MGA Enhances Regulatory Oversight Approach, Lays Down Core Goals

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) announced that it is enhancing its regulatory oversight approach. In its latest regulatory overview, the company also outlined its core focus areas for 2025.

MGA Unveils New Approach

The MGA elaborated that it will be enhancing its framework to a “more evidence-driven and outcomes-focused model.” The authority elaborated that this refreshed strategic approach will bolster its capabilities to assess and address industry risks. In addition to that, the new model will enable better resource allocation, as well as the fostering of a “more proactive and responsive regulatory environment.”

The MGA explained that these enhancements will allow it to champion improved supervision and promote transparency among its stakeholders.

As mentioned, the new enhanced oversight strategy for 2025 will be underpinned by a few core focus areas. These include compliance, players protection and sports betting integrity. These priorities will help the authority uphold best-in-class standards and cement its reputation as a reliable regulator.

The MGA Seeks to Bolster the Resilience of iGaming

According to the MGA, the improvements in its regulatory approach seek to improve the local market by ensuring integrity and transparency. The authority clarified that it targets the following outcomes:

• Risk-based resource allocation – The MGA vowed to direct much-needed resources to high-risk areas, ensuring superior regulatory interventions
• Enhanced collaboration – The Maltese gambling regulator said that it will work to reinforce its collaboration with operators to promote transparency, regulatory compliance, and best practices
• Proactive risk management – The MGA will remain vigilant of the potential challenges that might arise in the highly dynamic and competitive gaming sector

The MGA concluded that this approach is in line with its overall strategy.

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.

MGA statement

Maltese Journalist Murder Suspect Granted Bail

In other news, Yorgen Fenech, a recognizable casino mogul and owner of Portomaso Casino and Qawra Oracle Casino in Malta, as well as a suspect in a murder case involving a popular journalist, was granted bail.

The victim, Daphne Caruana Galizia, was killed in a car bombing on October 16, 2017. She was involved in the investigation of gambling companies, which allegedly bribed influential politicians, including the then-energy minister, Konrad Mizzi, and ex-PM Muscat’s aide, Keith Schembri.

Fenech, whose company was behind the alleged briber attempts was charged on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. However, he was just granted bail by Madam Justice Edwina Grima.

This doesn’t mean Fenech is free, however, as he must now sign into a bail book at St Julian’s police station every single day and should not approach the coast or airports in Malta.