‘Malta’s role as hub for B2B gaming businesses continues to strengthen’ – MGA Chairman

Malta’s role as a hub for international B2B gaming businesses continues to strengthen, Malta Gaming Authority Chairperson Ryan C. Pace said in the authority’s annual report, adding that the gaming industry continues to evolve and new business models are emerging.

“Efforts to streamline administrative processes, improve licensing efficiency, and maintain alignment with recognised international standards are contributing to a more efficient and accessible environment for legitimate operators,” he said.

He mentioned prediction markets, and said that their growing visibility reflects broader discussions around activities that sit close to existing market categories, “and the importance of maintaining awareness as the market continues to innovate.”

Looking ahead, the Chairman underlined that the challenge for the MGA as being to maintain a regulatory framework that is stable enough to command confidence, and sufficiently adaptable to remain relevant. “Malta’s position depends on sustaining both.”

He said that the country’s strength has always rested on its ability to remain stable without becoming static, and adaptable without losing credibility. “That balance continues to define its path forward.”

The authority’s CEO, Charles Mizzi spoke of the authority’s work throughout 2025, saying that it focused on strengthening the quality of the authority’s oversight, improving engagement with stakeholders, and making better use of technology and intelligence to support informed regulatory decisions.

“Strengthening our risk-based oversight model, and making greater use of data and evidence, allowed us to focus attention where it could have the greatest regulatory impact. At the same time, we improved the clarity and consistency of our engagement with operators,” he said.

The CEO said that the authority made further progress in 2025 in areas that are relevant to MONEYVAL “through enhanced AML/CFT supervision, more sophisticated data-driven risk assessments, and closer coordination with national stakeholders.”

He also said that during 2025, the authority introduced AI tools to support analysis, improve workflows and strengthen decision-making, “while ensuring that these technologies are deployed responsibly and with appropriate governance.”x

“Looking ahead, our priorities remain clear. We will continue strengthening Malta’s position as a jurisdiction of establishment by investing in our people, enhancing our regulatory capabilities and deepening our use of data and technology.”

At the same time, he said, the authority will maintain a framework that protects players while supporting a sustainable and competitive industry.

“Smarter regulation is not simply about responding to change; it is about anticipating it, applying sound judgement, and ensuring that regulation continues to create confidence for everyone it serves.”