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The MGA publishes its 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statements
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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BetConstruct AI confirms SiGMA Asia 2026 presence in Manila
Supplier plans to pitch a World Cup 2026 sportsbook bundle and its AI Suite at Stand 2572 on June 2–3.
BetConstruct AI will exhibit at SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila, Philippines, on June 2–3, the company said, appearing at Stand 2572.
At the show, BetConstruct AI said it will highlight a “Best Sportsbook for the World Cup 2026” bundle built around “Special Bets, Powerfull, and Bet on League.” The company positioned the package as ready for operator activation without development work.
BetConstruct AI also said it will showcase its AI Suite, including “CRM AI, Umbrella AI, AI Game Recommendation System, and Betting Mate AI,” aimed at use cases such as churn prediction, risk consolidation, personalised casino experiences, and conversational sportsbook engagement.
As product context, the company cited its sportsbook and casino platforms, including “140,000+ pre-match events and 90,000+ live matches monthly” and “45,000+ games from 350+ providers via a single API.” It also highlighted its “Affigates Affiliate Ecosystem” with “7,000+ vetted affiliates and AI-based scoring.”
The company said new partners signing via the show can access commercial incentives, including “a 50% platform setup discount from day one,” “100% Core Suite Access free for the first 3 months (50% off for months 4–12), and third-party tools at 51% off for the first 3 months.”
The post BetConstruct AI confirms SiGMA Asia 2026 presence in Manila appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
celebrity-partnerships
Pascal Gaming signs Ronaldinho for football-themed crash and slot titles
First release is Avinho R10, followed by June launch Fortune Ronaldinho as the studio lines up more titles ahead of the World Cup season.
Pascal Gaming has partnered with Brazilian football player Ronaldinho to launch a dedicated portfolio of games inspired by the athlete, the company said on 26 May, 2026.
The planned pipeline includes crash games, slots and additional titles set to roll out through the year. Pascal Gaming said the initiative is aimed at both Brazil and international markets, and will be supported by tournaments, promotional activity and special events tied to the Ronaldinho-branded portfolio.
The first game confirmed is Avinho R10, described as a crash-style title featuring Ronaldinho “above Brazil” in an aviation-themed experience. A second game, Fortune Ronaldinho, is scheduled for release in June and is positioned as a slot-inspired title.
“Ronaldinho is one of the most recognisable and loved football personalities in the world, so for us this collaboration is much more than a game launch. It is a global entertainment project that combines football culture, emotionally engaging gameplay and strong promotional activities ahead of the World Cup,” said Armen Mnaskanian, Head of Sales at SoftConstruct Gaming Content.
Pascal Gaming said it has been expanding its crash game portfolio during 2026 and investing in localised, character-driven content across Latin America, Africa and Asia. The company added that more Ronaldinho-themed titles and marketing campaigns will be revealed in the coming months.
The post Pascal Gaming signs Ronaldinho for football-themed crash and slot titles appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
brand-marketing
Duelbits signs Justin Gaethje for branded content ahead of UFC Freedom 250
The JUSTIN2026 campaign was shot in Denver and rolls out over four weeks ahead of the 14 June event at the White House.
Duelbits has launched a branded content campaign with UFC interim Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje, timed to UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Saturday 14th June.
The campaign, branded JUSTIN2026, was shot on location in Denver, Colorado by UK-based creative agency YRDS. Duelbits said the content is designed as a “premium, cinematic series” and will roll out in phases over the next four weeks, peaking on event day.
According to the company, the campaign was planned before UFC Freedom was officially confirmed. Duelbits framed the early commitment as part of a strategy to move faster than traditional sportsbooks around major cultural moments.
“We didn’t want to create another sportsbook promo,” said Jasper Hoekert, Chief Marketing Officer at Duelbits. “We wanted to create something that combat sports fans want to watch, content built around Justin’s authenticity and intensity, not just his fight record. We were planning this before the White House event was even officially confirmed. When you believe in the magnitude of a moment, you don’t wait for permission to act on it.”
“Duelbits came to me with a vision, not just a brief,” said Gaethje. “They wanted to create something that reflected the reality of what I do and who I am, with no smoke and mirrors. When a brand shows up with that kind of conviction and creative ambition, you back it. This campaign is going to be something people remember.”
The post Duelbits signs Justin Gaethje for branded content ahead of UFC Freedom 250 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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