In the remote gaming industry, Malta – host to some of the world’s biggest online gaming operators – has flourished into a leading remote gaming jurisdiction across the globe. Since 2001, the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (“LGA”) has been governing gaming in Malta. The regulatory body is responsible for gaming in all forms, including: Broadcasting Media Games, Casinos, Amusement Machines, Gaming Devices, Remote Gaming, Non-Profit Games, and the National Lottery.

The LGA started off the year 2015 with a complete corporate rebranding. The authority has changed its name to the Malta Gaming Authority (“MGA”) and introduced a new logo, to better represent its past successes, current challenges within the industry, and its vision and goals for the future. The MGA’s strategic objectives focus on maintaining and growing Malta’s reputation as the jurisdiction of choice.

The new corporate branding intends to portray the authority’s values which consist of transparency, care, integrity and responsibility. The Malta Gaming Authority will continue to ensure that gaming is fair and transparent to the players while preventing crime, corruption and money laundering and protecting minors and vulnerable players.

The MGA intends to expand its relationship with players and stakeholders. In pursuance of this, the authority also launched its new website [www.mga.org.mt] making use of cutting edge technology to offer users an optimal viewing experience on all devices. The website offers the opportunity to reach out to the Player Support Team at the MGA through the live chat feature. The MGA will be growing its social media presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn by ensuring regular updates to the gaming community.

These initiatives endeavor to acquire stakeholder’s complete trust in Malta, backed by the assurance that the authority is professional and fully accountable. While the authority boasts of a successful past, it thrives to ensure a successful future for the gaming industry. The MGA has established the Responsible Gaming Foundation, and plans to launch Gaming Malta and the Gaming Academy later this year. The authority’s strategic approach will use this corporate rebranding exercise as a stepping stone for further development and success which will continue to place Malta at the centre of excellence.

Consultation Paper on Digital Games of Skill with Prize

In December of 2014 the Malta Gaming Authority (then known as the Lotteries and Gaming Authority) issued a consultation paper on digital games of skill with prize offered commercially via distance communications. This was driven by the authority’s concerns about the current lack of a specific regulation on the matter. The authority currently regulates games of chance with prize, and also games of chance and skill with prize.

The Malta Gaming Authority’s Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri, has stated that a game of skill which can lure players with the possibility of making a monetary game is in the authority’s interest from a regulatory standpoint, especially since monetary transactions can be susceptible to various forms of crime including money laundering and financing of terrorism.

The consultation period will end on February 4th, 2015. Until then, the gaming authority is encouraging interested parties to offer their feedback on the matter.