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The MGA publishes its 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements

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The Malta Gaming Authority has published its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the 2023 financial year. The report provides insights into the Maltese land-based and online gaming industries, and outlines their performance in 2023. The report further provides an overview of the Authority’s accomplishments and offers a medium-term outlook for the future.

Supervisory Activities

• In 2023, the Authority conducted 21 compliance audits, and 125 desktop reviews The Commercial Communications Committee took five decisions regarding possible breaches of the Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09). The Authority also issued 28 warnings, suspended nine licences and cancelled 11 licences. Furthermore, the MGA issued a total of 19 administrative penalties and one regulatory settlement, which amount to a total financial penalty of €172,900.

• A total of 28 AML/CFT Compliance Examinations were carried out; 13 were carried out by MGA and 15 by FIAU. During the same period, the FIAU imposed remediation and/or administrative penalties on seven licensees, based on violations discovered during examinations carried out in previous years, which amounted to €994,000.

• During 2023, the Authority received 24 applications for new gaming licences and issued 15 licences. A total of 13 applications were either rejected or withdrawn.

• Almost 1200 criminal probity screening checks were undertaken on individuals, shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, key persons, employees and businesses from both the land-based and online gaming sectors. Applications of a more complex nature were escalated to the Fit & Proper Committee. In total, 64 decisions were taken by the Committee, including 14 decisions to reject individuals and entities who did not meet the Authority’s fit and properness criteria. The Supervisory Council reviewed 19 licence applications of which 14 were approved and four were rejected. One application was sent back to the applicant for further clarification.

• In 2023, 38 interviews with prospective MLROs and key persons carrying out AML/CFT functions were conducted with the aim of assessing their competence and understanding of the Maltese AML/CFT legal framework.

• The Authority, in its efforts to safeguard players and promote responsible gambling, assisted a total of 4483 players who requested assistance (including spill-over from 2022). Furthermore, 72 responsible gambling themed website checks were carried out, and 41 observation letters were issued to licensees outlining the responsible gambling issues and identifying areas of improvement.

• The Authority examines the financial standing of its licensees to ensure the continued viability of the business but also to safeguard the player funds. In 2023, 2059 Player Funds Reports were received and 24 player data extractions were carried out.

• A total of 49 websites were found to have misleading references to the Authority. In 23 instances, the information was not removed following notification, and notices are published on the MGA’s website with the aim of preventing the public from falling victim to such scams.

• In 2023, the Authority carried out just over 2300 inspections on Gaming Parlours, National Lottery Outlets, Bingo Halls and Non-Profit Tombola, in addition to another 7275 inspections, which were carried out to licensed casinos with the aim of having 24/7 inspectorate presence in such gaming establishments. Furthermore, the Authority was present during all the National Lottery licensee’s drawing operations. This is done to ensure compliance of the land-based licensees with the relevant rules and regulations.

• In 2023, following a consultation period, the Authority published the “Policy on the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) by Authorised Persons”. This policy supersedes “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”.

• In 2023, the Authority published amendments to the Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018), introducing five markers of harm. These are designed to help operators identify early signs of problematic gambling behaviour, enabling them to intervene in a timely and effective manner.

• In 2023, the Authority also published its voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice for the Remote Gaming Sector. The Code seeks to serve as an instrument for self-regulation, helping remote gaming companies align with best practices and maintain a position that allows them to effectively meet the evolving expectations of key stakeholders in the sector.

National and International Cooperation

• In 2023, the Authority received 255 suspicious betting reports from licensees and other interested parties. The Authority collaborated with enforcement agencies, sports governing bodies, integrity units and other regulatory authorities on 34 requests for information in relation to the manipulation of sporting events or violations of sporting regulations. Subsequently, these requests resulted in 44 data exchanges. In addition, a total of 235 alerts on suspicious betting were shared with the licensees. The Authority also contributed to 22 investigations into sports rules violations or manipulation of sporting competitions in 2023.

• The Authority sent 42 requests and received 77 requests for international collaboration. In both cases, most requests related to background checks as part of authorisation processes, or requests for information about the local regime.

• In 2023, a total of 75 letters of good standing were issued, providing feedback on the regulatory standing of the MGA’s licensed operators to the relevant authorities asking for this information.

• Additionally, in 2023, the Authority collaborated with other local regulating authorities and governing bodies on 124 requests for information.

MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said: “It is not a coincidence that the theme for the Annual Report is ‘sustainability’. The MGA’s ability to strike the right balance between allowing the industry to thrive and grow in a sustainable manner, while also protecting consumers, is key to Malta’s continued success.”

The post The MGA publishes its 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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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TCSJOHNHUXLEY Captivates at ICE Barcelona 2025 with a Showcase of Innovative Solutions

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TCSJOHNHUXLEY, a global leader in live gaming products and solutions, was delighted with the successful outcome of its participation at the recent ICE Gaming Expo, held from January 20-22 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. The company showcased a range of innovative products and technologies, captivating the attention of industry professionals and reaffirming its position as a leading force in the live gaming sector.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Supernova Progressive Jackpot System on the new Qorex 2 Electronic Gaming Terminals. This groundbreaking feature marks a significant advancement in the gaming industry, offering players the chance to win life-changing jackpots across both live and electronic tables. Qorex 2 itself, featuring enhanced multi-game functionality, customisable side bets, and a strong focus on player experience, proved a major draw, showcasing TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge electronic gaming solutions.

Further enhancing the digital gaming experience, Roulette Xtra was introduced to the Qorex 2 platform, bringing the thrill of this popular live table game to the digital realm for the first time.

Demonstrating its commitment to innovation across its entire product portfolio, TCSJOHNHUXLEY unveiled Velocity, its latest automated Roulette wheel. Inspired by the success of its predecessor, Velocity sets a new industry standard for speed, enabling casinos to offer more games per hour, maximising table turnover and revenue. Powered by powerful brushless motors, it ensures continuous, reliable operation without the need for noisy air compressors. First showcased at G2E Las Vegas 2024, the Velocity Auto Wheel incorporates the user-friendly Wheelmate console, empowering casinos with effortless maintenance and peak performance.

TCSJOHNHUXLEY also showcased the next generation in chip handling technology with the introduction of Chipper Champ 3. Featuring an updated aesthetic and a space-saving design, the Chipper Champ 3 boasts a groundbreaking innovation with the ability to sort clay chips, a feature unmatched by any other chipper on the market. This revolutionary capability will significantly enhance efficiency and streamline casino operations. Intelligent chip recognition, intuitive software, and real-time performance data translate to faster processing, reduced errors, and enhanced productivity. The Chipper Champ 3 generated significant interest from attendees, demonstrating the strong demand for innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and player experience.

The new Blackjack Display captivated players with its real-time data and insights. Seamlessly integrated with TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s acclaimed Ora Luxe Winning Number Display, this innovative solution utilises advanced camera technology for automatic card recognition, eliminating the need for manual entry. By showcasing key game information, including dealer hand history, live dealer odds, and historical stats, this new dynamic Blackjack Display empowers both novice and experienced players to make more informed decisions and enhance their gameplay.

Furthermore, TCSJOHNHUXLEY showcased its unparalleled craftsmanship with a stunning display of custom Roulette Wheel Turrets, demonstrating the company’s ability to create truly unique and captivating gaming experiences.

“We are incredibly pleased with the response we received at ICE Barcelona,” says Tristan Sjöberg, TCSJOHNHUXLEY Executive Chairman. “The show provided a valuable platform to showcase our latest innovations and engage with industry leaders and the feedback we received on our new innovations was particularly encouraging. TCSJOHNHUXLEY looks forward to continuing to push the boundaries of gaming technology and delivering innovative solutions that enhance the player experience and drive success for our valued partners.”

The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY Captivates at ICE Barcelona 2025 with a Showcase of Innovative Solutions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ONE MONTH LEFT TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR SELECT CATEGORIES AT THE CASINO GURU AWARDS 2025

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Time is running out! Casino Guru is reminding industry professionals and stakeholders that there is just one month left to submit nominations for select categories in the prestigious 3rd annual Casino Guru Awards 2025. As the deadline of February 28, 2025, approaches, we encourage all eligible participants to seize this final opportunity to be recognized for their contributions to the iGaming industry.

This year’s awards bring added prestige with the introduction of an exclusive live ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in St. Julian’s, Malta. As always, Casino Guru remains committed to honoring transparency, social responsibility, inovation and ethical leadership within the industry.

Categories with open nomination

Nominations remain open for a range of categories, including our two newest additions that emphasize public engagement and individual industry impact:

  • Players’ Choice – This category gives players the power to vote for their favorite game provider from a handpicked shortlist, ensuring a winner truly selected by the public.
  • iGaming Changemaker of the Year – Recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional influence and leadership, driving positive change through innovative projects and initiatives.

The complete list of award categories includes:

  • The Fairest Bonus Policy
  • The Fairest General Terms & Conditions
  • The Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative
  • The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools
  • The Most Transparent Casino
  • The Most Effective Handling of Complaints
  • The Most Ethical Approach to Marketing
  • Players’ Choice
  • iGaming Changemaker of the Year
  • Voice of the People

A night of celebration in Malta

Following the nomination period, voting for the “Players’ Choice” and “Voice of the People” categories will open as shortlisted nominees move forward. The final awards ceremony on June 6, 2025, will be a night to remember, bringing together top industry professionals, esteemed judges, and media representatives at an invite-only gala at the Hilton Hotel, St. Julian’s, Malta. The evening will feature a three-course dinner, complimentary drinks, and a grand celebration at Level 22, a stylish wine lounge and club with stunning city views.

Submit your nomination today

With the deadline fast approaching, Casino Guru encourages all industry players to put forward their nominations before February 28, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to be recognized among the best in iGaming!

The post ONE MONTH LEFT TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR SELECT CATEGORIES AT THE CASINO GURU AWARDS 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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At Least $5M To Be Won In GGMasters 5th Anniversary Edition

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GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, today announces details of its upcoming GGMasters 5th Anniversary Edition, a $150 buy-in tournament running February 23 and boasting a guaranteed prize pool of $5M. The 5th Anniversary Edition is the highlight of an entire series celebrating the success of GGPoker’s signature freezeout events, with the festival running from February 9 through February 24.

In the five years since their introduction in 2020, the GGMasters freezeouts have become firm favorites of the GGPoker community; daily and weekly events with buy-ins starting from $25 and each featuring a juicy prize guarantee. Headlined by the weekly $150 GGMasters tournament, players appreciate the simplicity involved – each participant has one shot at winning the event and knows that once all their chips are gone, there are no rebuys available.

Players can satellite into GGMasters 5th Anniversary Series events or snag tickets via the $200K GGMasters Ticket Drop, which takes place throughout the series. Tickets will be randomly awarded to players participating in GGMasters 5th Anniversary Series events, with a total of $200K in tickets valued at $15, $25 and $150 awarded.

“The GGMasters 5th Anniversary Edition is all about taking that one shot at a mouth-watering prize pool,” said Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker. “This unique single entry-only event is one of the highlights of our annual tournament schedule – buy in directly or win your way in and play for a share of at least $5M!”

Players can join the action by downloading the GGPoker app, creating their account and registering for their favorite tournaments or playing their favorite cash games. New players can also claim GGPoker’s Welcome Bonus and join the rewards-rich Fish Buffet loyalty program.

The post At Least $5M To Be Won In GGMasters 5th Anniversary Edition appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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