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The MGA publishes its 2021 Annual Report and Financial Statements
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/Authority) is publishing its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2021. The report provides an overview of the Authority’s achievements during the year under review and outlines the performance of the Maltese gaming industry during 2021, coupled with a medium-term outlook into the future. This is also followed by a detailed report explaining key statistics for the land-based and online gaming sectors.
Supervisory Activities
- 54 on-site compliance audits were conducted and 230 desktop reviews were carried out, accounting for 65.5% coverage of the licensees base during 2021, accompanied by additional AML/CFT compliance examinations that are carried out by the FIAU, or the MGA on its behalf. Following information which emerged from compliance audits, compliance reviews and formal investigations, the Authority issued 64 warnings and cancelled seven (7) licences. In addition, the MGA issued a total of 31 administrative penalties as well as three (3) regulatory settlements, with a collective total financial penalty of €176,016.
- An additional 10 licensees were subject to enforcement measures by the FIAU, ranging from written reprimands to administrative penalties, based on the breaches identified during examinations carried out in previous years, including by the MGA. In total these amounted to just over €863,000.
- 13 individuals and companies were deemed not to be up to the Authority’s probity standards by the Fit & Proper Committee, mainly on the basis of mitigating the risks of money laundering or funding of terrorism. An additional three (3) applications were rejected by the Supervisory Council.
- Over 1,150 criminal probity screening checks were undertaken on individuals., shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners, key persons and other employees, and companies from both the land-based and online gaming sectors.
- The Authority continued with its commitment to supervise its online gaming licensees and conducted 91 interviews with prospective MLROs and key persons carrying out the AML/CFT function to determine the knowledge and suitability of each candidate.
- The Commercial Communication Committee of the MGA issued a total of 21 letters of Breach, of which 13 operators were found to be in breach of the Commercial Communications Regulations, (S.L. 583.09).
- In its efforts to protect players and encourage responsible gambling the Authority assisted a total of 6,170 players that requested assistance, covering most of the cases received during 2021 and the spill-over from 2020.
- The MGA also investigated 79 cases of websites having misleading references to the Authority and published a total of 61 notices on its website with the aim to prevent the public from falling victim to such scams. Furthermore, an additional 26 responsible gambling website checks were conducted.
- A sectoral risk assessment on money laundering and funding of terrorism-related risks affecting the land-based and online gaming sectors in Malta was undertaken.
Improvements in Efficiency and Effectiveness
- With the aim of reducing any unnecessary bureaucracy on its licensees, the Authority has reviewed the Gaming Licence Application Process as well as launched the Personal Portfolio.
- Improvements have been made in the way non-compliance matters are notified to the relevant licensee, and how operators are directed to rectify their position.
- The MGA published amendments to the ‘Guidance on the use of Innovative Technology Arrangements and the acceptance of Virtual Financial Assets and Virtual Tokens through the implementation of a Sandbox Environment’.
- Amendments to Article 22 of the Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018) were published, accompanied by a policy paper on ‘Amending the Return to Player Minimum Percentage’. Such amendments aim to streamline the minimum Return to Player percentage applicable to licensees across all sectors.
- A series of amendments to the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018) were published, including the extension of the applicability of suspicious betting reporting requirements to B2B licensees as well as broader amendments to the key functions. The latter was accompanied by the introduction of the Key Function Eligibility Criteria Policy which outlines the requirements the persons holding the various key functions are expected to fulfil in order to satisfactorily perform these duties which are vital for the applicable regulatory outcomes.
- A public consultation on the Applicability of the System and Compliance Audit Service Provider Guidelines to Financial Audit was issued with the aim of communicating and refining the proposal being put forward in relation to revised Guidelines and in order to promote a greater understanding of the proposal itself.
- The Authority established a dedicated Business Transformation team, tasked with assisting each of the MGA’s directorates to continuously re-assess and improve processes, to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burdens on the MGA and industry alike, and to focus resources where these truly provide added value.
National and International Cooperation
- A new alerting process was introduced vis-à-vis the sharing of knowledge on suspicious events that is reported with the whole industry without revealing the source of the information. Since its introduction, during the last quarter of 2021, a total of 72 alerts were sent to the industry, which resulted in a total of 20 new suspicious betting reports received via the Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism after such alerts were corresponded.
- A total of 131 requests for information specifically relating to the manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules were submitted by enforcement agencies, sport governing bodies, integrity units, and other regulatory bodies. As a result of such requests, data was exchanged in 41 instances. Additionally, a total of 329 suspicious betting reports from licensees and other concerned parties were received.
- During the period under review, the Authority was a direct participant in 20 different investigations across the globe relating to the manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules, as well as an indirect participant in 29 such investigations.
- The Authority received a total of 89 international cooperation requests from other regulators and sent 75 such requests, with the majority referring to requests for background checks as part of an authorisation process.
- A total of 125 letters of Good Standing were issued providing feedback on the regulatory good standing of our licenced operators to the relevant authorities asking for this information.
- An International Affairs Strategy has been devised as one of the measures aimed at enhancing Malta’s international credibility, fostering collaborative relationships with targeted stakeholders and mitigating the risks that the gaming industry in Malta is facing.
- In collaboration with the Malta Institute of Accountants two technical release notices were published, “Audit 02/21 Gaming Tax Payable and Levy on Gaming Devices” and “Audit 02/21 – Player Funds and Jackpot Funds”.
- Through a joint collaboration between the Authority, the FIAU and the MFSA, a document was published providing an overview of the key findings of Business Risk Assessments carried out by subject persons as per their obligations under the PMLFTR and the FIAU’s Implementing Procedures.
- A two-day workshop in collaboration with Bank of Valletta was organised, whereby various aspects of the control mechanisms as a Regulator were discussed.
In publishing this report, the CEO, Dr Carl Brincat said: “As an organisation, beyond continuing to ensure that we meet our day-to-day objectives, we used 2021 to start laying the groundwork for improvements that we will see in the months and years to come. It is a priority for us to move towards leaner and more efficient processes, to remove unnecessary bureaucracy which introduces burdens on the industry without providing added value, and to become more effective in achieving our regulatory priorities.”

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Week 29/2025 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has rolled out the latest addition to its iconic Demi Gods Series: Demi Gods VI Hold & Hit. In this new release, players are transported to a mystical realm surrounded by ominous mountains and swirling mists. The adventure unfolds within a 5×3 reel frame, where electric anticipation crackles around each spin. Atlas, Selene, Helios, and Hera are once again the main protagonists on a mission through ancient Greece in the hunt for glory.
Million Games is thrilled to announce the launch of Fortune Fairies, an enchanting new video slot that takes players into a mystical forest filled with magic, rewards, and a jackpot. This 5×3, high volatility slot invites players into a world, where ethereal fairies, shimmering orbs, and hidden treasures await. Designed for players who love immersive storytelling and rewarding gameplay, Fortune Fairies features two captivating bonus rounds.
GAMOMAT, one of the leading independent German software developers for slot games, has released Roman Legion Flaming Link, the latest addition to join the line-up of its hugely successful Flaming Link series. This imperious 5×3 slot marches players straight to the heart of the Roman Empire, where legionnaires must vie for victory.
PG Soft has unveiled its fantasy-fueled video slot, Dragon’s Treasure Quest. The game is presented within a 5-reel, 3-row frame and features expanding reels and multipliers. Players must track down hidden treasures while navigating through legendary lore to find Wilds and Scatters, represented by a dragon eye and treasure chest respectively.
BC.GAME is adding a dark twist to its slot lineup with the launch of Symbiote, a high-volatility crypto slot developed by Croco Gaming. Inspire by the cult comic Venom, the game invites players into a battle for control — where fusing with an alien parasite brings incredible power, but always at a cost. Symbiote draws heavy visual influence from comic book aesthetics, particularly from the Venom universe.
Get ready to don your sombrero and put your piñata smashing arm to the test in Piñateros – the brand-new Premium release from popular software provider, Swintt, where collecting six or more flaming chilis can unlock fiery rewards or one of four red-hot local jackpots. Boasting a colourful collection of symbols that serves up sugar, spice and all things nice, this exciting 5×3 reel, 50-payline slot includes fresh fruits, thirst-quenching beverages and Mexican musical instruments among its unique icons, with expanding wilds helping to create further wins.
Saddle up, slot fans! TaDa Gaming’s latest release, Bounty Frenzy, is here to ignite the reels with wild west energy, gold-studded features and nonstop action. Packed with cascading wins, dynamic multipliers and transforming Gold Frame Wilds, this medium-volatility slot delivers thrilling gameplay with a 5000x max win potential.
The chaos-loving Joker returns in Cashin’ Joker, a vibrant 3-reel slot from Play’n GO that doesn’t play by the rules. As numbers tumble onto the reels and transform into powerful multipliers, players are thrust into a fast-paced experience full of surprises and dramatic shifts in momentum. Every time the Joker symbol appears, the game shifts into another gear.
Red Rake Gaming has released Super 60 Stars, the latest addition to its acclaimed Super series, now available to all partner operators. This new release retains the fast-paced gameplay and wide variety of features that have made the series one of the most popular in the iGaming industry, while also introducing an exclusive new addition that adds even more excitement to the game. The new feature in Super 60 Stars is the “Super 60 Stars” symbol, which can appear anywhere on the reels and trigger the brand-new “Super 60 Gold X” minigame.
The post Week 29/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Legends Charity Game in Lisbon to raise millions for charity
International stars of the football world are coming together in Lisbon this September for the Legends Charity Game in order to raise funds for communities suffering from the effects of war and local tensions around the world.
Timed to coincide with the SBC Summit in Lisbon, the Legends Charity Game on Monday 15 September is a highly anticipated match between Portugal Legends vs. World Legends, featuring some of the biggest names in the history of football. The Legends will compete in front of 60,000 Fans, and in front of millions of people that will watch the game online / on TV.
With strong support from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), the match will see Portuguese legends playing against footballing royalty from the Rest of the World in an event that aims to raise over €1,000,000 for selected charities in the support of communities and families experiencing extreme hardship.
Luis Figo, who won trophies across Europe as well as the Ballon d’Or in 2000, will be captaining the Portugal Legends side. He comments: “It’s always a pleasure to come back to my country and play football, especially when wearing the national team colours! Hope to see a full stadium in my hometown Lisbon for this amazing Legends Charity Game and raise funds for important charity causes.”
Joining Figo from the triumphant Euro 2016 winning squad are Ricardo Quaresma, Eliseu and Ricardo Carvalho. Champions League winners Fábio Coentrão, Maniche, Hugo Almeida, Vitor Baia, José Bosingwa and Deco will also play on the night as well as other famous Portuguese legends include Beto, Jorge Andrade, Dani, Tiago Mendes, Hélder Postiga, Nuno Gomes and Simão. They will be managed by another Champions League winner – Costinha.
They will be facing stiff competition from the World Legends squad that includes legends such as: Peter Schmeichel (Denmark), Cafu (Brazil), Javier Zanetti (Argentina), Diego Lugano (Uruguay), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy), Gaizka Mendieta (Spain), Youri Djorkaeff (France), Christian Karambeu (France), Marek Hamsik (Slovakia), Giorgos Karagounis (Greece), Krassimir Balakov (Bulgaria), Gheorghe Hagi (Romania), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands) Henrik Larsson (Sweden), Shota Arveladze (Georgia), Javier Saviola (Argentina), and Ronaldinho (Brazil).
The match will be played in front of 60,000 fans at either Estádio da Luz (Benfica Stadium) or José Alvalade Stadium (Sporting Lisbon Stadium), which will be part of a big and exciting reveal in August when the Champions League schedule is released.
The Legends Charity Game aims to raise over €1,000,000 for a number of good causes based both abroad and in Portugal as the Football Family aims to give back to the families of the world. Funds will be raised for both international and national charities who help families and communities in need.
One of the international organisations that The Legends Charity Game will be raising funds for is the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS). Every day, the Ukrainian Red Cross teams provide evacuation support, psychosocial and first aid, provide essential humanitarian relief, support temporary shelters, help with housing restoration, and spread awareness about unexploded ordnance risks. Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers and staff work in all regions of the country to support those who need it most.
Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, comments: “The war in Ukraine continues, and unfortunately, millions of people still need support every day. We have no right to stop. Initiatives like the Legends Charity Game are not just about the funds raised. They are about compassion, and the understanding that the world stands by us. They are about solidarity that transforms into real help for those going through the toughest times. We are grateful to everyone who takes part.”
The Lisbon-based Cáritas Portuguesa, which offers critical support to marginalised communities fighting issues such as poverty and inadequate emergency relief, is also a charitable partner for the Legends Charity Game.
SBC Founder & CEO Rasmus Sojmark explains: “We are taking our charitable endeavours up a notch this year with the spectacular football match in order to raise a lot of money for some very worthy causes. By tying the match in with the SBC Summit in Lisbon the same week, we have found a way for the communities around football and business to help other communities that are facing unimaginable hardships.”
Tickets are available to purchase via the official website www.legendscharitygame.com. See Tickets will handle ticket management of the event.
Sponsorships and Hospitality are still available in support of the event and the charities. Some of the sponsors already confirmed include iGP, Soft2Bet, Sportingtech, Vegas Legends, Spribe, SmartSoft and Alea.
Sport Global Charitable Foundation is a restricted fund under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund (UK registered charity with charity number 1099682). All of the profits from the Legends Charity Game will support the Sport Global Charitable Foundation’s beneficiary charities across a range of causes including the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and Caritas Portugal.
The post Legends Charity Game in Lisbon to raise millions for charity appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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International Chess Day: How India’s ancient game is evolving into a rising force in esports
Few games can boast a history as rich and enduring as chess. Originating in ancient India as Chaturanga, chess has evolved over centuries into one of the world’s most popular and celebrated sports. For a game with roots tracing back nearly 1500 years, it is rare to find renewed relevance in the digital era, but chess has done exactly that. Today, it thrives not only as a timeless sport of intellect and strategy but also as a modern source of entertainment, with millions of active players, vibrant communities, and massive global viewership.
This transformation has been driven by the meteoric rise of online chess, especially during the 2020 lockdown, which acted as an unexpected catalyst. The global success of the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit, combined with the rapid growth of chess streamers across platforms like Chess.com, Twitch, and YouTube, propelled the game into mainstream pop culture.
Tournament series like PogChamps, launched by Chess.com in 2020, introduced chess to millions by featuring popular streamers and celebrities, each mentored by elite Grandmasters. Adding to this momentum were leading streaming personalities like Levy Rozman, known as GothamChess, and the Botez sisters, Alexandra and Andrea, who have built massive followings on both Twitch and YouTube. The accessible, educational, and entertaining style of these streamers has made chess more engaging and relatable to younger audiences than ever before.
Since then, online chess has seen explosive growth. In 2024 alone, Chess.com recorded over 7.6 billion games played. The platform has surpassed 200 million registered users globally, with India contributing over 9 million monthly active players and adding an average of 550,000 new signups each month. Beyond gameplay, viewership numbers have soared, with chess amassing 925 million organic views this year, reflecting an incredible 640 percent year-on-year growth. With its easy-to-play format and accessibility anytime, anywhere, chess has cemented itself as a universal sport for the digital generation.
This digital success naturally extended into the competitive esports world. The chess esports revolution accelerated in 2020 when world-renowned Grandmasters such as Qiyu Zhou, Hikaru Nakamura, and Andrew Tang joined established esports organizations like Counter Logic Gaming, Team SoloMid (TSM), and Cloud9 respectively, blending the traditions of chess with the excitement of competitive gaming.
The momentum continued when the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Chess.com included chess in the inaugural Olympic Esports Week in 2023 in Singapore. This evolution reached a landmark moment with chess officially becoming part of the prestigious Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 in Riyadh, with Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen serving as the tournament’s ambassador. Organized in partnership with Chess.com, this year’s EWC features a prize pool of $1.5 million (approximately INR 12.8 crore), bringing together the world’s top chess players to compete in the fast-paced 10+0 rapid format, while representing leading esports organizations from across the globe.
Indian chess is making its presence felt on this grand stage. Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, signed with global esports organization Gen.G, has already secured his place at EWC 2025 through the Champions Chess Tour. The final four spots will be decided through the Last Chance Qualifier from July 24 to 26, where top Indian players, including Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, will compete.
Both Nihal and Aravindh have joined S8UL, a global powerhouse in esports and gaming content to compete at EWC 2025. S8UL is the only Indian organization selected among the 40 elite global teams in the Esports World Cup Foundation’s (EWCF) Club Partner Program. The organisation has earned its place to compete among the world’s best in Apex Legends and EAFC, and will also be fighting for qualification in Tekken 8 through the Last Chance Qualifier, further expanding its presence across multiple esports titles.
“It’s incredible to watch chess evolve from a quiet, traditional sport into a bold, global movement. Being part of S8UL has introduced me to the world of esports and content creation, opening up new ways to connect with people. Today, chess isn’t just about strategy, it’s about storytelling, culture and community. I’m proud to be part of this exciting shift, as the game steps into a whole new era,” shares Nihal Sarin.
The chess esports revolution in India is also being championed by NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Chess.com and ChessBase India aimed at building the future of chess esports in the country. This collaboration has already delivered remarkable success, most notably with the exclusive streaming of the recent World Chess Championship, where India’s Gukesh Dommaraju defeated Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion. The event garnered over 24 million views, with peak concurrent viewership reaching 200,000.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, says, “The rise of online chess shows how even the most traditional games can reinvent themselves in a digital-first world. Chess has always stood for intellect and discipline, but with streaming, new formats, and structured esports competitions, it’s now more accessible and entertaining than ever, especially for younger audiences.”
Over the years, NODWIN Gaming has consistently driven the mainstream growth of chess through innovative initiatives. The Chess Super League in 2021 brought together a unique mix of top international Grandmasters, leading Indian Grandmasters, International Masters, and promising junior players, offering fans a fresh, competitive, and entertaining viewing experience. Chess has also featured prominently at DreamHack Hyderabad, India’s largest gaming festival, further reinforcing its place within the broader gaming and esports ecosystem.
“At NODWIN, we’ve always focused on youth entertainment across gaming, esports, and digital culture. Chess fits right into that vision. We’re excited to keep reimagining how the game is experienced and to help it grow as a meaningful part of the broader digital entertainment ecosystem,” adds Akshat Rathee.
On the occasion of International Chess Day, it serves as a fitting reminder that chess has always been more than just a game in India. Its digital evolution has unlocked exciting new avenues for competition, community building, and content creation. The board may remain the same, but the game continues to evolve, inspiring new generations of players and fans in the digital era.
The post International Chess Day: How India’s ancient game is evolving into a rising force in esports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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