Regulatory Oversight: MGA’s Supervisory Priorities for 2025

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has outlined its supervisory focus for 2025 in its recently published document: 'Regulatory Oversight: Supervisory Engagement Efforts 2025'. The document provides insights into the Authority’s approach to regulatory engagement with licensed entities, emphasising a risk-based methodology and increased collaboration with stakeholders. 

Strengthening a Risk-Based Approach 
The MGA reaffirms its commitment to a risk-based regulatory approach, ensuring that its supervisory efforts are concentrated on areas presenting the highest level of potential risk. By adopting this model, the Authority aims to increase the effectiveness of its interventions while reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on operators demonstrating robust compliance frameworks. 
 

Greater Engagement with Licensees 
A key focus for 2025 is improving dialogue between the regulator and licensees. The MGA seeks to promote a compliance culture by increasing its outreach initiatives and ensuring operators have a clear understanding of regulatory expectations. Engagement will be conducted through direct meetings, industry consultations, and thematic reviews. 
 

Assessing Supervisory Effectiveness 
To ensure continuous improvement in regulatory oversight, the MGA will implement measures to assess the effectiveness of its supervisory actions. This involves gathering data on regulatory interventions and evaluating their impact on compliance trends across the industry. 
 

Key Supervisory Focus Areas for 2025 
The MGA has identified several priority areas for the upcoming year, including: 
  • Operational Resilience in Information Technology – Ensuring that gaming operators have robust IT systems and cybersecurity measures in place to mitigate risks and maintain service continuity. 
  • Governance Assurance & Key Functions – Strengthening governance frameworks within licensed entities, with a focus on the effectiveness of key function holders. 
  • Player Protection & Responsible Gambling – Enhancing mechanisms for player protection, particularly in areas such as self-exclusion and problem gambling interventions. 
  • Sports Betting Integrity – Increasing oversight on betting activities to protect the integrity of sports, with a particular focus on the local football betting landscape. 
 

Licensee Expectations 
The MGA expects licensees to actively engage with the regulator and address any identified compliance issues in a timely manner. Operators must ensure that their policies and procedures align with regulatory expectations, particularly in the priority areas highlighted for 2025. 

The MGA’s 2025 supervisory strategy underscores a commitment to targeted regulatory oversight, industry engagement, and continuous improvement. As the gaming sector evolves, licensees must remain attentive to regulatory requirements while embracing best practices that align with the MGA’s objectives. 

BDO Malta provides expert advisory and compliance support to gaming operators, helping businesses align with MGA regulations while maintaining operational efficiency. Contact us at gaming@bdo.com.mt to learn how our team can assist with regulatory compliance, risk management, and governance best practices. 


 
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