Malta's Gaming Authority (MGA) Revokes Gambling Permits from Various Operators: Potential Legal Violations Involved?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Malta's gambling overseeing body, has canceled the permits of five businesses in the past few weeks. The MGA has been relatively tight-lipped about the motives.
Potential license cancellations due to rule infringements
The gaming industry publication iGaming Business suspects that these businesses might have breached Malta's gambling laws or regulations [English article]. Permits can be withdrawn if operators are discovered to have committed such violations.
In the forthcoming weeks, the MGA, which recorded a player record last year, is determined to collaborate more closely with partners to enhance crime prevention and player security.
The MGA has rescinded the licenses of the following companies in the recent weeks:
- Betago
- Genesis Global
- Rush Gaming
- Super7Plus
- Winners Malta Operations
Behind these companies were numerous websites offering a range of gambling services, which will now need to be closed down and users' balances made available for withdrawal.
The MGA has also demanded transaction records to verify if and when refunds to users have been issued. Moreover, the MGA has instructed gambling companies to settle all outstanding fees to the gambling authority within five days.
Change at the MGA's helm
On January 26, Charles Mizzi will take over as the new CEO of the MGA [English article]. He succeeds Carl Brincat, who reportedly opted not to renew his contract.
Mizzi has expressed ambitious plans for his new position:
I aim to build on the achievements of the past and, along with the team under the supervision of the responsible minister and the board of governors, tactically propel the authority forward to further enhance Malta's already dominant position in this field and yield results for all stakeholders. – Charles Mizzi, incoming CEO of the MGA, source: maltatoday**
It remains unclear whether the recent license cancellations are a prelude to Mizzi's plans or a final initiative by Carl Brincat.
Exactly what prompted the MGA to impose bans on various license holders in such a short span can only be conjectured. Recently, Malta as a gambling hub has been under scrutiny due to the new gambling law being challenged in terms of EU law. This law offers protection for Maltese gambling providers from lawsuits abroad.
The cancellation of permits for online casinos in Malta, such as Betago and Winners Malta Operations, has raised questions about the industry's compliance with gambling laws and regulations in Germany, given that these companies also have a significant online presence there.
With the new MGA CEO, Charles Mizzi, taking over in January, it's uncertain if the recent license cancellations are a part of his new strategic plan or a final initiative by his predecessor.
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