MGA Starts 2024 With Several Actions and Suspensions

Article by : Milena Petrovska Jan 23, 2024

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The Malta Gaming Authority has let all of its licensees know that it will enforce its rules most strictly. We’re only halfway done with January, and the regulator has already started 2024 with several actions and suspensions.

Genesis Global, Rush Gaming Ltd, and Betago Limited Got Their Licenses Revoked

On January 9, the MGA decided to revoke the license issued to Rush Gaming Ltd (license no. MGA/B2C/701/2019). In its official statement, the regulator noted that Rush Gaming Ltd “failed to comply with one or more applicable obligations” according to the Maltese law.

Then, on January 11, MGA canceled Betago Limited’s authorization. As a result, Betago Limited is now directed to pay all fees right up to the date of cancellation. The operator should also refund all money to its players (in line with the laws) and remove the MGA authorization from its platform.

Additionally, Betago is required to submit a transaction report in which it proves that it has refunded all of its registered players. The MGA gave Betago one week to send the necessary paperwork.

The final cancellation for this month was issued on January 12 to Genesis Global (license no. MGA/CRP/314/2015). It was also the most talked about one, too, considering the reputation and size of the company

Genesis received the same directions as Betago, and it must submit all necessary paperwork within seven days.

MGA Renewed Its Alderney Gambling Control Commission MoU

MGA’s start of the year was pretty active, and it did not include license cancellations only. Right after New Year, the authority renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.

The renewed contract puts extra emphasis on the collaboration between the MGA and the AGCC to strengthen their relationship. It also states that both regulators share the same goals, which are regulating the gaming sector, reducing related crime, and increasing protection for consumers and vulnerable groups.

Carl Brincat, the CEO of the MGA, shared a few words on the new MoU. He said that the renewal reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to creating a “safe and responsible gaming ecosystem.”

AGCC’s chair, Andrew Gellatly, doubled down on the sentiment. He said the Alderney Commission was looking forward to “continuing and strengthening our valued collaboration” with the MGA and taking action that would benefit both the AGCC and the MGA.

The MoU was created back in 2013, and it serves as a tool that solidifies the long-lasting relationship between the two regulators.

MGA’s New Year Started With New CEO

MGA’s new CEO will likely take up a lot of responsibility in 2024. Judging from the actions at the start of the year, there will be quite a lot of expectations from him. Charles Mizzi was appointed in mid-December 2023 and will succeed Carl Brincat as CEO on January 26.

The Board of Governors of the MGA considered Mizzi as the best candidate. He was one of the key factors that helped the authority maintain its status as one of the world’s most respected regulators.

In an official statement, the MGA noted that the Board was quick to consider him as the new CEO due to his dynamic and results-driven professionalism. His “extensive experience in operations management” was highlighted, as well.

Mizzi commented on his appointment by saying that he was “honored to have been given the opportunity to lead the Authority.” He added that he was ready to do whatever it takes to strengthen the MGA and deliver value to its stakeholders.