, VP of Marketing, Communications, and Corporate Accounts.

“We sincerely thank all customers, partners, and attendees who visited our booth and contributed to a highly successful event. With strong momentum and a clear focus on execution, we remain committed to delivering innovative gaming solutions that drive measurable results for our customers”, said Sabine Stoppel, Managing Director at NOVOMATIC Americas.

The post NOVOMATIC Americas Ignites Momentum at Indian Gaming Association Trade Show & Convention appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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