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The MGA publishes its 2022 Annual Report and 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 2022. In addition to outlining the performance of the Maltese gaming business in 2022, the report gives a broad summary of the Authority’s accomplishments during the year under review and offers a medium-term outlook for the future. A thorough report outlining key statistics for the land-based and online gaming industries is then presented.

Supervisory Activities

  • 28 compliance audits were conducted and 228 desktop reviews were carried out during 2022, accompanied by additional AML/CFT compliance examinations that are carried out by the FIAU, or by the MGA on its behalf. Following information which emerged from compliance audits, compliance reviews and formal investigations, the Authority issued 10 warnings and cancelled six (6) licences. In addition, the MGA issued a total of 16 administrative penalties as well as three (3) regulatory settlements, with a collective total financial penalty of €179,150.
  • A total of 25 licensees were subject to remediation and/or administrative 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 €738,000.
  • Six (6) individuals and companies were deemed by the Fit & Proper Committee to not be up to the Authority’s probity standards due to various factors, including due to the risks of money laundering or funding of terrorism.
  • Forty-one (41) gaming licence applications were received during 2022. Thirty-one (31) licences were issued, while twenty-one (21) were unsuccessful.
  • Over 1,500 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 conducted 48 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 nine (9) Letters of Breach following breaches of the Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09).
  • In its efforts to protect players and encourage responsible gambling, the Authority supported a total of 5,280 players who requested assistance, covering most of the cases received during 2022 and the spill-over from 2021.
  • The MGA conducted 85 responsible gaming-themed website checks, through which 38 URLs were found to have misleading information. This led to 17 notices being published on the MGA website, and 30 observation letters that were sent out reflecting responsible gaming issues.

Improvements in Efficiency and Effectiveness

  • The Authority commissioned a sectorial skills strategy to address the gaming industry’s challenges with respect to the ongoing demand for qualified and skilled human capital, which increased significantly as the economy grew and diversified into numerous sectors.
  • Consultation exercises were conducted with industry stakeholders regarding the bets offered by licensees – with a focus on sports integrity and player protection considerations – on the proposed amendments to the Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018), and on the proposed policy on the use of Innovative Technology Arrangements (ITAs) and the acceptance of Virtual Financial Assets (VFAs) and Virtual Tokens, which led to amendments and a finalised Policy, respectively.
  • The Authority streamlined the approval process of appointing an MLRO in collaboration with the FIAU while, at the same time, ensuring that the industry is kept updated on any changes affecting this process and on any best practices that are intrinsic to the role of the MLRO.
  • The concept of Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUPs) Reports was introduced, covering player funds and Gaming Revenue. Audit firms are drawing up these reports in compliance with the ‘International Standard on Related Services (ISRS) 4400 (Revised) Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements’.
  • The MGA kickstarted a process for possibly implementing a voluntary Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice for the industry to showcase and increase the positive social and environmental impacts of the gambling sector.

National and International Cooperation

  • Throughout 2022, the Authority issued 43 news items on its website and 26 external communications, providing a synopsis of various updates and developments at the Authority and across the industry.
  • A total of 224 alerts were sent to the industry, 167 of which were also sent to the appropriate Sports Governing Bodies.
  • A total of 44 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 25 instances. Additionally, a total of 475 suspicious betting reports from licensees and other concerned parties were received.
  • During the period under review, the Authority was a direct participant in 15 different investigations across the globe relating to the manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules, as well as an indirect participant in 3 such investigations.
  • The Authority received a total of 83 international cooperation requests from other regulators and sent 97 such requests, with the majority referring to requests for background checks as part of an authorisation process.
  • A total of 177 official replies were issued providing feedback on the regulatory good standing of our licensed operators to the relevant authorities asking for this information.
  • The MGA works together with other local regulating authorities and governing bodies. This is reflected through responses furnished by the MGA to requests for information made by the Asset Recovery Bureau (ARB), the FIAU, as well as the MPF on the gaming sector. Additionally, the relevant information is provided to the Sanctions Monitoring Board (SMB) to assist in issuing penalties in instances of non-compliance with sanctions screening obligations.

In publishing this report, the CEO, Dr Carl Brincat said: “This report is testament to our collective efforts in promoting a fair and sustainable gaming ecosystem. Through proactive measures and leaner regulation processes, we strive to ensure a level playing field that nurtures innovation while safeguarding against any potential risks.

“As the global gaming landscape evolves, our role becomes even more critical. We embrace this responsibility with utmost determination, working tirelessly to stay ahead of emerging trends, technologies, and challenges.  We remain steadfast in our pursuit of robust frameworks that inspire confidence, protect vulnerable individuals and render Malta the home for gaming operators of good will.”

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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Team K9 Esports crowned champions of BGMS Season 4; secure INR 60 lakh in prize money

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Hydro was crowned the tournament’s MVP with 27 finishes, while TraceGod received the TVS Most Wicked Player award for his 113 finishes across the season

The three-day LAN finals garnered over 10 million views on YouTube and more than 500k views on JioHotstar across the Hindi, English, and Gujarati live streams.

The curtains have come down on the OnePlus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) Season 4, with Team K9 Esports emerging as the undisputed champions of India’s most-watched esports tournament. After three days of high-octane LAN action at the NODWIN Gaming Arena in Chhatarpur, New Delhi, the champions walked away with the coveted BGMS trophy and the lion’s share of the INR 1.5 crore prize pool.

The grand finals, held from September 12 to 14, brought together the top 16 teams in the country for 12 intense matches and were broadcast live on NODWIN Gaming’s YouTube channel as well as on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar, making it the only esports tournament in India with a national television presence. On YouTube, the finals drew more than 10 million views across Hindi, English, and Gujarati broadcasts over the three days, while on JioHotstar, they registered over 500k views during the same period, surpassing 200k on the final day alone.

OnePlus K9 Esports, led by in-game leader (IGL) Sahil Jakhar (Omega) and comprising Akshit Kumar (Arclyn), Harshit Yadav (Beast), Tanjot Singh (NinjaBoi), and Raghuraj Singh (Slug), dominated across all three days of competition. After topping the table on both Day 1 and Day 2 with consistent performances, the team carried their momentum into the final day to finish with a total of 107 points and three Winner Winner Chicken Dinners, claiming the BGMS Season 4 championship and securing INR 60 lakh in prize money.

They were followed closely by Sinewy Esports, who had qualified through the Battlegrounds Mobile India Challenger Series (BGCS), finishing second with 96 points and earning INR 22.6 lakh. iQOO SouL also ended with 96 points but were placed third on tiebreakers, recording 53 finishes compared to Sinewy’s 54. Infinix True Rippers and iQOO Revenant XSpark rounded off the top five with 93 and 89 points, respectively.

The MVP of the tournament was awarded to TRHydro of Team True Rippers, whose 27 finishes stood out as the highlight of the grand finals. The TVS Most Wicked Player award went to Joel Thomas (TraceGod) of Team Revenant XSpark for his remarkable tally of 113 finishes throughout the tournament.

When asked about their hard-fought victory, Sahil Jakhar, aka Omega, IGL of OnePlus K9 Esports, summed up the team’s emotions perfectly: “One in the bag, more to go!”

Organised by NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading gaming and esports company, the fourth season of BGMS spanned over 28 days in its innovative dual-format structure. This season marked a significant evolution with the introduction of the BGCS as the official feeder league, giving grassroots talent the chance to rise to the professional stage. Through partner-led qualifiers such as OnePlus Campus Dominate and TVS Raider Wicked Battles, new teams and young players earned the opportunity to compete alongside India’s top-tier squads. In a historic step towards inclusivity, all-women rosters also took part in BGCS, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of female gamers to envision a future in competitive esports.

“BGMS Season 4 has truly set new benchmarks for esports in India. From the introduction of the dual-format league and the inclusion of all-women teams to welcoming new brands into the fold, this season has been about opening doors and broadening horizons for the entire ecosystem. Congratulations to K9 Esports for delivering an outstanding performance that defined this season. What makes me especially proud is that we continue to bring this action into Indian homes on national television and OTT platforms, ensuring that the very best of esports reaches the masses and cements its place in the mainstream. This journey was also strengthened by the trust and commitment of our Title Sponsor, OnePlus, along with all our partners whose support has helped BGMS evolve from a tournament into a movement that truly resonates across the country,” commented Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming.

BGMS Season 4 was powered by an exceptional lineup of partners, each playing a vital role in making the tournament a success. OnePlus returned as the Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner, while Android continued its association as the Co-Title Sponsor.

TVS Motor Company marked its third consecutive year of partnership, and Red Bull returned for the second year to energise players throughout the competition. Duolingo English Test made its debut as the Official Learning Partner, promoting accessibility and global opportunities for India’s youth. Swiggy came on board for the first time as the Official Food Delivery Partner, keeping players and crew fuelled, while Bisleri joined as the Official Hydration Partner. In a landmark moment, Tesla also made its esports debut in India by showcasing its Model Y cars at the BGMS Grand Finals.

With BGMS Season 4, NODWIN Gaming has not only redefined the scale of competitive gaming in the country but also cemented the tournament’s status as a cultural phenomenon that embodies the energy and aspirations of India’s youth.

The post Team K9 Esports crowned champions of BGMS Season 4; secure INR 60 lakh in prize money appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Rocket League World Championship concludes in Lyon: NRG Esports crowned champions in front of nearly 10,000 fans; Major 2 comes to Paris La Défense Arena next year

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  • Record-breaking Rocket League World Championship 2025 concluded yesterday with around 10,000 fans per day at LDLC Arena
  • NRG takes home the $300,000 prize as this year’s Rocket League World Champions
  • Paris La Défense Arena (25,000 capacity) confirmed to host RLCS Major 2, May 20-24, 2026

After two landmark weekends for global esports with the Fortnite Global Championships and the Rocket League Championship Series in France, Rocket League is set for an even bigger arena in 2026.

Following a record-breaking World Championship in Lyon, the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) Major 2 will take over La Défense Arena in Paris from May 20-24, 2026, marking the largest venue to host a Rocket League event in history.

The Rocket League World Championship 2025 came to a thrilling close on Sunday evening as NRG Esports lifted the trophy in front of nearly 10,000 fans at the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Décines, France. Taking in the glory, the champions secured $300,000 and were declared Rocket League World Champions!

20 of the best Rocket League teams and 60 players from across the globe were onstage all together, representing every major region. North American team NRG’s Massimo “Atomic” Franceschi, Landon “BeastMode” Konerman and Daniel “Daniel” Piecenski dominated through the Group Stage before delivering a statement performance in the Grand Final, with a decisive 4-1 victory over Raleigh Major winners and RLCS 2025’s highest-scoring LAN team, Team Falcons.

Esports has dominated the French spotlight these past two weekends – with the Fortnite Global Championship and the Rocket League World Championship 2025 drawing record crowds and combining to deliver $50 million in economic impact for the city of Lyon.

Spectators from across more than 26 different countries travelled to France to watch 20 of the world’s best Rocket League teams compete for the title of World Champion. The energy of the Lyon crowd confirmed France’s status as one of esports’ true global homes, setting the stage perfectly for next year’s RLCS Major 2 in Paris.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the RLCS will scale up once again as La Défense Arena – Europe’s largest indoor venue and a regular home for large-scale sporting events – will welcome an expanded three full days of live audience action next May. With a capacity of 25,000, the arena will be one of the biggest venues in Europe to host an event in esports.

Additional details of the 2026 season were also revealed in Lyon, with the new season set to kick off this November with online Opens, followed by a brand-new Kick-Off LAN studio event in Copenhagen, Denmark this December. The RLCS Major 1 will take place in North America with further dates and locations for the first Major of the year and the Rocket League World Championships to be announced in the coming months.

For more details on the 2026 Rocket League Championship Series, including sign-up information and full schedules, visit the Rocket League Esports official site.

In case you missed it, Rocket League also announced Season 20 this weekend, which will be live on September 17 – check out the blog for more details on the new season.

The post Rocket League World Championship concludes in Lyon: NRG Esports crowned champions in front of nearly 10,000 fans; Major 2 comes to Paris La Défense Arena next year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Infront Bettor expands tennis portfolio through exclusive Australian Open video and data rights partnership

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New agreement with Tennis Australia (TA) includes top grand slam event, Qualifying and TA tournaments

Infront, through its dedicated division Infront Bettor, has significantly broadened its footprint in tennis after being named the data and video streaming partner for Tennis Australia.

The multi-year agreement includes the Australian Open, one of tennis’s four grand slams, and will provide licensed sportsbooks access to high-quality live content and reliable data thanks to market-leading strategic partners for streaming and data distribution. It marks the latest step in Infront Bettor’s growing presence in top-tier tennis, building on the five-year Official Data partnership with the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

In addition, Infront Bettor will collaborate closely with Tennis Australia’s Game Insights Group, focusing on exploring opportunities in data innovation and commercial data strategy.

Drawing on experience from its ITF partnership, Infront Bettor will also bring an emphasis on data harmonisation across the sport. This allows consumers of data to have consistent definitions regardless of the tennis competition and supports Tennis Australia’s ambition to create products and platforms that enhance the way fans and partners experience tennis.

Tennis Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer Cedric Cornelis said: “Partnering with Infront Bettor ensures we can deliver the highest standard of content to audiences globally, while maintaining a strong commitment to integrity and innovation. Their platform and experience in the sport will help us identify, reach, and delight new markets.”

Chris Catling, Head of Infront Bettor, added: “This is a landmark addition to our tennis offering and a major step in strengthening our global footprint in the sport. The Australian Open sits at the very top of the calendar and complements our existing partnership with the ITF by extending our reach across both elite and grassroots levels. We’re proud to be trusted by Tennis Australia and look forward to delivering value through reliable content, integrity-led operations, and a truly global distribution network.”

The partnership will also see Infront work closely with Tennis Australia’s Integrity Unit, combining best-in-class monitoring tools, risk assessments, and global market analysis to help uphold the integrity of all covered matches.

Infront Bettor is part of the Group’s Media, Betting and Technology unit led by Amikam Kranz as Senior Vice President. This combination of Infront’s media rights business with betting and technology provides more holistic commercial opportunities to rightsholders and innovative technology solutions to the betting industry.

 

The post Infront Bettor expands tennis portfolio through exclusive Australian Open video and data rights partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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