MGA Outlines 2025 Supervisory Focus to Bolster Industry Oversight

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has introduced its updated regulatory strategy for 2025, aiming to refine its oversight of the online gaming sector. The revised approach is designed to improve risk assessment, strengthen compliance measures, and enhance collaboration with licensed operators. With a stronger focus on evidence-based supervision, the authority intends to ensure the sector remains transparent, secure, and in line with evolving industry challenges.

A Data-Driven Approach to Risk Management

The MGA’s supervisory framework has evolved into a more outcome-oriented model, allowing for a precise allocation of resources to high-risk areas. This transition is expected to improve regulatory effectiveness and help operators align more closely with compliance requirements. The authority is also set to implement targeted interventions that address specific risks within the industry.

To promote better engagement, the MGA will intensify its collaboration with operators, offering greater clarity on compliance expectations. Through continuous assessments, licensees will be encouraged to uphold regulatory standards while demonstrating proactive adherence to responsible gaming policies.

The regulatory body plans to use structured audits and thematic reviews to assess key industry functions, ensuring that compliance measures are both practical and effective. Operators will be required to maintain clear documentation, submit regulatory reports on time, and demonstrate accountability in their business practices.

Core Regulatory Priorities for 2025

The MGA’s key areas of regulatory focus for the coming year include:

• Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Governance – Operators will be subject to detailed compliance audits and governance assessments to verify that their internal policies align with MGA standards.
• Responsible Gambling and Player Protection – The authority will strengthen its monitoring of player self-exclusion mechanisms and responsible gambling programs. Reviews will be conducted to ensure these measures are actively enforced and effective in identifying problem gambling behavior.
• Sports Betting Integrity – The MGA will analyze betting patterns within Malta’s football sector and review licensees’ procedures for identifying and reporting suspicious betting activity. The aim is to increase industry-wide transparency and prevent fraudulent behavior.

Strengthened Supervision and Compliance Engagement

To maintain regulatory integrity, the MGA will continue utilizing full-scope audits, site inspections, mystery shopping exercises, and direct operator engagement. These tools will help the authority assess compliance levels across various licensees while identifying potential gaps that require attention.

Furthermore, the MGA is committed to fostering a more open dialogue with stakeholders, ensuring operators remain well-informed about evolving compliance obligations. By refining its approach to regulatory oversight, the authority aims to build a gaming sector that is both resilient and sustainable while prioritizing consumer safety and fair industry practices.

Source:

Regulatory Oversight: Supervisory Engagement Efforts 2025 Remote Gaming Sector [pdf], Malta Gaming Authority, February 25, 2025.