One of the world’s most reputable gambling regulators, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), has released its much-anticipated annual report that provides insights into the work of the entity over the past 12 months regarding the online gaming and land-based industries in Malta.
The annual report for the fiscal year ending on 31st of December 2023 issued by the MGA states that the Malta Gaming Authority has received a total of 24 applications for the previous year.
Out of this number, the MGA approved 15 gambling licenses, with 13 applications being either rejected or withdrawn.
What is particularly interesting is that this number of 24 applications shows a continuous downward trend in applications, with 31 gaming licenses issued in 2022 and 46 gaming licenses issued in 2021.
When it comes to enforcement action, the MGA made 20 warnings in 2023, up from 10 warnings made in 2022. For suspension and cancellation actions, the MGA cancelled a total of 11 gaming licenses and it suspended a total of 9 gaming licenses.
Speaking of gaming operators that do not abide by the rules, the MGA found 49 casino websites in 2023 to have misleading references to the Malta Gaming Authority. Out of this number, 23 websites did not remove said misleading references after being notified by the authority.
Moreover, the MGA reported having helped 4,483 players who requested assistance due to problem gambling and gambling addiction, further proving the MGA’s dedication to promoting responsible gambling and safeguarding players.
On the same note, the MGA has received 225 reports of suspicious betting activities from licensees and other interested parties carrying out 22 investigations around the world on the premises of manipulation and breaches of sports rules in sports competitions.
Additionally, the MGA also received 77 international collaboration requests and further sent 42 requests of its own, with most of these requests being related to background checks.
Charles Mizzi, CEO of the Malta Gaming Authority, commented on the report and stressed that the theme for the 2023 annual report is “sustainability,” noting the ability of the regulator to maintain a balance between protecting consumers and allowing the industry to thrive.
It is not a coincidence that the theme for the Annual Report is ‘sustainability’. The MGA’s ability to strike the right balance between allowing the industry to thrive and grow in a sustainable manner, while also protecting consumers, is key to Malta’s continued success.
