12/07/2017

Malta Gaming Authority publishes White Paper on changes to online gaming regulation in Malta

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has today published a White Paper on widespread changes to remote/online gaming regulation in Malta. The proposed changes include;

  • Replacing the current multi-licence system with a system in which there will be two different types of licences – a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licence and a Business-to-Business (B2B) licence – covering different types of activities across multiple distribution channels;
  • Segmenting the Key Official role into various key functions within a licensed activity, requiring approval, for direct scrutiny and targeted supervisory controls, thereby raising the bar for persons of responsibility within a gaming operation;
  • Strengthening the player protection framework by formalising the mediatory role of the MGA’s Player Support Unit, enshrining segregation of player funds at law and moving towards a unified self-exclusion database across both remote and land-based delivery channels;
  • Introducing new and more effective processes for criminal and administrative justice, including the allocation of appeals from decisions of the Authority to the Administrative Review Tribunal and the introduction of a distinction between administrative and criminal offences;
  • Introducing the concept of administration to protect an operation in distress and, if necessary, to assist the winding down of an operation, thereby protecting jobs and player funds;
  • Streamlining taxation into one flow with two main layers; and
  • Exempting B2B licensees from gaming tax, thus increasing Malta’s competitiveness as a hub for these services providers.

Muscat Azzopardi & Associates are drafting comments/suggestions in regard to the proposed changes and these will be duly submitted to the Malta Gaming Authority.

For more information contact Dr James Muscat Azzopardi on jamesma@ma-advocates.com.