MGA interim report shows steady licensing and enforcement

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Interim Performance Report covering the first six months of 2025. The report provides a detailed overview of licensing activity, regulatory oversight, enforcement measures and collaboration initiatives both domestically and internationally. It underscores the Authority’s sustained focus on ensuring integrity, player protection, operational transparency and effective compliance in Malta’s dynamic gaming sector.

This interim report captures the key developments between January and June 2025 and provides insights into the trends shaping the local gaming market. By highlighting regulatory initiatives, inspection outcomes and enforcement actions, the report demonstrates the MGA’s commitment to fostering a safe, responsible and well-regulated gaming environment.

Licensing activity shows steady momentum

During the first half of 2025, the MGA received 28 applications for new gaming licences. After detailed evaluation, eight of these applications were approved. The approval process emphasizes strict adherence to regulatory standards, ensuring that only operators capable of maintaining high compliance and ethical standards are granted licences.

In addition, six operators submitted applications for licence renewals during the period, of which five renewals were granted. Low-risk gaming activities, including small-scale or one-off events, continued to be managed primarily through short-term permits. Specifically, the MGA issued 898 permits for non-profit tombola events, eight permits for non-profit lotteries and 75 certificates for commercial communication games, each valid for a single occurrence. These permits reflect the Authority’s commitment to providing accessible and regulated options for community and commercial gaming initiatives.

Probity checks and fit and proper assessments

An essential component of the MGA licensing process is the evaluation of individuals associated with gaming operations. Between January and June 2025, the Authority conducted 723 criminal probity checks. These assessments involved directors, key personnel, holders of qualifying interests and third-party funders or controllers across both land-based and online operations.

Complex cases were referred to the Fit and Proper Committee, which issued 34 decisions during the reporting period. In four instances, applicants did not meet the necessary standards, highlighting the Authority’s rigorous evaluation criteria. Separately, the Supervisory Council reviewed 16 licence applications, including renewals and rejected two applications after determining that the information submitted was false, misleading, inaccurate or materially incomplete following the Minded Letter procedure. This careful scrutiny ensures that only qualified and trustworthy individuals operate within the Maltese gaming sector.

Supervisory and compliance audits

Supervisory activity intensified throughout the first half of 2025. The MGA completed seven full-scope compliance audits and 87 thematic reviews. These thematic reviews focused on critical areas such as operational compliance, player protection and sports betting integrity. By identifying risks and gaps in compliance, the MGA ensures that licensees adhere to best practices and regulatory obligations.

Player-facing oversight remained a priority. The Authority resolved 1,720 requests for assistance, including cases carried over from 2024. In parallel, 891 player funds reports were received and nine data extractions were conducted as part of ongoing monitoring to safeguard player deposits. These measures demonstrate the MGA’s proactive approach to monitoring and protecting the interests of players in the Maltese gaming ecosystem.

Addressing unregulated and fraudulent activity

The MGA continued its efforts to identify and mitigate unregulated gaming activity. During the reporting period, 75 URLs linked to unauthorised operators were reviewed. Of these, 34 contained fraudulent references to the Authority or its licensees and were added to the public warning list. These actions help protect players from potential fraud and maintain the integrity of the regulated market.

The Commercial Communications Committee issued four decisions regarding potential breaches of the Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations. These decisions reinforce the Authority’s commitment to responsible advertising and compliance with established standards in gaming communication.

Anti-money laundering supervision

Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) remain core priorities for the MGA. Eleven AML and CFT compliance examinations were initiated either directly by the Authority or by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) on its behalf. An additional eleven examinations were concluded, including one closure letter issued after a licensee addressed identified deficiencies. Three licensees were placed under remediation measures imposed by the FIAU.

To strengthen governance standards and internal compliance frameworks, the MGA conducted 16 interviews with prospective money laundering reporting officers. These interviews assessed candidates’ knowledge and understanding of Maltese AML and CFT requirements, ensuring that operators are prepared to effectively manage financial crime risks.

Extensive inspection and enforcement activity

Inspection activity across Maltese gaming premises remained robust during the reporting period. A total of 4,198 inspections were carried out, encompassing casinos, commercial bingo halls, controlled gaming premises, national lottery outlets and non-profit tombola events. These inspections included routine compliance checks, operational assessments and evaluations of responsible gaming practices.

Enforcement measures were taken to address non-compliance. During the first half of 2025, the MGA issued 23 cease and desist letters, 15 warnings and 23 administrative penalties. Financial penalties during the period totaled €139,360 and one gaming licence was cancelled. These enforcement actions underscore the Authority’s readiness to uphold compliance standards and maintain sector integrity.

Appeals activity remained limited, with one appeal lodged during the reporting period and pending resolution. Two appeals from previous years were withdrawn, reflecting the effectiveness of the Authority’s review and decision-making processes.

Integrity and international cooperation

Maintaining integrity within the gaming sector remains a central objective for the MGA. The Authority received 149 suspicious betting reports from licensees and shared 88 alerts after risk-based filtering. It also participated in 30 investigations connected to suspicious betting activity worldwide, demonstrating active involvement in international integrity monitoring.

The MGA continues to facilitate extensive information exchange with regulatory partners. It handled 25 cooperation requests from enforcement agencies, sports bodies and other regulators, while participating in 41 formal data exchanges. In addition, 29 international requests were received, primarily concerning background checks and regulatory collaboration and four requests were submitted by the MGA to foreign authorities. The Authority issued 31 official responses confirming the regulatory standing of Maltese licensees to foreign regulators and collaborated on 110 domestic information requests. These efforts highlight the MGA’s commitment to transparency, cross-border collaboration and the enforcement of global regulatory standards.

Looking ahead to the full-year report

The Malta Gaming Authority has confirmed that a comprehensive full-year industry performance report will be published in the second half of 2026 as part of the Annual Report for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. This report is expected to provide a detailed analysis of licensing trends, regulatory enforcement, AML compliance and sector performance, offering stakeholders a complete view of the Maltese gaming landscape.

Conclusion

The Malta Gaming Authority’s interim performance report for the first half of 2025 underscores the organisation’s unwavering commitment to fostering a secure, transparent and responsible gaming environment. Through meticulous evaluation of new licence applications and renewals, coupled with rigorous probity checks and fit and proper assessments, the MGA continues to uphold the highest standards of integrity across the sector. This structured approach ensures that operators meet strict regulatory and ethical criteria, reinforcing public confidence in the Maltese gaming landscape.

Beyond licensing, the report highlights the Authority’s proactive supervisory framework, which encompasses full-scope compliance audits, thematic reviews and extensive player protection initiatives. By addressing both operational and financial safeguards, including anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, the MGA demonstrates a holistic commitment to mitigating risks and promoting responsible gaming practices. This focus not only protects players but also strengthens the credibility and stability of the regulated market in Malta.

Furthermore, the Authority’s engagement in national and international cooperation, alongside enforcement against unregulated or non-compliant operators, reflects its dedication to upholding sector integrity on a broader scale. The combination of robust regulatory oversight, risk-based interventions and transparent communication positions Malta as a leading jurisdiction for well-regulated gaming operations. As the sector continues to evolve, the MGA’s comprehensive and proactive regulatory framework ensures sustainable growth while safeguarding the interests of players, operators and stakeholders alike.

FAQs

What period does the MGA interim report cover?
The report covers January to June 2025.

How many new gaming licences were applied for and approved?
28 applications were submitted and eight licences were approved.

How many licence renewals were granted?
Five of six licence renewal applications were approved.

What types of short-term permits were issued?
Permits were issued for non-profit tombola events, non-profit lotteries and commercial communication games.

How many criminal probity checks were conducted?
The MGA conducted 723 criminal probity checks on key personnel and associated individuals.

What supervisory audits and reviews were conducted?
Seven full-scope audits and 87 thematic reviews focused on compliance, player protection and betting integrity.

How did the MGA address unregulated gaming activity?
75 unauthorised URLs were reviewed, 34 were flagged as fraudulent and warnings were publicly issued.

What anti-money laundering actions were taken?
Eleven AML/CFT examinations were initiated and three licensees were placed under remediation measures.

What enforcement measures were applied?
23 cease and desist letters, 15 warnings, 23 administrative penalties and one licence cancellation were issued.

When will the full-year report be published?
The full-year report will be published in the second half of 2026 as part of the Annual Report for 2025.