Malta Gaming Authority

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Malta Gaming Authority Logo MGA Logo.svg
Malta Gaming Authority Logo

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) (formerly the Lotteries and Gaming Authority) (LGA) is the gaming control board of Malta. It regulates most forms of gambling in its territory, including both land-based (casino, amusement and slot machines, betting offices, fantasy sports, and lotteries) and online gambling services including B2C and B2B services.

Contents

History

The MGA was established in 2001 to regulate the various sectors of the gaming industry that fall under the MGA's authority, by ensuring fairness transparency to players using gaming services, preventing crime, corruption and money laundering and to protect minor and vulnerable players. [1]

The MGA was one of the first regulators to offer legislation that regulates the activity of online gambling companies and create a secure atmosphere for players. A comprehensive set of legislation, regulations and directives regulate the industry, starting with Lotteries and Other Games Act, 2001, and Chapters 438 and 400 of the Laws of Malta. [2]

The online gambling sector in Malta has grown tremendously since 2001, with the industry generating over 12% of the country's GDP. [3] [4]

Functions

The MGA deals with:

The MGA cannot enforce any operator to return stakes that have been voluntary placed and lost in a fair game, but it can provide advice and assistance in enforcing the deposited money and the actual winnings and aids in dispute resolution with players and its licensees when necessary.

In addition, the new gambling law in Malta introduces "a duty of care for operators". The MGA licence holders are expected to monitor players' gambling habits, look for signs of problematic behaviour and intervene when necessary. [6]

The MGA licenses several well-known online gambling companies. The list of current MGA licence holders is provided at the register page. [7]

Structure

The MGA is composed of the following [8] main entities:

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References

  1. Interview: CEO of The Malta Gaming Authority, Casino.org (2019)
  2. MGA Gaming Sector Legislation and Regulations
  3. Stradbrooke, Steven. "Malta gambling biz represents over 12% of national economy". Calvin Ayre. Retrieved 22 Nov 2017.
  4. Mifsud, Russell. "Heightened demand for talent in Malta's booming Gaming industry". KPMG. Retrieved 29 Oct 2017.
  5. Ackins, Edward (August 2023). "Webinar of Tracy Cauchi, Money Laundering Reporting Officer of Malta Gaming Authority".
  6. Halonen, Toni (February 2019). "Interview of Heathcliff Farrugia, CEO of Malta Gaming Authority".
  7. "MGA Licensee Register". Malta Gaming Authority. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  8. "Legislation & Regulations". Malta Gaming Authority. Retrieved 2022-06-14.