Our engagement with organisations like INTERPOL and UNODC is also central to our mission of safeguarding sports betting integrity. We see this as a united effort to confront the growing complexity of threats in both sports and betting. As the industry evolves – with emerging technologies and more sophisticated methods of corruption – success hinges on the collective ability to share knowledge, expertise, and strategies. Trough this synergy, we can stay ahead of those seeking to undermine the fairness and credibility of both sectors.
Ultimately, these partnerships help us build a safer, more transparent, and more sustainable global gaming environment – one grounded in cooperation, not isolation.
Malta has pioneered regulated adoption of blockchain, crypto payments, smart contracts and DLT. How does MGA continue to innovate responsibly while managing technology-related risks?
At the MGA, we’ve long believed that innovation and regulation must evolve in tandem – but always within a framework that prioritises consumer protection, market integrity, and long-term sustainability. Our regulatory model is deliberately tech neutral, allowing us to remain adaptable in the face of rapid technological change, while maintaining firm regulatory safeguards.
A good example of this is the way we approached the rollout of our Policy on the use of Distributed Ledger Technologies and Virtual Financial Assets. Before finalising our position, we piloted the framework through a controlled sandbox environment, followed by a targeted consultation. Tat process was invaluable – it allowed us and the participating operators to engage in a shared learning experience, assess risk more accurately, and shape a more informed and practical final policy.
When it comes to artificial intelligence, we are at the exploratory stage. We see considerable potential for the technology – particularly in terms of how it might support licensees in meeting their compliance obligations. For example, AI could assist operators in identifying changes in player behaviour that may indicate early signs of problem gambling, allowing for timelier interventions and improved player protection.
Importantly, we are also engaging with the broader regulatory ecosystem to help prepare the industry. Te Authority recently participated in an AI Act Information Session aimed at gaming operators and system developers, focusing on the implications
of the EU AI Act and its compliance requirements. Organised by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) – which is expected to act as the main market surveillance authority under the AI Act – the session was an important opportunity for industry stakeholders to ask questions, understand their obligations, and become familiar with the tools available to support compliance.
While the number of active licensees declined modestly last year, the average lifespan and quality of operators increased. What does this say about how the MGA is promoting a high standards licensing regime that champions sustainability and compliance?
Te Maltese gaming industry continues to undergo a process of consolidation and quality improvement – signalling a sector that is evolving in line with the MGA’s regulatory priorities. Rather than chasing volume, we are focused on attracting and retaining operators with the capacity, resilience, and long-term vision to operate sustainably within a robust regulatory environment.
Te long-term presence of operators, the maturity of their operations, and the industry’s investment in skilled human capital all point to a jurisdiction that offers more than a licence – it offers continuity, trust, and the infrastructure to support responsible growth. For instance, by the end of 2023, the average period of operation stood at 7.5 years, rising to over 13 years among the top 100 operators, who now account for around 60 per cent of all activity. Tese operators are not only experienced but also financially resilient, with equity-to- turnover ratios nearing 25 per cent.
In 2024, the sector contributed €1.386bn in gross value added, or 6.7 per cent of the national economy – rising to over 10 per cent when including indirect effects. Employment tied directly or indirectly to the industry now stands at approximately 18,000 individuals, reflecting its strong multiplier effect.
A higher operator survival rate indicates not only business resilience, but also a willingness to invest in compliance, governance, and responsible gambling measures. Our licensing regime is designed to filter for precisely that kind of operator, and we’re seeing the results in terms of market maturity and reputational strength.
MGA recently initiated a tiered ESG framework. How do you see ESG influencing the long-term resilience and attractiveness of Malta’s gaming sector?
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