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MGA Publishes its 2018 Annual Report and Financial Statements
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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2018 (can be found here). The report provides an overview of the activities and work performed throughout the year by the MGA. Furthermore, the report includes a detailed summary of the performance of the Maltese gaming industry during 2018 as well as a medium-term outlook into the future.
Throughout 2018, the MGA mainly focused on the implementation of the new Gaming Act which empowered the Authority to further strengthen its regulatory oversight. Furthermore, the MGA focused on the regulatory compliance through implementation of a number of innovative internal and external initiatives which improved overall governance and supervision of the gaming sector. In 2018, the Authority continued to further strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) supervision, in order to ensure effectiveness in the mitigation of ML/FT risks relating to gambling services.
The Annual Report also looks at 2019 and beyond, with the MGA continuing to reinforce its compliance, risk and enforcement functions to ensure that it is equipped to achieve the regulatory objectives which the law requires it to pursue.
The following are the key highlights from the Annual Report:
- In 2018, the MGA and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) jointly issued the Remote Gaming Implementing Procedures – Part II that were directed toward the remote gaming sector. Throughout the year, both Authorities participated in cooperative initiatives to strengthen the oversight of the gaming sector;
- Throughout 2018, the MGA conducted a total of 33 AML/CFT full-scope examinations, eight of which were conducted jointly with the FIAU;
- During 2018, the Authority placed a strong emphasis on effective enforcement. To this effect, the MGA has issued 16 Notices of Reprimand and 73 Notices of Breach, suspended four licences and cancelled another eight. In addition, a total of 139 administrative fines were imposed on operators following various regulatory breaches;
- In 2018, the MGA’s Fit & Proper Committee deemed 63 individuals or companies to be unsuitable for a licence, or for a significant role in a licensee, as the case may be. In particular, 37 of these were related to individuals or companies considered as not having satisfied the integrity and reputation pillars of the MGA’s fit and proper criteria due to possible connections to money laundering or funding of terrorism. Around 2,000 criminal probity screenings were conducted during the course of 2018;
- In 2018, the Authority set up a Commercial Communications Committee as required in terms of the new regulatory framework, ensuring due process in the assessment of regulatory breaches stemming from the requirements relating to commercial communications. During the year, a total of 14 cases were evaluated, out of which seven decisions determined that there had been a breach of the regulations;
- The Authority received 209 applications for a licence and issued 93 licences to gaming operators, with the remaining ones still going through the acceptance process. A total of eight licence applications were rejected during 2018;
- During the year under review, the MGA continued its digitisation efforts, including further updates to the Licensee Relationship Management System to cater for the submission of the Monthly Licence and Compliance Contribution Report. Additional functionalities will be added on the portal throughout 2019; and,
- In line with its vision to become an increasingly knowledge-driven organisation, the Authority conducted and published the results of two major surveys in 2018. The areas analysed by the MGA included the skills gap in the gaming industry and the threats and opportunities associated with the consumption of gambling and gaming services by Maltese residents.
In publishing this report, Heathcliff Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Gaming Authority, stated that: “2018 was a remarkable year for the Authority, predominantly because of the coming into force of the new law on the 1 August 2018. The new framework strengthened the MGA’s supervisory role, specifically in the areas of compliance and enforcement, enabling it to focus efforts on areas which present a higher risk profile.
The new regulatory regime has also been pivotal in ensuring the Authority could become more agile in its decision-making.
Last year was also the year when Malta adopted the EU’s 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive, which saw online gaming companies in Malta becoming obliged entities for the first time. This was challenging, both for licensees and the MGA, which together with the FIAU, started conducting onsite AML inspections.
In 2019, the MGA’s focus will be that of consolidating what has been built so far, and continue building on its regulatory powers, to ensure holistic regulatory oversight focusing on the integrity of market participants and the protection of consumers, whilst also embracing technological innovation without prejudicing the attainment of its regulatory objectives.”
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
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Despite the implemented ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), the gaming industry in the country continues to boom, according to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
In his keynote address at the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, Tengco said the country’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) will rise to Php410 billion in 2024, up 25% from the Php329 billion GGR in 2023.
“As offshore gaming exits, PAGCOR recognizes that the future of Philippine gaming will continue to become more technology-driven,” he said. “This is why PAGCOR will continue to closely regulate electronic gaming while ensuring strict oversight to combat illegal operators.”
The PAGCOR chairman emphasized that while land-based casinos contributed Php201 billion—almost half of the total GGR in 2024—revenue from the E-Games and E-Bingo sector grew significantly, grossing Php154.51 billion, 165% higher than in 2023.
“We partly attribute the strong performance of the local gaming industry to the strategic policy adjustments that we have implemented, such as the gradual reduction of fee rates for E-Games since 2023,” Tengco’s explanation.
He said that in 2023, PAGCOR was charging 50% to 55% license fees which was an obstacle to the increase in operators. “But effective January 1, 2025, our fee rates for E-Games stand at only 30% of GGR,” he added.
As a result, more operators have come under regulation, voluntary closures of businesses have been avoided, and the profits of licensed companies have been maintained. Also as a result of the said reforms, the E-Games sector reached its target of Php100 billion in GGR revenue as early as September 2024. Tengco also mentioned PAGCOR’s focus on more intensified “responsible gaming programs” to promote a “more sustainable and ethical gaming industry.”
“We wish to assure our industry stakeholders that even as we strive for greater success, responsible gaming and market integrity will continue to be at the heart of our efforts,” Tengco said.
The PAGCOR chief is also fully confident in the direction of the industry.
“The best days of Philippine gaming are still ahead of us, and we look forward to working with all of you to shape what comes next,” he said.
The ASEAN Gaming Summit, organized by Asian Gaming Brief, serves as a platform for industry leaders to discuss trends, challenges and new opportunities in the region’s gaming landscape.
Translated article.
The post Gaming industry earns Php410 B despite POGO ban – PAGCOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, has announced a new marketing partnership with NetBet, a leading online gambling platform, as the Official Sportsbook and Betting Partner across UK, Ireland, Greece, Italy and Romania.
Beginning with UFC FIGHT NIGHT: EDWARDS vs. BRADY on Saturday, March 22nd live from The O2 in London, NetBet will have a presence in the world-famous Octagon®, on UFC’s international broadcast feed, and across digital and social platforms.
“As UFC continues to grow and expand across Europe, it’s great to bring on such a reputable betting partner who already has a strong, established UFC fanbase,” commented Nicholas Smith, TKO Senior Vice President and Head of International Business. “We couldn’t be kicking it off at a better time than with UFC FIGHT NIGHT: EDWARDS vs. BRADY, our marquee event this year in London, UK.”
“We are excited to become the European betting partner of UFC, uniting the adrenaline-pumping action of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation with the elite betting experience our customers expect,” said NetBet CEO Marcel Prioteasa. “As we gear up for our biggest year yet in 2025, and with a loyal and growing MMA community, this partnership lets us bring fans even closer to the Octagon with exciting new ways to engage with the sport they enjoy.”
The post UFC Announces NetBet as Official Sportsbook and Betting Partner in Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Atlaslive is proud to announce that it has been nominated for multiple awards at the upcoming GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025, an esteemed recognition in the gaming and technology sectors.
As part of the provisional shortlist, has demonstrated its leadership and creativity in an increasingly competitive market. Each nomination reflects their relentless pursuit of excellence and drive to innovate in the realms of sports betting and online casino experiences.
Atlaslive has been nominated in the following categories:
- Best Sports Betting Provider in CEE. Atlaslive’s commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative features make it the premier choice for bettors in the region.
- Rising Star in Sports Betting Technology in CEE. Atlaslive makes sports betting exciting with features like live betting and easy-to-read stats, showing they have what it takes to lead in the industry.
- Best Online Casino Provider in CEE. Their commitment to quality and excellent customer service makes playing at Atlaslive a fun and safe experience for players across the region.
- Rising Star in Online Casino Technology in CEE. Atlaslive’s professionals bring exciting games and smooth technology that keeps players engaged.
This acknowledgment underscores their commitment to excellence and innovation and their dedication to providing outstanding gaming solutions to their clients.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a nominee in several prestigious categories at the GamingTECH CEE Awards,” said Lidiia Vakulenko, COO at Atlaslive. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work, creativity, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the gaming industry. We remain dedicated to providing our users with cutting-edge technology and a seamless gaming experience.”
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit will serve as a convergence point for industry leaders and innovators, offering a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Attendees can expect insightful discussions and the opportunity to connect with industry peers.
As the awards process progresses, only attendees of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 will have the opportunity to vote for the final winners. This collaborative approach adds an element of excitement and community engagement, allowing those within the industry to shape the outcome of these renowned awards.
Atlaslive’s team encourages their supporters and industry colleagues to stay tuned for updates as they approach this exciting milestone.
This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post Atlaslive Receives Nominations at the Esteemed GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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