Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Review
Established in 2001, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the regulatory body for almost all forms of gambling that falls under its jurisdiction. This includes land-based locations such as casinos, amusement arcades, betting offices and lotteries as well as online gambling including business-to-customer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) services.
Foreseeing the rapid growth in online gaming and betting, the MGA became one of the first to regulate the activity of online gambling operators and more importantly offer players a secure environment. It all started with the 2001 Lotteries and Other Games Act which has since been complemented by anti-money laundering, responsible gambling and crime protection directives.
With Malta being part of the European Union, it allowed the MGA to offer its gaming licences in any European country and thus creating a vast regulated market with over 500 million people. This was especially important for online casinos as they take players from virtually any country that is not prohibiting online gambling. The sector has become a vital part of Malta’s economy, presently representing more than 10% of its GDP.
Today, the MGA is much more than just a licence issuing body and has taken on an important role in protecting minors and vulnerable players, curbing illicit gambling and preventing money laundering. Below is just a small selection of their activities.
- Provide a one-stop-shop for licensing
- Protect minors and vulnerable persons and safeguarding players’ rights
- Promote responsible gaming in a safe environment
- Ensure the integrity of games and gaming devices
- Collecting gaming taxes on behalf of the Government
- Support the industry and technological innovation
For players, this means in clear words that signing up at a casino with an MGA licence will provide a secure atmosphere where they can enjoy their online gaming and sports betting. Clear rules and regulations ensure that operators adhere to a strict code of conduct in a regulated environment and players will be treated fairly in disputes.
The MGA will also act as a dispute resolution body where players can lodge their complaint against a casino or gaming operator if they fail to resolve the issue directly with the operator’s support or management.