‘Our strategy is to prioritise efficiency and responsiveness,’ says MGA CEO Charles Mizzi

“Our strategy is to prioritise efficiency and responsiveness,” says the Malta Gaming Authority’s (MGA) CEO Charles Mizzi.

His comments were made in an interview for the 2025 edition of iGaming Capital magazine, the sister brand of iGamingCapital.mt, both owned and operated by Content House.

The iGaming industry in Malta is evolving rapidly. Global markets are becoming increasingly regulated at a local level, long-standing licences – such as those in Curaçao – have undergone significant reform, and, according to a National Statistics Office (NSO) report, Malta’s betting and gaming sector saw profits drop by €351.5 million in 2022.

Amid these shifts, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) announced the appointment of Charles Mizzi as CEO in January 2024. His appointment followed a period of scrutiny for the regulator and marked a transition to new leadership from outside the gaming industry.

Nine months into the role, Mr Mizzi acknowledges the steep learning curve, but he believes his experience at the Residency Malta Agency – where he served as CEO – has given him valuable insights applicable to his new position.

“The knowledge and experience I bring from my previous role are valuable in managing the day-to-day operations of the MGA. Of course, the MGA operates with its own unique challenges and opportunities. To be effective, I must not only leverage my existing knowledge but also adapt to the specific realities and culture of the wider gaming industry,” he says.

One of his main priorities has been ensuring stability for the sector. Rather than implementing radical changes, Mr Mizzi emphasises continuity and sustainability, with a focus on operational efficiency.

He adds that the MGA’s current approach prioritises continuity, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Rather than introducing abrupt changes, the focus is on ensuring stability while continuously improving regulatory processes

The MGA, which was once the first European body of its kind, now faces increasing competition from regulators within and beyond the EU. “Our teams are actively monitoring all regulatory developments. Should adjustments become necessary, we will make them in a measured and thoughtful manner,” he affirms.

The €351.5 million drop in revenue reported for 2022 mentioned earlier, has raised questions about whether Malta’s iGaming sector has lost its competitive edge. However, Mr Mizzi believes the industry is maturing rather than declining.

“Most importantly, the contribution of wages and salaries earned within the sector has continued to increase in a stable manner. In 2023, compensation to employees in the sector amounted to €600 million, up from €400 million in 2018,” he points out.

“We see the iGaming sector moving towards a more stable and mature phase, reflecting developments in the industry worldwide. In particular, the MGA has consolidated the sector by licensing operators with a substantial presence in both the domestic and global context, capable of maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance and consumer protection, and which invest in their reputation. As a result, all the major gaming operators in the industry continue to be established in Malta under an MGA licence.”

As part of this strategic shift, the Authority has increased its focus on B2B operators, which offer lower risk and contribute to high-quality job creation. By the end of 2023, the MGA had licensed 159 B2B firms, a direct result of regulatory changes made in 2018.

One of the more contentious issues the MGA has faced is Article 56A (previously Bill 55), a legal provision that restricts the enforcement of certain foreign judgments against Malta-licensed gaming operators. Critics have questioned its compliance with EU law, but Mr Mizzi insists that the measure has been misunderstood.

“It is crucial to address any misconceptions. The law does not impose a blanket ban on the enforcement of European judgments against Maltese gaming companies in Malta. Nor was it enacted to shield these companies from legal action before other European courts. The provision is highly restricted in scope and applies only to specific actions that fulfil the stringent criteria established within the provision itself,” he clarifies, adding that Malta remains in dialogue with the European Commission on the matter.

At the same time, the MGA has taken steps to expand its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives within the gaming industry, launching a dedicated ESG online hub.

“While responsible gambling has always been a core priority – ensuring player protection, minimising harm and addressing addiction – our vision for the industry’s social licence extends beyond this. It includes environmental stewardship, ethical governance and social well-being. We believe that demonstrating a genuine commitment to responsible and ethical practices is essential, not just in compliance with the law but in going beyond it. Thus, the new hub aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for all information related to our voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice for the remote gaming sector,” he explains.

The first ESG reporting cycle is underway, with companies that meet the voluntary standards receiving formal recognition through the MGA ESG Code Approval Seal.

“We believe this initiative will significantly enhance the industry’s reputation and sustainability. It sends a clear message: sustainability, in the broadest sense of the word, is integral to the future of the iGaming sector,” he states, adding that the sector’s forward-looking nature – pioneering in technology, innovation and progressive workplace cultures – makes it uniquely positioned to lead in the integration of ESG considerations.

Beyond regulatory policy and ESG commitments, the MGA is also working closely with the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) compliance.

A recent thematic review involving 23 compliance examinations assessed the role of Money Laundering Reporting Officers within remote gaming operators.

“The review involved 23 compliance examinations, focusing specifically on the Money Laundering Reporting Officers of remote gaming operators and employees engaged in the AML/CFT compliance function. Overall, the findings were encouraging. The interviewees demonstrated a strong grasp of key AML/CFT principles. However, the review also highlighted areas for improvement in terms of interviewees’ awareness of the inherent and residual risks faced by their respective companies,” he reports, adding that the Authority will be following up via an outreach initiative to provide additional guidance to licensees.

As he looks towards the coming months, Mr Mizzi identifies streamlining internal processes and improving engagement with external stakeholders as key priorities.

“Another key priority will be maintaining the open channels of communication that have become a hallmark of the MGA. Engaging with our stakeholders and listening to their feedback is essential to ensure that our policies and regulations are aligned with the evolving needs of the market. The gaming industry is dynamic, and it is crucial that we, as a regulator, remain adaptable and responsive to these changes while maintaining the necessary oversight to protect players and ensure a fair, transparent and secure gaming environment,” he concludes.