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The MGA Publishes its 2020 Annual Report & Financial Statements
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/Authority) is publishing its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2020. The report provides an overview of the work performed throughout the year and highlights major projects undertaken by the Authority throughout the same period. In addition, the report also outlines the performance of the Maltese gaming industry during 2020 as well as a medium-term outlook into the future, followed by a detailed report explaining key statistics for the land-based and online gaming sectors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full report may be accessed on this link.
The following are the key highlights from the Annual Report covering the year 2020:
- Between January and December 2020, following information which emerged from compliance audits, compliance reviews, and formal investigations, the Authority issued 69 warnings, suspended 3 licences, and cancelled another 12. In addition, the MGA issued a total of 24 administrative penalties.
- In 2020, 30 compliance audits were conducted by the Compliance and AML function, one of which related to a live studio, and 324 desktop reviews were carried out, of which 98 identified deficiencies which were accordingly escalated to the Compliance and Enforcement Committee.
- In 2020, 8 individuals and companies were deemed not to be up to the Authority’s probity standards by the Fit & Proper Committee, mainly on the basis of mitigating the risks of money laundering or funding of terrorism.
- During the twelve-month period of 2020, a total of 1,475 criminal probity screening checks were undertaken, an increase of 13.5% when compared to the year 2019.
- In terms of AML/CFT, during the twelve-month period of 2020, a total of 27 supervisory examinations on online gaming licensees were conducted by the MGA, of which 10 were full scope examinations, 3 were targeted examinations, 8 were thematic examinations, and 6 were supervisory meetings.
- In 2020, the MGA conducted a total of 65 interviews with prospective MLROs and key persons carrying out the AML/CFT function to determine the knowledge and suitability of each candidate, out of which 40 were approved, 17 were conditionally approved and 8 were rejected.
- The Commercial Communication Committee of the MGA took action against 10 adverts or promotions that, in the opinion of the Committee, inappropriately exploited the COVID-19 pandemic.
- During 2020 the Player Support Unit received a total of 5,625 requests for assistance, a 58% increase over 2019, potentially stemming at least partly from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on player behaviour.
- In its efforts to boost knowledge sharing and cooperation with international counterparts, the MGA hosted a delegation of members of the Lotteries and Gaming Board and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
- The Authority received 67 international cooperation requests from other regulators and sent 47 such requests, with the majority referring to requests for background checks as part of an authorisation process.
- During the year 2020, a total of 168 requests for information specifically relating to the manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules were submitted by enforcement agencies, sport governing bodies, integrity units, and other regulatory bodies. Additionally, a total of 288 suspicious betting reports from licensees and other concerned parties were received.
- During the period under review, the Authority was a direct participant in 20 different investigations across the globe relating to manipulation of sports competitions or breaches in sports rules.
- Recognising the importance of establishing data sharing agreements with relevant stakeholders, including sport governing bodies and other platforms whose function includes the detection of suspicious betting activities, the MGA signed a total of five agreements, namely a data sharing agreement with the International Cricket Council, the Swedish Football Association, the Darts Regulation Authority, the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association, and the Slovak Football Association.
- During 2020, the MGA and the FIAU signed an updated version of the MoU which brought forth better cooperative instruments for the supervision of AML/CFT in the gaming sector.
- The Authority entered into an MoU with the Malta Business Registry with the aim of facilitating the ongoing close communication between authorities and the effective sharing of information.
- With the aim of increasing cooperation with our international counterparts, an MoU was agreed to by the MGA and the Dutch Kansspelautoriteit (the Dutch Gambling Authority) on the basis that the two authorities will support each other by sharing best practices and information in support of their responsibilities at law, whilst also engaging in discussions on policy matters of interest.
- The MGA also enhanced its collaboration with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations by creating a process whereby any entity that applies for a non-profit game is only issued with a permit if such an entity is a registered and compliant voluntary organisation.
- Recognising the importance of regular dialogue with stakeholders, throughout 2020, over 55 external communications were sent, providing a synopsis of various updates and developments within the Authority and industry.
In publishing this report, the CEO, Dr Carl Brincat said: “The year 2020 will undoubtedly be remembered for the challenges the pandemic presented us with, and I am proud of the Authority’s employees who worked tirelessly to ensure that we continued to perform the functions required of us at law. Keeping the ship steady during a challenging year serves as a strong foundation for us to look ahead with renewed commitment to keep building on the positives and improve on our shortcomings, to reach new heights in our regulatory approach.”
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ONLY FIVE DAYS UNTIL ACR POKER UNLEASHES MASSIVE DUAL VENOM EVENTS WITH $12 MILLION IN GUARANTEED PRIZES
The $10 Million NLH and $2 Million PLO events start Sunday, April 13th, with top prizes projected at $1 million and $400,000 respectively
The countdown is on as ACR Poker’s flagship Dual Venom tournaments take center stage in just five days, boasting $12 million in guaranteed prize pools and spotlighting two major events: the $10 million NLH and $2 million PLO.
This Sunday, April 13th at 1:05pm ET marks the start of the two massive Venom events running side by side, offering players a chance to compete in some of the biggest tournament action on ACR Poker’s 2025 calendar.
The $10 Million NLH Venom starts with the first of five Day 1s this Sunday. Day 1 survivors will return for Day 2 on Monday, April 28th, and if they advance, continue to Day 3 on Tuesday. Day 3 survivors will compete for the Venom NLH title at the Final Table on Wednesday, April 30th at 4:05pm ET. With a $2,650 buy-in, the champion is set to win an estimated $1 million.
Meanwhile, the $2 Million PLO event spans three days and features a 6-max format. Also offering five Day 1 flights starting this Sunday, this tournament ties as the largest PLO event in ACR Poker’s history. The PLO champion is projected to win a top prize of $400,000, and players have the option to enter multiple Day 1s to build their stack heading into Day 2.
“We’ve all dreamed of that deep run in a big tourney. The best part about the Venom is anyone can take that shot,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “Whether you buy-in directly or satellite in for a few bucks, NLH and PLO players are in for huge prize pools, great structure, and big poker action.”
For players still looking to lock in their Venom entry, ACR Poker is awarding over 1,000 seats through Venom Fever Satellites, with qualifiers starting at $0. The Beast, Venom Madness, Direct and Mega Satellites offer players affordable routes into both headline tournaments. Additional opportunities include the Venom Vault, which has already awarded over $150,000 in prizes and 22 X $2,650 seats.
ACR Poker is also hosting Venom Specials during every Day 1 and Day 2 of the Dual Venoms, featuring over $14 million in guaranteed prizes. Plus, the $500,000 GTD Venom Warmup has daily Day 1 flights running April 14th-27th, for a $66 buy-in.
For further details on the $12 Million guaranteed Dual Venom tournaments and other promotions, visit ACRPoker.eu.
The post ONLY FIVE DAYS UNTIL ACR POKER UNLEASHES MASSIVE DUAL VENOM EVENTS WITH $12 MILLION IN GUARANTEED PRIZES appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Gambling in the USA
NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.
Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.
The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.
On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.
Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”
For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”
The post NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Aristocrat Interactive
Logifuture enters Mexico as Zoom Soccer via Aristocrat Interactive partnership

Logifuture, a leading supplier of award-winning iGaming products, has entered the Mexican market with Zoom Soccer, via its partnership with Aristocrat Interactive.
Zoom Soccer is a one-of-a-kind 24/7 virtual sports feed that delivers ultra-realistic, fully simulated matches and outcomes, featuring teams and leagues designed to feel familiar to fans. Built to complement real football offerings, it provides a non-stop, immersive betting experience.
With over 30,000 additional pre-match and in-play betting events each month, Zoom Soccer ensures sportsbooks stay engaging – not just during off-seasons but also during quieter moments of the day or week when real football options are limited. Thanks to existing partner integrations, it attracts tens of millions of bets every month.
The integration of Zoom Soccer is facilitated by Logifuture’s existing collaboration with Aristocrat Interactive. Through Aristocrat’s digital gaming platform, Logifuture is bringing its sophisticated products to millions of players across emerging markets, including Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Central America.
Niccolo Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture, said : “We’re thrilled that sports fans in Mexico will now be able to experience Zoom Soccer, our 24/7 feed of virtual leagues built for sportsbook users. Offering both pre-match and in-play betting, it delivers an experience that closely mirrors real football, keeping users always engaged.
“As the demand for engaging nonstop sports content grows, this integration helps operators deliver. With a broader pre-match lineup and a live section constantly packed with soccer events, Zoom Soccer enhances the sportsbook experience for customers in Mexico.”
Morten Hauge, Head of Sports at Aristocrat Interactive iGaming & Sports, said: “Our partnership with Logifuture allows us to bring innovative and engaging virtual sports experiences to new audiences.
“The addition of Zoom Soccer in Mexico is a great example of how we’re expanding our digital portfolio to meet the growing demand for high-quality, immersive betting content. We’re excited to see how players respond and look forward to continued collaboration with Logifuture.”
The post Logifuture enters Mexico as Zoom Soccer via Aristocrat Interactive partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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