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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Interim Report covering the first half of 2025, detailing regulatory activity, industry performance, and key supervisory metrics within Malta’s gaming sector.
Between January and June 2025, the MGA received 28 new licence applications and issued eight new gaming licences, along with five renewals for licences due to expiration of the licence. The Authority also issued a range of event-specific permits for low-risk games and certificates for commercial communication activities.
To support robust regulatory oversight, the MGA conducted 723 criminal probity screening checks on key individuals and stakeholders across both land-based and online operators, with 34 fit-and-proper decisions completed by its dedicated committee. Additionally, two applications were declined due to materially incomplete or misleading submissions.
The report highlights the Authority’s continued focus on compliance and player safety by completing seven full-scope compliance audits and 87 thematic reviews targeting areas such as player protection and sports integrity. 1,720 player assistance requests have been addressed, and 891 player funds reports have been reviewed to safeguard player assets. The Authority continued to identify and investigate unauthorised URLs purporting affiliation with licensed operators, adding 34 fraudulent sites to its public list.
In collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU), the MGA initiated and concluded 11 AML/CFT Compliance Examinations, enforcing anti–money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing safeguards. Enforcement actions recorded in the first half of 2025 include 23 cease-and-desist letters, 15 warnings, 23 administrative penalties totalling €139,360, and one licence cancellation.
The MGA also strengthened national and international cooperation, handling 149 suspicious betting reports and issuing 88 alerts to licensees as part of its integrity-monitoring programme.
The Authority will publish its full annual performance report in the latter half of 2026, encompassing the entire 2025 calendar year.
How BDO Malta Can Support
With over 40 years of experience in Malta, BDO has learnt to understand our clients’ business models as a first step. BDO’s partners and staff are specialists in their respective fields and have a proactive, flexible approach to helping companies to overcome the challenges they face. BDO Malta works closely with gaming service and critical supply licensees on matters of financial compliance. Our team can assist with assessing equity positions, preparing recapitalisation plans, and meeting reporting obligations. Whether you’re exploring our services, applying for an MGA gaming licence, or seeking reliable compliance support for your licensed business, our experts are here to help.
