Maltese regulator highlights areas for improvement after review of igaming governance
The MGA reviewed a sample of Authorised Persons among Maltese gambling operators and suppliers.
Malta.- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published the findings of its Thematic Review on Governance Assurance – Key Functions. The study had been a key supervisory priority identified for 2025 as part of the regulator’s objective of ensuring a risk-based, evidence-led, and outcomes-focused approach to regulatory oversight.
The review assessed governance arrangements across a sample of B2B and B2C Authorised Persons among MGA-licensed companies. It focused on the effectiveness of the Chief Executive Officer, Compliance, Internal Audit, and Prevention of AML/CFT functions in practice.
Drawing on insights obtained through both Supervisory Reviews and Supervisory Meetings, the MGA found that many Authorised Persons had established mature governance frameworks supported by active senior leadership, engaged Key Function Holders, and increasingly risk-based approaches to governance, compliance, internal audit, and AML/CFT oversight.
However, the review also identified opportunities for “further enhancement” across the sector. Common themes included an over-reliance on a limited number of senior decision-makers, insufficient evidence of challenge and impact assessment in strategic decision-making, and weaknesses in audit trails.
The review also highlighted that the strongest governance arrangements were characterised by active leadership engagement, empowered Key Function Holders, effective collaboration across assurance functions, and governance processes that were embedded into day-to-day decision-making. Examples of good practice highlighted include structured escalation procedures, risk-based monitoring programmes, independent assurance functions, governance committees, and proactive consideration of regulatory implications when entering new markets or implementing significant business changes.
The regulator hopes the review will help Authorised Persons to assess the effectiveness of their governance arrangements, identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen oversight, accountability, and assurance across key governance functions
Warning over false claims of MGA licensing
Meanwhile, the MGA has denied all connection with a series of gambling sites it says may be making false claims to having an MGA licence. It stressed that it has no connection to:
https://spinlander.nu/
https://coldfootball.com/
https://wtboxers.com/
https://smartsportsdaily.com
https://www.blackjack.com/
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