The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has initiated a closed consultation to gather feedback from stakeholders on proposed amendments to its Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive. This 30-page document outlines the financial requirements for operators holding a Maltese gaming licence. The consultation period is open until 25 April 2025, during which the MGA aims to refine its risk-based regulatory approach and enhance both efficiency and effectiveness in overseeing licensees’ financial operations.
These proposed changes come on the heels of updates implemented at the beginning of 2025, where the MGA revised its financial reporting requirements. Licensees are now mandated to submit an annual financial report covering the entire 12 months of their financial year within two months of the period’s end, along with an interim financial report for the first six months.
Maltese Courts Uphold National Jurisdiction in Gaming Disputes
In a significant legal development, the Maltese Civil Court recently refused to enforce two Austrian judgments that had ordered Malta-licensed gaming operators to refund gambling losses to Austrian players. The court determined that enforcing such foreign judgments would contradict Malta’s public policy and the European Union’s principle of free movement of services. 
These cases involved Austrian individuals who had incurred losses on Maltese gaming platforms and subsequently sought refunds through Austrian courts. The Austrian courts ruled in favor of the players, citing national laws that deem foreign gaming operators illegal without a local concession, thereby voiding any contracts and associated financial transactions.
Implications for iGaming Operators
The MGA’s proactive approach in consulting stakeholders reflects its commitment to maintaining a robust regulatory framework that adapts to industry challenges. By seeking input on financial requirements, the MGA aims to balance effective oversight with operational realities faced by licensees.
Concurrently, the Maltese court’s decisions underscore the importance of understanding jurisdictional nuances in the iGaming sector. Operators must navigate varying national regulations while ensuring compliance with overarching EU laws. These developments highlight the need for continuous dialogue between regulators and industry stakeholders to foster a stable and fair gaming environment.
As the consultation progresses, industry participants are encouraged to provide their insights to help shape a regulatory landscape that supports both innovation and responsibility in the gaming sector.
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