Latest News
The MGA publishes its 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statements

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/Authority) is publishing its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2022. In addition to outlining the performance of the Maltese gaming business in 2022, the report gives a broad summary of the Authority’s accomplishments during the year under review and offers a medium-term outlook for the future. A thorough report outlining key statistics for the land-based and online gaming industries is then presented.
Supervisory Activities
- 28 compliance audits were conducted and 228 desktop reviews were carried out during 2022, accompanied by additional AML/CFT compliance examinations that are carried out by the FIAU, or by the MGA on its behalf. Following information which emerged from compliance audits, compliance reviews and formal investigations, the Authority issued 10 warnings and cancelled six (6) licences. In addition, the MGA issued a total of 16 administrative penalties as well as three (3) regulatory settlements, with a collective total financial penalty of €179,150.
- A total of 25 licensees were subject to remediation and/or administrative measures by the FIAU, ranging from written reprimands to administrative penalties, based on the breaches identified during examinations carried out in previous years, including by the MGA. In total, these amounted to just over €738,000.
- Six (6) individuals and companies were deemed by the Fit & Proper Committee to not be up to the Authority’s probity standards due to various factors, including due to the risks of money laundering or funding of terrorism.
- Forty-one (41) gaming licence applications were received during 2022. Thirty-one (31) licences were issued, while twenty-one (21) were unsuccessful.
- Over 1,500 criminal probity screening checks were undertaken on individuals, shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners, key persons and other employees, and companies from both the land-based and online gaming sectors.
- The Authority conducted 48 interviews with prospective MLROs and key persons carrying out the AML/CFT function to determine the knowledge and suitability of each candidate.
- The Commercial Communication Committee of the MGA issued a total of nine (9) Letters of Breach following breaches of the Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09).
- In its efforts to protect players and encourage responsible gambling, the Authority supported a total of 5,280 players who requested assistance, covering most of the cases received during 2022 and the spill-over from 2021.
- The MGA conducted 85 responsible gaming-themed website checks, through which 38 URLs were found to have misleading information. This led to 17 notices being published on the MGA website, and 30 observation letters that were sent out reflecting responsible gaming issues.
Improvements in Efficiency and Effectiveness
- The Authority commissioned a sectorial skills strategy to address the gaming industry’s challenges with respect to the ongoing demand for qualified and skilled human capital, which increased significantly as the economy grew and diversified into numerous sectors.
- Consultation exercises were conducted with industry stakeholders regarding the bets offered by licensees – with a focus on sports integrity and player protection considerations – on the proposed amendments to the Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018), and on the proposed policy on the use of Innovative Technology Arrangements (ITAs) and the acceptance of Virtual Financial Assets (VFAs) and Virtual Tokens, which led to amendments and a finalised Policy, respectively.
- The Authority streamlined the approval process of appointing an MLRO in collaboration with the FIAU while, at the same time, ensuring that the industry is kept updated on any changes affecting this process and on any best practices that are intrinsic to the role of the MLRO.
- The concept of Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUPs) Reports was introduced, covering player funds and Gaming Revenue. Audit firms are drawing up these reports in compliance with the ‘International Standard on Related Services (ISRS) 4400 (Revised) Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements’.
- The MGA kickstarted a process for possibly implementing a voluntary Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice for the industry to showcase and increase the positive social and environmental impacts of the gambling sector.
National and International Cooperation
- Throughout 2022, the Authority issued 43 news items on its website and 26 external communications, providing a synopsis of various updates and developments at the Authority and across the industry.
- A total of 224 alerts were sent to the industry, 167 of which were also sent to the appropriate Sports Governing Bodies.
- A total of 44 requests for information specifically relating to the manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules were submitted by enforcement agencies, sport governing bodies, integrity units, and other regulatory bodies. As a result of such requests, data was exchanged in 25 instances. Additionally, a total of 475 suspicious betting reports from licensees and other concerned parties were received.
- During the period under review, the Authority was a direct participant in 15 different investigations across the globe relating to the manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules, as well as an indirect participant in 3 such investigations.
- The Authority received a total of 83 international cooperation requests from other regulators and sent 97 such requests, with the majority referring to requests for background checks as part of an authorisation process.
- A total of 177 official replies were issued providing feedback on the regulatory good standing of our licensed operators to the relevant authorities asking for this information.
- The MGA works together with other local regulating authorities and governing bodies. This is reflected through responses furnished by the MGA to requests for information made by the Asset Recovery Bureau (ARB), the FIAU, as well as the MPF on the gaming sector. Additionally, the relevant information is provided to the Sanctions Monitoring Board (SMB) to assist in issuing penalties in instances of non-compliance with sanctions screening obligations.
In publishing this report, the CEO, Dr Carl Brincat said: “This report is testament to our collective efforts in promoting a fair and sustainable gaming ecosystem. Through proactive measures and leaner regulation processes, we strive to ensure a level playing field that nurtures innovation while safeguarding against any potential risks.
“As the global gaming landscape evolves, our role becomes even more critical. We embrace this responsibility with utmost determination, working tirelessly to stay ahead of emerging trends, technologies, and challenges. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of robust frameworks that inspire confidence, protect vulnerable individuals and render Malta the home for gaming operators of good will.”
Latest News
Week 39/2023 slot games releases

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Players are being given the opportunity to travel back in time to the ice age in the latest slot from in-demand provider, Booming Games. Those who can brace the icy winds of Mammoth Tundra will come face to face with beasts and potentially big wins. Players must trek across the frozen reels – which take the 5×3 format – and keep their wits about them at all times. Not only can Woolly Mammoths cross their path, but so too can sabre tooth tigers and other wild animals.
Don your best disguise and adopt a cunning alter ego in a bid to nab the museum’s prize assets in Crown Heist, REEVO’s latest classic low-volatility jewel-themed game. Based on a proven maths model and appealing to new players who enjoy frequent wins and a swag-bag full of free spins, Crown Heist is a 5×3, 25-payline slot overflowing with jewel-encrusted free spins.
Habanero has launched Meow Janken, its newest slot with an inter-galactical theme, based on the classic Rock-Paper-Scissors game. Players take off on a thrilling journey across the galaxy in this captivating one-line game, with the task of beating Janken at Rock-Paper-Scissors – the most compelling aspect of this epic voyage. If a player is lucky enough to beat Janken in a Rock-Paper-Scissors tussle, any win is multiplied by x9 with a tie multiplied by x2.
Step into Aztec SuperTracks™, the latest game release from Raw iGaming, the studio on a mission to blast industry monotony out of the sky. In this unique 9×7 experience, an adventure unfolds filled with warriors, gods, and epic win potential! Aztec SuperTracks follows the journey of four heroes as they seek to discover special offerings to appease their angry gods and preserve world order. They are helped on their way by RAW’s innovative SuperTracks® pay mechanic opening a treasure trove of power-ups, gems and bonuses along its path.
Greentube, is presenting players with a deathly yet cheerful adventure in its latest release Cash Connection™ – Candelas de los Muertos™ – Señorita Suerte. The scare-filled slot, which has a Mexican Day of the Dead theme, fuses together winning destiny and mystical features, as players bid to unlock the riches of the Grand Jackpot.
Feel the gentle embrace of nature with Endorphina’s 6-reel, 5-row slot – Fresh Crush! Embark on a hiking adventure through steep mountain trails and thick forests scattered with some of nature’s finest fruits! Climb the tallest mountains, enjoy the scenery as the sky changes from peaceful blue to majestic gold and find the real diamond before the sun sets!
Introducing 100 Sevens from Apparat Gaming, the developer of slots with a German accent. As the name suggests, this title is all about the numbers 100 and seven – and here’s why… 100 Sevens is set across five reels and four rows, with 100 paylines active. That’s right, 100 paylines active. In this classic fruit-themed game, neon lights guide the way to sparkling wins with Double Wild symbols.
Armadillo Studios has released its latest slot title Surging 7s. This game is a classic fruit-themed slot with 6×4 reels, low to medium volatility, colourful visuals and the all-time-favourite 7s. Landing three or more adjacent stacks of 7s triggers Surging 7 Multipliers, which creates a random multiplier to boost wins. When four or more Link Bonus Coins land anywhere on the reels, coins will either change colour and reveal corresponding Prizepot colour wins, or award random credits.
Everygame Casino is taking players on a pirate adventure with its new Legend of the High Seas slot game from Spin Logic. With Wilds that double wins and Scatters that TRIPLE wins, there’s plenty of booty to be won in this full-featured new game. Pirates, parrots, treasure and treasure maps spin on the five reels of this high volatility game. When Wilds appear in a winning combination they double the payout.
Get ready for Stakelogic’s next page-turner with the release of Book of Jones – Golden Book. Players can embark on a thrilling adventure that transports them to a world of ancient secrets and incredible treasures. As players delve deeper into the mysteries of this five-reel, three-row, 10-payline slot, they will want to keep their eyes peeled for the Book Symbols that can land at any time during the base game. If three Book Symbols drop, 10 Free Spins are awarded.
3 Oaks Gaming, has released Black Wolf 2: Hold and Win – a howling hit title boosted by the addition of the Fortune Slide feature, awaiting to be hunted down by players. In this 5×4 follow-up to Black Wolf: Hold and Win, users trek into a moonlit wilderness to uncover surprises in this feature-rich slot, including the Fortune Slide mechanic, which is active during the Bonus Game.
Kalamba Games focuses on player personalisation in its gemstone-inspired release Diamond Supreme Hold and Win. Influenced by retro AWP machines, symbols are represented by iconic bells, cherries and bars. Wilds up the win potential by substituting for all base game symbols making it easier to create a winning combination across the slot’s 20 paylines.
Wazdan, has given the Extremely Light treatment to the latest leading game in its portfolio in Hot Slot™: 777 Cash Out Extremely Light. By creating a version of its top-performing title with light and more elegant graphics, the new slot becomes energy efficient and optimised for players on mobile devices, prolonging the gaming experience with less battery drain.
Blueprint Gaming’s mastery of the oceans and all its bounty returns for an anticipated sequel with Crabbin’ for Cash Extra Big Catch Jackpot King. The familiar charm and aesthetic of the original game’s backdrop are back with colourful crustaceans consuming the screen as the fisherman helps players with a host of features and the iconic Jackpot King progressive jackpot system.
Red Rake Gaming, has added Triple Irish to its extensive range of games. An exciting video slot with 5×3 reels and 20 paylines that immerses players in Ireland’s rich folklore and tradition, where three key elements trigger a journey full of opportunities and wins.
Gaming Corps invites players to the best ramen joint they will ever visit with the release of slot game Ramen Puzzle. This is an instant win game, made up of a grid of 25 tiles, which either conceal ramen bowls or leftovers. Players can savor Ms. Kawai’s delicious, sparkling ramen to their heart’s content as they open bowl after bowl.
Gaming
FBMDS’ First Ever Crash Game, Champion Tales, is Out Worldwide

Get ready to witness the dawn of a new era in online casino gaming as FBMDS unveils the highly anticipated Champion Tales, the brand’s first ever non-traditional game available worldwide. Brace your players for an immersive gaming experience that will transport them across the globe, hand in hand with the legendary Mr Champion himself.
Champion Tales captures the essence of the emergent non-traditional gaming trend with its strategic betting rounds and monumental winnings. FBMDS’ new game merges top-notch technology with the brands’ expertise, creating a thrilling and immersive experience with high stakes for players and a safe choice for casino operators.
A distinctive non-traditional game with big prizes to award
Following a crash gaming logic, FBMDS’ release evokes players’ heart-pounding anticipation as the multiplier reaches new heights, requiring strategic decision-making and a thrilling rush to hit the ‘Collect’ button before it’s too late.
FBMDS has balanced gameplay mechanics to increase players’ chances of earning significant rewards, making it a lucrative choice for online casino operators. Furthermore, Champion Tales boasts a highly profitable RTP rate, surpassing competitors in the market.
But that’s not all. Champion Tales comes loaded with features designed to elevate the gaming
experience:
- Autoplay: Players can choose how many rounds they want to play without any hassle, making continuous play even more convenient and enjoyable.
- Auto Cashout: The Auto Cashout feature, where players can choose the value they want to cash out, minimizing mistakes or distractions that could impact their winnings.
- Responsible Gambling: FBMDS prioritizes players’ safety with the responsible gambling feature, allowing players to set limits above or below their initial balance, preventing any unwanted excessive play.
- Detailed Play History: A detailed play history feature ensures that players always remain safe and in control. They can review their past gaming sessions, bets and outcomes, promoting transparency and responsible gaming practices.
“Listening to our partners and clients was always the number-one priority during the creation process of Champion Tales,” the Director for FBM, Renato Almeida, said. “Since the crash gaming category has been getting a lot of popularity, we made sure we understood market needs to make sure our clients’ expectations and profitability rates were being met, while delivering an innovative solution able to provide players with an amazing gaming experience.”
A personalized crash gaming atmosphere
Champion Tales goes beyond colossal wins with its debut, offering a captivating Brazil-inspired tropical ambiance. Moreover, the game’s background, scenery and music can be customized to meet the needs of casino operators in diverse markets, cultural contexts and geographical locations.
This allows for an enriched gaming experience worldwide, whether by incorporating local landmarks, cultural references or regional music, to resonate with operators’ requirements, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
In addition, clients can have their respective logos applied to the game’s flag, further aiding in branding. FBMDS maintains product localization as a priority by developing characters and backgrounds that resonate with the regions where partners operate and represent the seasonality of the market. This approach generates greater player identification, leading to increased retention and loyalty.
By developing mobile-friendly, cutting-edge and highly customizable gaming solution like Champion Tales, FBMDS proves once again its ability to deliver profitable and satisfying products for casino operators worldwide.
Latest News
Hub88’s Mark Taffler Taking to the Ring to Support Oliver’s Wish Foundation at the SBC Charity Boxing Championship

Supplier’s Commercial Director to don the gloves at prestigious industry charity event
Mark Taffler, Commercial Director for Hub88 and Bombay Group, is joining an industry lineup to compete in a white-collar boxing match at this year’s SBC Charity Boxing Championship fundraising event.
Taffler, who is being sponsored by One.io, whom is part of the Yolo Investments’ portfolio, will face SMPL Consulting’s Director Simon Pilkington in the opening bout of the night to raise money for three charity organisations.
Hub88 will be hosting a VIP table at the event, which was set up by SBC in partnership with Oliver’s Wish Foundation.
Over 500 industry representatives will be in attendance for an evening of boxing on November 10, with a blend of fierce competition and camaraderie taking place at the luxurious Hilton Hotel in London.
Last year’s event raised a staggering £152,000 and was donated to the Oliver’s Wish Foundation and its amazing partner charities Chestnut Tree House, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and SUDC UK.
“Mark’s fantastic work so far will be rewarded in the boxing ring and we look forward to seeing how he gets on against his fierce competition Simon when the action unfolds,” the Head of Hub88, Ollie Castleman, said.
“Ultimately, the goal is to raise money for a great cause and, following the success of last year’s event, we are delighted to play a part in the 2023 instalment of the SBC Charity Boxing Championship.”
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