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The MGA Publishes its 2019 Annual Report and Financial Statements
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/Authority) is publishing its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2019, providing an overview of the work performed throughout the year by the Authority. In addition, the report also includes a summary of the performance of the Maltese gaming industry during 2019 and an outlook for the medium-term future.
The following are the key highlights from the Annual Report covering the year 2019:
- The Authority cancelled 14 licences and suspended 11. In addition, it issued 20 warnings, 89 Notices of Breach and 23 administrative fines imposed on operators following various regulatory breaches;
- 89 applications for a gaming licence were received in 2019; 44 applications were either rejected or withdrawn and 53 licences were issued during the period under review, including licences the application for which had been received during the previous year;
- 15 individuals and companies were deemed not to be up to the Authority’s probity standards by the Fit & Proper Committee, mainly on the basis of mitigating the risks of money laundering or funding of terrorism;
- 48 audits were conducted by the Compliance and AML function;
- 69 international cooperation requests were sent by the MGA in 2019, predominantly as part of the criminal probity assessments, with the Authority receiving 58 international co-operation requests;
- 1,300 criminal probity screening assessments were carried out in 2019;
- The Authority revised its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, and also signed an MOU with the Malta Police Force, aimed at strengthening the fight again corruption and money laundering;
- As at the end of December 2019, the number of companies licensed by the MGA, including both online and land-based entities, stood at 294.
In publishing this report, Heathcliff Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Gaming Authority, stated that: “Overall, 2019 was a very challenging but at the same time rewarding year for the MGA. The increased focus on compliance and enforcement which was prevalent throughout the year has yielded tangible results for the Authority.
This focus led to internal restructuring for the better achievement of the MGA’s objectives, and was also pivotal in the Authority’s drive towards the setting up of the Sports Integrity Unit, tasked with increasing the commitment towards the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions. In its first months, this unit has already signed important collaboration agreements with international sport bodies in order to tackle betting-related corruption and ensure the integrity of sports.
Such collaboration, both at a local and international level was high on the agenda in 2019, and will continue being crucial in 2020, as a key determining factor in the ongoing fight against crime, corruption and money laundering.”
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Mascots in B2B? Gamzix Proves It Works with Gary the Goose
Gary the Goose, the official mascot of Gamzix, has stepped beyond the digital realm and made a real-world appearance. Once a quirky, fictional character seen on LinkedIn, Gary transitioned into a fully realized mascot at SiGMA Europe in Malta. Although mascots are primarily linked to B2C marketing, Gamzix, a leading provider of full-cycle slot games, took an innovative step by introducing Gary into the B2B space. The outcome was the creation of a memorable and captivating character who has captured the hearts of many.
Why Choose a Mascot? The Importance of Gary the Goose in Gamzix’s Brand Strategy
In today’s competitive market, mascots are an important tool for creating a unique and relatable brand identity. Gamzix understands the value of these connections. Gary embodies the brand’s core values of creativity, approachability, and warmth, injecting a sense of personality into the typically formal B2B space. His playful character aligns perfectly with Gamzix’s brand, building stronger ties with casino partners and leaving a lasting impression in the iGaming industry.
Gary’s creation was a thoughtful and deliberate process, designed to reflect the essence of Gamzix. After considering several ideas, the team decided on a quirky, imperfect goose wearing pixelated black sunglasses—a symbol of his forward-thinking perspective and drive for a bright future.
Gary had already become a beloved presence at Gamzix, regularly appearing in LinkedIn posts and on branded merchandise at various events. Despite his popularity in the digital world, many people were eager to meet him in person. Responding to this demand, Gamzix decided to introduce Gary exclusively to its partners at SiGMA Europe in Malta.
Gary the Goose Makes His Live Debut at SiGMA Europe
At SiGMA Europe in Malta, Gary made his long-awaited debut as the central attraction at the Gamzix booth. He interacted with visitors, distributed Gamzix-branded Nike sneakers, posed for photos, and demonstrated the company’s commitment to creating engaging, memorable experiences.
Gary’s vibrant personality drew large crowds, boosting social media engagement and raising the brand’s profile. His presence also created new business opportunities and helped move discussions forward with both existing and potential partners.
The Influence of Mascots in Digital Marketing and Social Media
Mascots are a powerful tool for bringing a brand’s personality to life, especially in digital marketing. Gary’s image has been used in a variety of marketing campaigns, from game announcements to social media content. Whether dressed in a festival tailcoat with a glass of sparkling wine for good luck or appearing in other playful outfits, Gary enables Gamzix to connect with its audience in a fun and approachable manner. His endearing imperfections, such as his amusing potbelly, make him more relatable and human, fostering deeper engagement and expanding the brand’s social media reach.
A Long-Term Strategy for Building Brand Loyalty and Recognition
Mascots help enhance brand recognition both online and offline. Gamzix plans to continue using Gary the Goose to strengthen its brand identity and cultivate lasting relationships with its partners. His unique combination of playful charm and professionalism embodies the core of Gamzix, creating trust and loyalty through both digital campaigns and live events.
Olga Ashykhmina, Digital Marketing Lead at Gamzix, comments, “Research shows that mascots can increase brand recognition by up to 30%. With Gary, we’re changing the way B2B branding is approached, showing that creativity and a personal touch can turn professional partnerships into engaging and impactful experiences.”
Gary the Goose is more than just a mascot; he represents trust and recognition. His infectious personality and unique charm have made him a standout figure, with everyone wanting to interact with him. Through Gary, Gamzix continues to blend creativity and professionalism, creating meaningful connections that leave a lasting impact.
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OLYBET PARTNERS WITH WST
OlyBet is excited to announce an agreement with World Snooker Tour (WST), the home of the world’s best snooker players and tournaments, and part of the Matchroom Sport group.
OlyBet will now be the Official European Betting Partner of WST, as well as the Official Partner of one of the tour’s premium events in The Masters, held in January next year at London’s famed Alexandra Palace, OlyBet will collaborate with WST to showcase the best of professional competition, passionate snooker fans and its world-class players.
“Partnering with WST will bring the excitement, history, and personality of world-class snooker closer to OlyBet’s communities. OlyBet is known for grand activations, up close access and delivering memorable moments through sports. The WST captivates its traditional base and inspires a new generation of fans with the world’s best professionals and personalities. This will be an exciting partnership”, said Corey Plummer Chairman and CEO of OlyBet Group.
The partnership also sees one of WST’s most charismatic and skilful competitors, Jack Lisowski, become OlyBet’s brand ambassador, and will see the former Rookie Of The Year be the face of the partnership on OlyBet’s channels as well as feature in several content projects in conjunction with the tour.
WST’s Chief Commercial Officer Peter Wright said: “It’s exciting to team up for the first time with OlyBet, an inventive brand which has some fantastic partnerships in sports including football and golf. We look forward to collaborating with the OlyBet team and their new ambassador Jack Lisowski, known for his flamboyant style which will fit perfectly with their content strategy.”
Compliance Updates
CT Interactive announces certification of new games for the Italian market
CT Interactive is thrilled to announce that new titles have officially received certification for the Italian market, ready to bring a fresh wave of entertainment to players across the country. This certification ensures that the games adhere to Italy’s stringent regulatory standards for fairness, security, and quality, reinforcing CT Interactive’s dedication to providing top-tier gaming experiences.
The newly certified games include: 5x Cherry Party, Christmas Storm, Jester Jack, Lucky Kiwi, Mega Gnome, Piggy Crash, Star Girl, The Big Chilli, The New Queen of Fruits, Treasure Chase.
These exciting games offer a diverse range of themes, from the festive charm of Christmas Storm to the whimsical adventures of Piggy Crash and Mega Gnome. Whether players are in the mood for the nostalgic appeal of a classic fruit slot like The New Queen of Fruits, or looking for thrilling treasure hunts in Treasure Chase, there’s something for every type of player.
Each game has been developed with a focus on delivering engaging features, rewarding bonuses, and immersive gameplay. With unique mechanics and visually striking graphics, these releases are designed to captivate Italian players and keep them returning for more.
CT Interactive remains committed to enhancing the Italian gaming landscape by consistently providing fresh, exciting content and introducing new ways to play.
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