The Malta Gaming Authority has published its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 2025, highlighting a significant rise in B2B licensing. The document details the sector's contribution to the national economy alongside updated regulatory enforcement statistics.
The gaming industry generated 6.3 percent of Malta's GDP, with a Gross Value Added of €1.42bn, marking a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase. Including multiplier effects, the sector represents 8.2 percent of the economy. Regarding authorizations, the MGA received 38 new license applications and approved 19, while rejecting two due to misleading submissions.
Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement
B2B licenses accounted for the majority of activity, comprising 24 applications and 12 issuances. The Authority also distributed 2,043 permits for non-profit tombola, 22 for non-profit lottery, and 118 certificates for commercial communication games. During the period, regulators conducted 1,266 due diligence checks, resulting in seven entities being deemed unfit by the Fit and Proper Committee.
Enforcement actions included 35 cease and desist letters, 22 warnings, and 30 administrative penalties totaling €162,520. One license was suspended and two were cancelled. MGA CEO Charles Mizzi stated, "The challenge facing regulators today is not to regulate more, but to regulate better," noting a shift toward data-driven oversight and AI-led regulation.
Player protection measures resolved 3,718 assistance requests and reviewed 1,757 player funds reports. The MGA investigated 109 URLs, identifying 42 instances of fraudulent references to the Authority or its licensees.