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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.”

Alex Baliukonis Game Producer at BGaming

BGaming releases Frenzy Clusters slot with expanding grid feature

Published

33 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

bgaming-releases-frenzy-clusters-slot-with-expanding-grid-feature

New cluster-pay title includes five character companions, Free Spins with progressive multipliers, and a ×10,000 max win at 97.11% RTP.

BGaming has released a new slot, Frenzy Clusters, adding another #Entertainment title to its portfolio. The game uses a cluster-pay mechanic and an expanding grid, with BGaming stating a maximum win of ×10,000 and an RTP of 97.11%.

Frenzy Clusters is built around five selectable character companions—Golub, Hugo, Bloke, Aussie, and Olaf—each positioned as culturally inspired. BGaming says the character choice does not affect outcomes, but characters react to wins with animations and interact with events on the reels.

Gameplay runs on a grid with blocked edge cells that can be unlocked by landing winning clusters next to them, expanding the play area. After wins, the game can trigger one of three random symbol effects: Rockets (clear a horizontal line), Books (clear a 3×3 area), and Spheres (remove all instances of the same symbol). BGaming says grid expansions last one spin in the base game and persist for the duration of the bonus round.

The Free Spins feature is triggered by three or more Scatters. BGaming says the bonus includes a progressive multiplier based on the number of Scatters, with no limit, and that players can access the bonus via Buy Bonus options or use a Chance feature to increase trigger probability.

Alex Baliukonis, Game Producer at BGaming, said, “At BGaming, we encourage our design team to get as creative as possible, and titles like Frenzy Clusters are the kind of magic they deliver.

This is one of our most imaginative titles to date, with each of the game’s five characters being designed to appeal to different players. Fantasy roleplay fans will definitely spot plenty of references in the game, with the team pulling inspiration from some of their favorite campaigns, and we have also been inspired by other popular culture stories.

The game goes beyond its aesthetic appeal, offering some big wins and a creative twist on the popular cluster-play dynamic, with the expanding grid providing the kind of engagement and progressive action that is tailor-made for streamers.”

The post BGaming releases Frenzy Clusters slot with expanding grid feature appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Climb Time Mummy Cash Uncovered

Games Global and High Limit Studio launch Climb Time Mummy Cash Uncovered

Published

33 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

games-global-and-high-limit-studio-launch-climb-time-mummy-cash-uncovered

Egyptian-themed slot adds Climb Time progression, Guaranteed Wild Meter and a Bonus Booster Wheel with rewards up to 6,250x.

Games Global has launched Climb Time Mummy Cash Uncovered in partnership with exclusive studio partner High Limit Studio. The new Egyptian-themed 5×3 slot adds feature progression, hidden prize reveals and a bonus wheel, with the company stating maximum rewards of up to 6,250x.

At the core is the Cash Uncovered mechanic, triggered by landing a Mummy or Wild symbol on every reel. When activated, the feature reveals hidden prizes on Wild symbols and awards all displayed values simultaneously.

The title uses the Climb Time progression system to unlock upgrades through play, including Random Wilds, the Bonus Booster Wheel and enhanced Mummy symbols. As players progress, four mummy modifiers are added to reel one: Hot Spin Mummy (prizes up to 1,250x), Boost Mummy (increases prizes up to 15x), Collect Mummy (gathers values up to three times) and Multiply Mummy (multipliers up to 10x).

A Guaranteed Wild Meter tracks Random Wilds landing on reels two to five during the base game. If a spin results in no win, the symbols are collected to build the meter. Landing three bell scatters awards 10 Free Spins, played with the number of Guaranteed Wilds accumulated. Coin symbols also feed a Treasure Pot that can randomly activate a Wheel Bonus.

High Limit Studio Creative Director Adrian Wotton said: “The Egyptian theme was a natural fit for the Cash Uncovered mechanic and gave us the opportunity to approach the concept from a different angle. Combined with the Guaranteed Wild Meter and enhanced mummy features, we’ve introduced new layers to the experience while staying true to what made the original title so popular.”

Games Global Director of Games Strategy and Partner Management Dave Reynolds added: “Climb Time Joker Cash Uncovered proved how well this mechanic resonates with players, and this release gives operators a follow-up that builds on that success. High Limit Studio has layered in feature progression and the Guaranteed Wild Meter to deepen the experience – evolving a concept players already know into something with even broader appeal.”

The post Games Global and High Limit Studio launch Climb Time Mummy Cash Uncovered appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2RBO Affiliates

ToonieBet Named Exclusive iGaming Partner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Published

33 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

tooniebet-named-exclusive-igaming-partner-of-the-hamilton-tiger-cats

2RBO Affiliates is proud to announce that ToonieBet, an iGaming brand featured within its portfolio, has been named the Exclusive and Official iGaming Partner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This partnership brings the Tigers’ spirit to the digital world, uniting a leading gaming platform with one of the most iconic and battle-tested teams in the Canadian Football League.

The collaboration marks a massive leap in ToonieBet’s expansion across the Canadian market, strengthening its position among a highly engaged sports audience. For affiliates, this is a call to sharpen the claws and prepare for a massive hunt for high-intent traffic and record-breaking conversions. By aligning with a club that defines grit and history, ToonieBet provides partners with direct access to a loyal fanbase where the passion for the play is unmatched and engagement extends far beyond the final whistle.

Through this alliance, affiliates gain access to premium traffic fueled by a dedicated sports community. By tapping into localized campaigns and sports-led activations, partners can expect optimized conversion funnels and stronger retention. This synergy ensures superior player LTV from a fanbase that lives and breathes the black-and-gold.

Aviv, Head of 2RBO Affiliates, highlighted the strategic value of this collaboration for affiliates:

“Partnering with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats allows us to engage with a football culture driven by loyalty, tradition, and a deeply engaged сommunity. For affiliates, this unlocks strong opportunities to connect with high-intent audiences, build campaigns around key fixtures in the season, and drive more consistent, long-term performance within the Canadian Football League ecosystem.”

“We are thrilled to welcome ToonieBet to the family as the Exclusive and Official iGaming Partner,” stated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Press Office. “This partnership strengthens the connection between our club, our fans, and the wider digital world that surrounds the game. Together, we’re bringing new energy to the fan experience—creating exciting ways to engage, celebrate every moment of the season, and stay closer to the action. It’s time to ‘eat ’em raw’ together!

Ready to make every game count? Drive traffic to ToonieBet and turn player engagement into consistent revenue!

About ToonieBet

ToonieBet is a sports-oriented brand with casino and sportsbook features powered by exciting gamification. Players can play a thousand games and bet on sports events hunting for trophies and collecting cups for incredible prizes and generous bonuses.

About 2RBO Affiliates

2RBO Affiliates is a high-performance affiliate programme representing numerous iGaming brands. 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.

About Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Hamilton Tiger‑Cats are a Canadian Football League (CFL) team based in Hamilton, Ontario. The club traces its roots to 1869, accumulating 15 Grey Cup titles, making it one of the most successful and storied football teams in Canada. A pillar of the local sports scene and owned by Hamilton Sports Group, the Tiger‑Cats are known for their longstanding tradition of excellence, both on the field and in the community through local initiatives.

The post ToonieBet Named Exclusive iGaming Partner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.