The Malta Gaming Authority has issued its 2015 annual report which confirms Malta’s continued healthy growth in land-based and remote gaming sectors.
Throughout the year under review, the MGA generated a revenue of €60.9 million, which is an increase of 4.3% over the previous year. Gaming taxes amounted to €55.8 million which is a 4.9% increase over the previous year. These positive figures allowed for a direct contribution of 8.2% to Malta’s Gross Value Added in the economy.
Amounts played in the land based sector reached a total of €333.1 million with total winnings amounting to €255 million.
The Authority has focused on an overhaul of the current legislation in order to provide a robust and flexible regulatory framework which allows for effective oversight while facilitating growth and evolution in the industry. Particularly, the setting up of the Supervisory Council has been and will continue to be instrumental in achieving this aim.
Having a healthy gaming sector in Malta, the MGA, together with the Government of Malta have set up the GamingMalta Foundation, in order to promote Malta as a center of excellence and a leading jurisdiction in the gaming industry.
2015 has been the year in which the Authority’s corporate identity was completely refreshed to coincide with the Authority’s new efforts to introduce a fully inclusive and transparent approach in supervision, policy making and administrative procedures. This rebranding has seen the Lotteries and Gaming Authority change its name to the Malta Gaming Authority and relocating to new offices in Smart City Malta.
The Authority concludes that even though Malta’s regulations will remain founded on the prevention of crime and fraud, fairness, and consumer protection, the proposed legislative targets for 2016 will provide a principle-based governing regime which shall be based on regulatory performance and outcomes.
