The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has unveiled an updated supervisory strategy for 2025, focusing on compliance with regulatory standards, player protection, and ensuring the integrity of sports betting.
Building on its existing risk management system, the MGA is upgrading it to a more evidence-based and results-oriented model. This approach will allow the Authority to more accurately identify and reduce industry risks, optimize resource allocation, and create a more dynamic and proactive regulatory environment.
MGA’s Key Focus Areas for 2025
The MGA’s strategy focuses on conducting external compliance audits, thematic reviews, and supervisory engagements aimed at managing the key risks identified through previous regulatory assessments.
The authority’s main priorities include operational resilience in information technology, ensuring effective governance in key functions, self-exclusion practices due to problem gambling, and player protection systems.
In addition, particular attention will be paid to ensuring the integrity of sports betting, especially in the context of local football betting and the non-reporting of suspicious gambling activities by licensed operators.
To strengthen oversight, the MGA will continue conducting full-scope compliance audits through approved audit service providers. These audits ensure high operational and financial integrity among licensees, as well as adherence to anti-money laundering and player protection regulations.
A key component of MGA’s 2025 strategy will be the introduction of targeted thematic reviews aimed at assessing specific aspects of licensed operators’ operations:
- The Operational Resilience review will assess IT security levels and incident response readiness, ensuring protection of critical systems and user data.
- The Governance Assurance review will evaluate the competence of key personnel responsible for regulatory compliance, internal audits, and anti-money laundering measures.
- The Self-Exclusion Practices review will analyze the effectiveness of player protection mechanisms for those struggling with gambling addiction across various gaming platforms.
The MGA stated: “This approach aligns with the MGA’s broader strategy to bolster the resilience of the online gaming sector, safeguard player interests, and foster greater stakeholder confidence in a sustainable and well-regulated industry.”
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