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The MGA Publishes its 2020 Annual Report & Financial Statements

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/Authority) is publishing its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2020. The report provides an overview of the work performed throughout the year and highlights major projects undertaken by the Authority throughout the same period. In addition, the report also outlines the performance of the Maltese gaming industry during 2020 as well as a medium-term outlook into the future, followed by a detailed report explaining key statistics for the land-based and online gaming sectors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full report may be accessed on this link.

The following are the key highlights from the Annual Report covering the year 2020:

  • Between January and December 2020, following information which emerged from compliance audits, compliance reviews, and formal investigations, the Authority issued 69 warnings, suspended 3 licences, and cancelled another 12. In addition, the MGA issued a total of 24 administrative penalties.
  • In 2020, 30 compliance audits were conducted by the Compliance and AML function, one of which related to a live studio, and 324 desktop reviews were carried out, of which 98 identified deficiencies which were accordingly escalated to the Compliance and Enforcement Committee.
  • In 2020, 8 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.
  • During the twelve-month period of 2020, a total of 1,475 criminal probity screening checks were undertaken, an increase of 13.5% when compared to the year 2019.
  • In terms of AML/CFT, during the twelve-month period of 2020, a total of 27 supervisory examinations on online gaming licensees were conducted by the MGA, of which 10 were full scope examinations, 3 were targeted examinations, 8 were thematic examinations, and 6 were supervisory meetings.
  • In 2020, the MGA conducted a total of 65 interviews with prospective MLROs and key persons carrying out the AML/CFT function to determine the knowledge and suitability of each candidate, out of which 40 were approved, 17 were conditionally approved and 8 were rejected.
  • The Commercial Communication Committee of the MGA took action against 10 adverts or promotions that, in the opinion of the Committee, inappropriately exploited the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • During 2020 the Player Support Unit received a total of 5,625 requests for assistance, a 58% increase over 2019, potentially stemming at least partly from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on player behaviour.
  • In its efforts to boost knowledge sharing and cooperation with international counterparts, the MGA hosted a delegation of members of the Lotteries and Gaming Board and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
  • The Authority received 67 international cooperation requests from other regulators and sent 47 such requests, with the majority referring to requests for background checks as part of an authorisation process.
  • During the year 2020, a total of 168 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. Additionally, a total of 288 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 manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules.
  • Recognising the importance of establishing data sharing agreements with relevant stakeholders, including sport governing bodies and other platforms whose function includes the detection of suspicious betting activities, the MGA signed a total of five agreements, namely a data sharing agreement with the International Cricket Council, the Swedish Football Association, the Darts Regulation Authority, the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association, and the Slovak Football Association.
  • During 2020, the MGA and the FIAU signed an updated version of the MoU which brought forth better cooperative instruments for the supervision of AML/CFT in the gaming sector.
  • The Authority entered into an MoU with the Malta Business Registry with the aim of facilitating the ongoing close communication between authorities and the effective sharing of information.
  • With the aim of increasing cooperation with our international counterparts, an MoU was agreed to by the MGA and the Dutch Kansspelautoriteit (the Dutch Gambling Authority) on the basis that the two authorities will support each other by sharing best practices and information in support of their responsibilities at law, whilst also engaging in discussions on policy matters of interest.
  • The MGA also enhanced its collaboration with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations by creating a process whereby any entity that applies for a non-profit game is only issued with a permit if such an entity is a registered and compliant voluntary organisation.
  • Recognising the importance of regular dialogue with stakeholders, throughout 2020, over 55 external communications were sent, providing a synopsis of various updates and developments within the Authority and industry.

In publishing this report, the CEO, Dr Carl Brincat said: “The year 2020 will undoubtedly be remembered for the challenges the pandemic presented us with, and I am proud of the Authority’s employees who worked tirelessly to ensure that we continued to perform the functions required of us at law. Keeping the ship steady during a challenging year serves as a strong foundation for us to look ahead with renewed commitment to keep building on the positives and improve on our shortcomings, to reach new heights in our regulatory approach.”

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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A Quick Guide to Gambling Apps

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There are plenty of ways to promote gambling offers, including native ads, email campaigns, teasers, and other traffic sources that direct users to a pre-landing page. However, all these methods share one major issue — strict moderation and the constant need for workarounds, with the added risk of account bans.

To overcome such challenges, webmasters have increasingly turned to mobile apps, which can generate as many, if not more, leads than pre-landers. In this guide, the experts at 888STARZ Partners will delve into what affiliate apps are, the different types available, how to acquire them, and review the five best options for driving traffic to betting offers.

What are affiliate marketing apps?

In affiliate marketing, apps are mobile programs installed on users’ smartphones or tablets, specifically designed to promote gambling offers. These apps often function as fully operational casinos, enabling deposits, withdrawals, and offering mini-games such as slots, roulette, or poker. In some cases, they serve as promotional tools, embedding links to online casinos while offering extra features to engage users and drive traffic back to the main platform.

Types of apps for traffic generation

There are three primary types of mobile apps used to promote gambling offers: Native, Webview, and PWA. Each type differs in its implementation, development complexity, and conversion potential. Let’s dive deeper into each one.

Native applications  

Native apps are the classic mobile applications found on popular platforms like Google Play or the App Store. These apps don’t require an internet connection to function, allowing players to enjoy offline activities such as spinning slots, making sport bets, etc. However, an internet connection is still needed for account top-ups and website access.

Due to deeper integration with the device, these applications can access data such as geolocation and biometrics, and they can also be used to send push notifications directly to the player’s smartphone.

Native apps in Google Play to promote gambling offers. Source: Google Play.

Native apps tend to build more trust among users compared to PWAs or Webview apps. They load quickly, perform smoothly, and are generally well-optimized. However, developing a native app demands significant time and financial investment. Additionally, since they must pass App Store and Google Play moderation, techniques like cloaking cannot be used, making their approval challenging. And even when approved, native gambling apps are frequently removed, resulting in developer account bans.

Another challenge is that if the developer account isn’t properly warmed up before publishing, it will likely be blocked immediately after the app is taken down. Due to the high development costs and the inevitability of platform bans, native apps are rarely used for gambling promotion.

Webview applications  

Essentially, a Webview is a website embedded within a mobile application. Here’s how it works: once the app is installed through an official platform, all user actions are sent as requests either to an HTML file within the app or to a remote server. Webview apps have the advantage of easily bypassing moderation, thanks to their ability to use cloaking. As a result, they tend to remain on app marketplaces longer — often for weeks or even up to a month.

Webview apps can also be promoted on platforms with strict ad policies, like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and other social networks. These apps offer the same benefits as native apps, but they’re less complex to develop, cost less, and can even be rented from specialized services.

However, running Webview campaigns requires “warming up” your account to avoid a block after the app is banned. Additionally, since Webview apps are always connected to a website, they need an internet connection and tend to load slower than native apps.

Harrah’s online casino webview app. Source: Apps.Apple.

PWA applications (Progressive Web App)

PWAs and Webview apps are quite similar in terms of implementation, as both are tied to websites. The key difference is that while Webview apps embed the website directly inside the app, PWAs are essentially links to a website, designed to look and feel like a mobile app. 

To set up a PWA, you’ll need to purchase a separate domain, as they can’t be uploaded to official app stores. Instead, you’ll have to find alternative platforms or fake app stores that mimic the App Store or Google Play. However, exercise caution when using these alternative platforms, as some are unreliable or even fraudulent, putting your app at risk of being permanently lost.

PWAs tend to generate less trust among users, are optimized only for Android, and have the lowest conversion rates compared to other app types. That said, they remain popular because they’re the easiest to create, cost the least, and are often offered for free by affiliate programs.

Example of a fake Google Play page with PWA app. Source: 66pwa.

 

Why are mobile apps so popular?

We’ve outlined the specifics of each app type, but beyond their unique pros and cons, all of them share common advantages that make them so popular for promoting gambling offers:

  • Easier moderation:

Platforms like Facebook, Google Ads, TikTok, and Instagram typically prohibit online casino promotions, often blocking ads that link to gambling landing pages. However, when promoting gambling through mobile apps, these platforms tend to be more lenient, and ads are less likely to be banned. This removes the need for complex cloaking techniques or the use of anti-detect browsers.

  • Mobile traffic popularity:

The share of mobile traffic in affiliate marketing has grown significantly over the past few years. Today, almost all users respond to ads and play online casinos from their smartphones. As a result, gamblers have shown increased interest in gambling apps due to their convenience and interactive elements.

  • Push notification campaigns:

Mobile apps can integrate a feature to send push notifications to users’ smartphones, informing them about special offers, promotions, and other updates. This not only boosts first-deposit conversions but also helps retain players to casino and betting.

  • Higher trust levels:

Users are familiar with how easy it is to create a landing page, and many of these landing pages are used to promote unreliable or even scammy products. Apps, on the other hand, are harder to create and often require a significant investment and professional expertise. As a result, there are far fewer spammy platforms operating through apps, which increases user trust.

How to obtain apps?

As we’ve seen, mobile apps are effective for promoting online casinos and betting sites, but the process of acquiring them can be more complex than simply setting up a landing page. Depending on the type of app, there are different methods for obtaining one, ranging from easy to more challenging. Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to acquire mobile apps:

    • Via affiliate programs.
      Many affiliate programs specializing in gambling and betting niches often provide webmasters with PWA apps as promotional materials for their offers. Apps from affiliate programs come optimized for specific GEOs and can include custom features upon request;
  • App rentals. 

There are various services that allow you to rent mobile apps for gambling promotions. You can either choose from an available catalog or request a customized app. This method removes the need for development or ongoing maintenance. However, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee or a per-download fee (typically a few cents per download). Popular rental services include iRent, ZM Apps, Trident Rent, Wild Wild Apps, [FBM] Apps;

  • App builders. 

If you prefer to create an app yourself, there are app builders that allow you to design gambling traffic apps using pre-made templates. While these platforms can generate high-quality apps in just a few days, they are expensive, with prices reaching thousands of dollars. The functionality of these apps may be more limited than custom-built apps but can still serve most purposes.

  • Custom development. 

Custom development is the most expensive and time-consuming option for creating gambling apps. Freelancers typically charge high fees, and since apps are often removed from stores, you’ll need to commission new ones regularly, which can become costly. While larger teams may have in-house developers, most webmasters can’t afford to hire full-time professionals. Custom development is best suited for offers that require unique features or specifications.

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Push Gaming revolutionises jackpots with the launch of PrizeFlex™

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Push Gaming has launched PrizeFlex™, a groundbreaking, fully customisable jackpot solution designed to elevate player engagement and generate new revenue streams for operators.

PrizeFlex™ is a supplier-agnostic platform that can be seamlessly integrated with any game, casino or gambling product, regardless of the provider. This flexibility allows operators to create more entertaining moments and opportunities for players to claim bigger wins, increasing retention rates while encouraging growth.

The solution offers a wide array of customisable features, including flexible jackpot options (single-tier daily jackpots or multi-tier progressives), advanced contribution handling (up to 250 per second), smart math models, and market-specific configurations. Operators can tailor the jackpot types, contribution models, and RTP settings to suit their needs and best suit their target market.

Powered by Push Gaming’s proprietary jackpot engine and RNG, players can opt-in and out of the side bet jackpot anytime, which will not impact a title’s base RTP. No re-certification is required when configuring games that benefit from PrizeFlex™, and the open jackpot system can be applied to all casino products, including Sportsbook, Bingo, and Poker.

PrizeFlex™ has already launched with LeoVegas, supporting the world’s largest online casino jackpot value, and recently launched with BetMGM in Brazil, marking Push Gaming’s entry into the newly regulated market. Millions have been paid out to date, and Push Gaming plans to expand into more jurisdictions in 2025.

PrizeFlex™ is currently live in eight jurisdictions: Brazil, Denmark, Malta, the Netherlands, Ontario, Romania, Sweden, and the UK. Plans are in place to expand into new territories in 2025.

Fiona Hickey, Chief Business Development Officer at Push Gaming, said, “This is a project that holds incredible opportunity and scope for us and our partners. Progressive jackpot systems are widely loved by players and operators, and being able to create our own leverages our expertise and experience in the industry while simultaneously opening up an avenue for further growth.

“The benefits of PrizeFlex™ are numerous, and we believe they elevate it above other established systems in the industry. Its flexibility and agility are already enjoyed by operators with more set to follow suit imminently.

“Seeing the culmination of so much hard work is incredibly satisfying, and we’re delighted to be broadening our development scope beyond the amazing games that we are extremely proud of.”

The post Push Gaming revolutionises jackpots with the launch of PrizeFlex™ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Emirates Esports Federation Announces Worldwide Tender for Premier EGL Franchises, Unlocking Global Investment Opportunities

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The Emirates Esports Federation (EEF), in collaboration with ITW Universe, has announced the launch of an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the acquisition and operation of elite franchises in the upcoming E-Gaming League (EGL). This initiative presents a significant opportunity for global investors, esports teams, sports franchise businesses and high-net-worth individuals to become part of the rapidly growing esports ecosystem, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for digital entertainment and economic advancement.

The E-Gaming League is set to redefine esports with a sustainable, inclusive and competitive platform that spans multiple gaming genres. Designed to engage diverse demographics, the league will serve as a stable framework for fostering global collaboration and long-term investment opportunities.

Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan, President, Emirates Esports Federation, stated: “The EGL franchise model represents a groundbreaking evolution in the esports industry. It is not just a framework but a transformative platform that ensures stability, fosters global collaboration, and unlocks unparalleled opportunities for long-term investment. Esports has grown beyond virtual entertainment to become a mass sport that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. With EGL, we are not just hosting games—we are shaping the future of the digital economy.”

Echoing this sentiment, Saeed Ali Al-Tahir, General Secretary – Emirates Esports Federation, added: “The launch of the EGL franchise model marks a defining moment in the evolution of esports. It stands as a beacon of innovation, providing stability through equitable revenue-sharing, strategic brand partnerships, and pathways for talent development. Our vision is to position the UAE as the world’s premier hub for competitive gaming and to lead the charge in driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and limitless opportunities for the next generation.”

Vivek Chandra, Director of ITW Universe, said: “We are happy to announce the EGL Franchise Ownership Tender along with Emirates Esports Federation. This initiative is designed to attract forward-thinking partners eager to engage in a dynamic and profitable esports ecosystem. We look forward to creating a League that add values to the Publishers, Players & whole esports ecosystem and our franchise partners would be at the centre of all the initiatives.”

The post Emirates Esports Federation Announces Worldwide Tender for Premier EGL Franchises, Unlocking Global Investment Opportunities appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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