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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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Flashscore: 1.99m UK users track World Cup group stage ahead of England v DR Congo

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Flashscore says 1.99 million UK users followed the World Cup group stage on its app and website between 11 June and 28 June, generating 264.1 million views ahead of England’s Round of 32 match against DR Congo in Atlanta on 1 July.

In the UK, England was the most-tracked team with 872,900 profile opens, followed by Scotland with 394,200, according to the company’s dataset. Flashscore said England fixtures took the top three spots for UK user engagement, led by the group-stage match against Croatia with 631,684 users and 2.9 million views. The other two most-viewed England games were against Ghana (2.21 million views) and Panama (2.05 million views).

Flashscore also published global figures for the group stage, reporting 7.16 billion views from 62.26 million unique users. Portugal was the most-followed nation worldwide on Flashscore with 11.2 million team profile opens, ahead of Brazil (9.1 million), France (8.7 million), Spain (7.8 million) and Argentina (7.7 million). England ranked eighth globally with 6.5 million profile opens.

The company highlighted Cape Verde as one of the tournament’s “surprise stories”, placing sixth globally by team views and fourth among UK users. Flashscore also released a “Team of the Group Stage” selected using its new “Flashscore Rating”, which it said analyses more than 70 on-ball and off-ball metrics. Erling Haaland was rated 9.0, with Lionel Messi (8.9) and Kylian Mbappe (8.6) also included in the attacking trio, while Marc Guehi (8.4) was the only England player selected.

The post Flashscore: 1.99m UK users track World Cup group stage ahead of England v DR Congo appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Playson launches €25m BLASTS & RACES network campaign

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Playson has launched BLASTS & RACES, a new global network campaign carrying a €25,000,000 prize pool. The supplier announced the rollout on 1 July 2026, with the campaign running until 30 June 2027.

The initiative follows Playson’s previous Non-Stop Drops & Races edition, which the company said generated record participation from operators and players worldwide. Playson said the new prize pool is up from €10,000,000 in the previous edition.

Operators can opt in at any time during the year-long period, and Playson said no additional integration is required. The company positioned the campaign as a retention tool built around its network engagement mechanics and a mix of top-performing and newly released titles.

As part of the refresh, Playson has renamed several campaign features. Cash Blast is now Power Blast, Tournaments have been renamed Grand Races, and Short Races are now Turbo Races. Playson said the underlying mechanics and integration approach remain unchanged.

Waldemar Antypov, Product Owner at Playson, said: “BLASTS & RACES represents a significant milestone in the evolution of our flagship network campaign, and we are delighted to officially launch it to operators and players around the world.

“Following the outstanding success of previous editions, we have increased the rewards budget from €10 million to €25 million to deliver even greater value across the network. Combined with our trusted engagement mechanics, refreshed campaign identity and seamless operator integration, BLASTS & RACES is designed to keep players engaged with exciting opportunities to win throughout the year.”

The post Playson launches €25m BLASTS & RACES network campaign appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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CT Interactive Launches New Titles on Ifortuna.sk

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CT Interactive has announced the expansion of its presence in the regulated Slovak market through the launch of a selected portfolio of the company’s top-performing games on Ifortuna.sk, part of the Fortuna Entertainment Group.

Slovak players can now enjoy some of the company’s most popular titles, including 50 Treasures, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, 100x Crypto Magic, Duck Of Luck Buy Bonus, 20 Mega Star, 100x Fresh, Dancing Dragons, Nanook The White Ghost Buy Bonus and The Big Chili. Several of these games feature the company’s engaging Buy Bonus mechanics, offering players enhanced interactivity and greater control over their gameplay.

“The expansion of our content offering on Ifortuna.sk represents a major step in our broader international growth strategy. We are delighted to provide our valued partner with a compelling and diverse portfolio of games, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the Slovak market,” said Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive.

“Our newly certified portfolio brings a fresh and dynamic gaming experience tailored specifically to the Slovak audience. Each title has been carefully developed to boost player retention while delivering a more personalized and engaging gaming experience,” added Ivan Zoumpalov, Regional Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia at CT Interactive.

The post CT Interactive Launches New Titles on Ifortuna.sk appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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