The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), formerly known as the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority, was one of the first European territories to regulate online gambling. Today, it is considered one of the most reputable licensing bodies, though it maintains relatively stringent licensing requirements and operational restrictions.
Charged with the responsibility of governing all the gambling operations and activities that happen on the island, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has more than a hundred organisations under its jurisdiction. These consist of software developers alongside remote iGaming and online casino operators. In this article, we shall be taking a look at this gaming authority in detail and discuss what they do and the protection they offer players.
What does the MGA do?
The MGA runs under a Code of Ethics which is very strict. Primarily, this is because all actions and decisions are focused on the best interests of various stakeholders as offered by internal policies and law. It is the role of the Malta Gaming Authority to make impartial and fair decisions that are free from self-interest and favouritism while carrying out all communications and operations in a way that is truthful and honest.
The Malta Gaming Authority commits to making sure that the sector for online gambling makes a positive contribution to the county's development. In essence, this entails overseeing all licensees, carrying our research on various areas of gambling, collecting taxes for gaming on the Maltese government's behalf, as well as offering support for worthy causes.
All of the licensees have to nominate an official who has the role of liaising with the company issued with a Maltese license as well as the Malta Gaming Authority. This official is also required to be a director of the licensee organisation and be a resident of Malta. Additionally, they must keep up with every operation carried out by the licensee. The official also makes sure that all activities are monitored, and all laws and regulations put in place by the MGA are followed.
The Protections it offers Players
The MGA aims to make sure that all online operators are operating fairly, legally, responsibly, and with player safety in mind. The summary of the mission statement of the MGA is to competently regulate the numerous gaming industry sectors under the Authority by making sure games are transparent and fair to the players which in turn averts corruption, crime, money laundering as well as safeguarding vulnerable players and minors.
The MGA offers protection to players in a variety of ways. Some of these ways include:
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Protect vulnerable individuals and minors
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Safeguards players rights
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Ensure the integrity of gaming devices and games
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Ensure responsible gaming in an environment which is secure
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Ensure games are kept free from criminal activities
The MGA has a host of procedures and steps already put in place to ensure the safety of player funds. These can consist of a licensee making a bank guarantee being made available to the Malta Gaming Authority to guard against financial mismanagement.
Verifying a Casino License Issued by the MGA
An with an MGA license will display the licensing information on its home page or in sections like About Us or FAQ. Look for the MGA icon among other software and licensing symbols; clicking it will direct you to the MGA website to verify the casino’s certification, along with details like operating status and business address.
How does it rate compared with other authorities?
We give the MGA a 8/10
Due to the authorities online reputation and status we believe it is very safe to use any casino which is licenced by the MGA. They do a lot to enforce player safety standards with their licensees and this, in turn, makes them an attractive proposition for online casinos.
Can a casino with this license be trusted?
An MGA license doesn't guarantee a specific casino's trustworthiness, but Malta's leading role in online gambling regulation and the MGA's proactive approach significantly increase the likelihood of a safe and fair gaming experience. The MGA's strong reputation and collaboration with the Maltese government contribute to a secure environment for players.