The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) recently published its Market and Financial Report for 2024, showcasing key achievements in licensing, compliance, player protection, and financial performance over the year. The report provides detailed information, focusing on industry regulatory trends, gambling behavior among residents, financial status of the institution, and progress in responsible gaming initiatives.
The report indicates that in 2024, the MGA generated revenues of 84.1 million euros (approximately 96 million USD), a 2.5% increase from the previous year. Total expenditures reached 13.4 million euros, a slight increase of 2.3% compared to the previous year. The final operating surplus was 70.8 million euros, slightly up from 68.9 million euros in 2023. Total assets slightly decreased from 21 million euros the previous year to 20.9 million euros; however, net cash flow saw a slight increase of 0.3%, reaching 70.7 million euros.
In terms of license management, the MGA received 28 new license applications in 2024, of which 17 were approved, and assisted 12 existing operators in the renewal process. Additionally, the regulatory body reviewed 30 national licensed institutions and ultimately revoked the operating licenses of two institutions. Throughout the year, the MGA revoked 8 licenses, suspended 2 licenses, and issued 25 fines totaling 306,250 euros, a significant increase from 19 fines in 2023.
In anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, the MGA's departments conducted 43 compliance checks and coordinated actions with the Malta Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU), which issued fines totaling 185,000 euros.
In player protection, the MGA handled 3,372 assistance requests from local players, conducted 40 website reviews concerning responsible gaming content, and investigated 83 cases of websites potentially disseminating misleading information. Additionally, the regulatory body received 244 suspicious betting reports from operators and participated in 30 international investigative collaborations.
It is noteworthy that MGA licenses are widely regarded as one of the most authoritative compliance certifications in the industry, with a high market reputation.
Charles Mizzi, CEO of MGA, reflected on the past year's key work in the report, stating: "Although our operations have been effective, we continue to invest significant time in reflection and adjustment to enhance operational efficiency and institutional resilience." He emphasized that MGA is optimizing internal processes to improve responsiveness and adaptability, while continuously increasing investments in human resources to ensure the regulatory body has the professional capabilities needed to support the industry's ongoing changes.
As the global gambling regulatory environment continues to evolve, MGA is accelerating its pace through institutional reforms and talent development, enhancing its regulatory support for international operators and consolidating its position as a global benchmark in gambling regulation.
