MGA's 2025 Annual Report Highlights Strong B2B Sector Growth and Economic Impact

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the year concluding on December 31, 2025. This comprehensive document details the performance of both land-based and online gaming sectors in Malta, outlines key regulatory activities, and discusses future industry trends.

Malta's gaming industry continues to be a significant economic driver, contributing 6.3 per cent of the nation's GDP. The sector recorded a Gross Value Added (GVA) of €1.42 billion, marking a 3.5 per cent increase from the previous year. When considering broader economic multiplier effects, the industry's overall contribution to the Maltese economy is estimated to be 8.2 per cent.

Throughout 2025, the MGA processed numerous licensing applications. Out of 38 applications for new gaming licenses, 19 received approval, while two were denied due to false or misleading submissions. Furthermore, eight of ten renewal applications were successfully granted. A notable trend observed was the increasing focus on the business-to-business (B2B) segment; 12 B2B licenses were issued, representing the majority of new licenses, reflecting a broader shift towards B2B growth within Malta's iGaming sector.

Beyond core gaming licenses, the Authority issued 2,043 permits for non-profit tombola, 22 for non-profit lottery, and 118 certificates for commercial communication games. Rigorous due diligence was also maintained, with 1,266 checks conducted. Complex cases were escalated to the Fit and Proper Committee, which ultimately determined seven entities or individuals to be unsuitable.

Regulatory Actions and Compliance Efforts

Regulatory oversight and enforcement were robust during the year. The MGA issued 35 cease and desist letters, 22 warnings, and imposed 30 administrative penalties totaling €162,520. Additionally, one license was suspended, and two were outright cancelled. Compliance efforts included 15 full-scope audits, 109 thematic reviews, and 21 examinations focused on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). Remedial actions and penalties from the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) amounted to just under €26,500.

Charles Mizzi, CEO of the MGA, underscored the Authority’s evolving regulatory philosophy. He stated, “The challenge facing regulators today is not to regulate more, but to regulate better.” Mizzi further elaborated that in 2025, the MGA refined its approach by strengthening its risk-based oversight, improving engagement, streamlining processes, and leveraging data and technology to focus resources effectively. This strategic pivot aims to reinforce confidence in the Maltese license, enhance player protection, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the gaming sector.

Player Protection and International Cooperation

Player safeguarding remained a top priority, with the MGA successfully resolving 3,718 requests for assistance and reviewing 1,757 player funds reports. The Authority investigated 109 URLs, identifying 42 instances where its name or its licensees were fraudulently referenced. The Commercial Communications Committee also made six decisions concerning breaches of advertising regulations. A total of 7,903 inspections were carried out across various land-based venues, including casinos, bingo halls, lottery outlets, and non-profit tombola locations.

In terms of international collaboration and integrity measures, the MGA received 280 suspicious betting reports and proactively shared 192 alerts with its licensees. The Authority participated in 66 global investigations and processed 56 requests for information from enforcement agencies and sports bodies. It also engaged in 85 data exchanges and responded to 66 requests for international cooperation from other regulatory bodies, alongside handling 200 local information requests from domestic entities. The report also briefly highlighted prediction markets as an area gaining increased attention across jurisdictions, indicating a need for regulators to monitor emerging products alongside traditional gambling offerings.