MGA Updates Regulatory Strategy for 2025, Focuses on Compliance and Integrity

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has outlined significant revamps to its regulatory framework set to be implemented in 2025. The initiative will upgrade the authority’s methods to an evidence-driven approach as detailed in the recently published ‘Regulatory Oversight: Supervisory Engagement Efforts 2025’.

Through the document, the Maltese gambling regulatory watchdog provides insights into plans for intensified supervision of the online gaming industry, proactive risk management, and increased collaboration with stakeholders.

Reinforced Commitment to High Industry Standards

Compliance, sports betting integrity, and player protection are the MGA’s focus areas to promote high industry standards and cement its reputation as a dependable regulator. The authority also reaffirms its commitment to a risk-based approach, concentrating supervision on areas with the highest potential risk levels. Its goal is to bolster compliance frameworks with effective interventions that limit regulatory burdens.

These efforts will allow the MGA to anticipate and handle emerging challenges in the ever-evolving market. They will account for a significant part of the proactive risk management approach and promote broader objectives like safeguarding players’ interests and building stakeholder confidence in the industry’s sustainability.

Supervisory Focus Areas

The MGA has pinpointed several priority operations and governance areas for 2025. The authority will introduce Operational Resilience reviews in Information technology (IT) to ensure gaming operators uphold robust IT and cybersecurity measures to safeguard player data. Governance Assurance reviews will also be conducted to determine the effectiveness of key personnel in maintaining the practices’ continuity.

The MGA will enhance player protection policies with full-scope compliance audits on service providers’ financial integrity. Self-exclusion practices will also undergo a thematic review to address growing gambling addiction concerns. The licensing body expects gaming platforms to meet player needs in mitigating gambling-related risks.

Licensee Engagement

The MGA anticipates active engagement by licensees to address compliance issues promptly. The body urges operators to ensure their policies and practices meet regulatory expectations, especially in the areas underscored as priorities for 2025.

The MGA Supervisory Toolkit significantly redefines the MGA’s approach to regulatory supervision, inspections, and reviews. The authority also recently awarded its first ESG Code Approval Seal, which recognizes gaming operators with outstanding business practices. These developments highlight the body’s exceptional commitment to upholding high social, governance, and responsible gambling standards.