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MGA Publishes its 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. The report offers an in-depth overview of the performance of Malta’s land-based and online gaming sectors during 2024, while also highlighting the Authority’s key activities and regulatory developments over the past year. It also offers a medium-term outlook for the broader gaming industry, reflecting emerging trends, regulatory shifts and the evolving market landscape.

Key Highlights from 2024

Supervisory Activity & Enforcement

In 2024, the MGA received 28 applications for new gaming licences and issued 17 licences. In addition, the Authority received a further 12 gaming licence renewal applications from operators to renew their gaming licence that was bound to expire in 2024 and issued eight licence renewals.

Low-risk games require a permit, which is valid only for a singular event and expires when the event is concluded. To this end, the MGA issued 1812 permits for non-profit tombola, 19 permits for non-profit lottery and 84 certificates for commercial communication games.

As part of the Authority’s process to assess applications, the MGA carried out just under 1200 criminal probity screening checks on authorised persons, persons holding qualifying interest, directors, key persons and any third parties providing funding or exercising control over an authorised person in both the land-based and online gaming sectors. The Fit and Proper Committee made 64 decisions, 16 of which determined that the criteria to be considered as fit and proper were not met.

The Supervisory Council reviewed 30 gaming licence applications, including new and renewal requests. Out of these, two applications were rejected on the grounds that information or submissions provided were false, misleading, inaccurate, or materially incomplete following the completion of the “Minded Letter” process. One application remained in the “Minded to Refuse” stage.

In 2024, the MGA concluded 13 compliance audits and 116 desktop reviews.

The Authority was notified by the licensees of 123 Technical Information Security Incidents, which the MGA investigated to ensure that no licensed activity was adversely affected.

The Commercial Communications Committee took seven decisions regarding possible breaches of the Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations.

In 2024, the Authority also issued 35 warnings, 25 administrative penalties amounting to €306,250 and reached three regulatory settlements amounting to €61,522. The MGA also suspended two licences and cancelled eight.

AML/CFT Oversight

43 AML/CFT compliance examinations were initiated by the FIAU or by the MGA on its behalf.

60 examinations were concluded, and 11 closure letters were issued to licensees who either addressed the identified issues or where the findings from the compliance examinations were not deemed to be serious and/or systematic.

The FIAU imposed remediation measures and/or administrative penalties on six licensees. The total administrative penalties issued amounted to just under €185,000.

The Authority conducted 37 interviews on prospective MLROs to ensure that candidates meet the required standards of knowledge and awareness of the Maltese AML/CFT legal framework.

Player Protection and Inspections

As part of its efforts to safeguard players and promote responsible gambling, the MGA resolved 3372 requests for assistance (including spill-over from 2023).

To continue safeguarding player funds, the Authority received 1897 player funds reports and carried out 27 data extractions during the reporting period.

The Authority conducted 40 responsible gambling-themed website checks and issued 27 observation letters outlining the issues and areas for improvement.

The MGA investigated 83 cases involving websites that published misleading information and issued 29 public notices on its website.

During the reporting period, the MGA carried out just over 9000 inspections on Gaming Premises (including casinos and commercial bingo halls), Controlled Gaming Premises, National Lottery Outlets including National Lottery Outlets – Controlled Gaming Premises and Non-Profit Tombola.

National and International Cooperation

In 2024, the MGA received 244 suspicious betting reports from licensees and shared 247 alerts on suspicious betting. The Authority participated in 30 investigations across different jurisdictions.

The MGA collaborated with enforcement agencies, sports governing bodies, integrity units and regulatory authorities on 31 requests for information and participated in 39 data exchanges.

The MGA received 85 requests for international collaboration from other regulators. Most of the requests received were generic requests for cooperation or requests for background checks as part of authorisations processes.

The Authority issued 59 official replies to provide feedback on the regulatory standing of its licensed operators to the relevant authorities requesting the information.

The MGA collaborated with local regulating authorities and governing bodies on 161 requests for information.

“Resilience is not just about endurance – it’s about adapting with purpose and staying focused on what matters,” CEO Charles Mizzi said.

“Over the past year, we improved how we work, strengthened our internal processes, and continued investing in the people and systems that support effective regulation. As the sector continues to evolve, the MGA remains committed to anticipating challenges, adapting with purpose, and upholding the standards that define Malta’s reputation as a trusted jurisdiction.”

The post MGA Publishes its 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Sports Betting’s First Contest Docuseries Returns for a Second Season with More Contestants, More Drama, and $14.2 Million on the Line

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VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, announced it will air the second season of the betting industry’s first docuseries to bring viewers behind the scenes of the world’s biggest legal betting contest. “Circa Survivor: The Quest for $14.2 Million” debuts its first episode Tuesday, August 5 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on VSiN.com and YouTubeTV.

Produced by Longball Productions, the sports betting docuseries follows contestants as they navigate the 2024 Circa Sports Circa Survivor Pro Football Contest – the largest sports contest of its kind in the world – with a prize of $14.2 million. The show captures the excitement and drama of this high-stakes contest, as well as the characters involved, to see who will win a winner-take-all prize. This year features familiar faces and new contestants alike, including celebrity sightings such as Dana White and Greg Maddux.

Hosted by sports betting venture Circa Sports, Circa Survivor requires contestants to walk through the door to sign up, giving the docuseries filmmakers access to sports betting enthusiasts nationwide. Contestants then make their weekly picks through a local proxy service or in person, where producers follow the thrills and agony of this wild ride through the pro football season. The series features a vast array of characters and incredible stories, including fan favorites and players that viewers will love to hate.

There will be a total of ten episodes in this season.

The post Sports Betting’s First Contest Docuseries Returns for a Second Season with More Contestants, More Drama, and $14.2 Million on the Line appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Brand Finance

US Online Betting Brands Topple Vegas as World’s Leading Gambling Brand

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The combined value of the world’s top 25 gambling brands ranked has surged by 21% year-on-year to USD60.8 billion this year, according to the Gambling 25 2025 rankings by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy.

The latest data from Brand Finance highlights the sector’s remarkable resilience and transformation, fuelled by a post-pandemic tourism rebound, rapid legalisation of online betting in the US, and rising sports sponsorships that have lifted brand awareness among millions of new fans.

Following the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the US has become the world’s largest regulated online gambling market, with more than 35 states now permitting sports betting. Major operators have responded with record marketing expenditure and high-profile sponsorship deals, driving strong brand growth nationwide.

Online gambling in the US is quickly catching up to Las Vegas in both brand value and public interest. Brand awareness is rising fast, with FanDuel up 26% and DraftKings up 18% since 2022. In contrast, traditional Vegas-based brands like Caesars and MGM have seen more modest gains; just 1% and 14%, respectively. With FanDuel now at 74% awareness and DraftKings at 82%, they’re closing in on Caesars (82%) and MGM (87%), signalling strong future growth for online operators.

In 2024, Americans wagered an estimated USD172 billion online, helping to drive record brand value growth among major players. Online gambling brand, FanDuel (brand value up 25% to USD7.0 billion) has risen to become the world’s most valuable gambling brand ranked this year. DraftKings (brand value up 59% to USD5.1 billion) has entered the global top three for the first time while MGM (brand value up 102% to USD3.8 billion) and Wynn Resorts (brand value up 25% to USD3.7 billion) have also posted significant gains, reflecting strong demand across both online and destination gaming.

Other prominent US names ranked include Harrah (brand value up 4% to USD2.4 billion) which has strengthened customer loyalty through revamped rewards programmes and integrated resort experiences, and Penn Entertainment (brand value down 15% to USD2.2 billion).

China’s Studio City (brand value up 118% to USD801 million) is the world’s fastest-growing gambling brand in this year’s rankings, following its Phase 2 expansion in Macau which boosted operating revenue by 40% year-on-year. Macau’s gaming industry continues to recover strongly, with visitor arrivals up 43% in the first half of 2024 and gross gaming revenue in July rising 12% compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands remains the strongest brand ranked in the casino and gambling sector, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.9/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating, ahead of the US’ Caesars (BSI score 92.4/100) and Malaysia’s Genting (BSI score 87.7/100). These brands continue to stand out for their premium entertainment experiences and strong reputation for customer loyalty and trust.

Henry Farr, Director at Brand Finance, said: “Reaching a record USD60.8 billion in brand value, the gambling sector continues to demonstrate its strength and agility in meeting changing consumer demands. The US online betting boom, with FanDuel now surpassing traditional Vegas giants, alongside major sports sponsorships, has driven impressive brand growth.”

The post US Online Betting Brands Topple Vegas as World’s Leading Gambling Brand appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Akhil Sarin

Stake joins Trinbago Knight Riders as official title partner

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The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) today announced that Stake, the world’s leading online casino and sportsbook, has joined as their official Title Partner, marking a significant milestone for the most successful franchise in the Caribbean Premier League.

The partnership unites two powerhouse brands – with Stake aligning with a franchise that has claimed four championship titles (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020), and continues to set the standard for excellence in T20 cricket.

This partnership adds to Stake’s impressive global sports portfolio, which includes the UFC, Everton FC, and the Stake F1 Team. The announcement builds on Stake’s growing cricket presence, following successful partnerships with the European Cricket Championships, Paarl Royals, and Major League Cricket.

“We are proud to welcome Stake as the Official Title Partner of the Trinbago Knight Riders in a multi- year agreement,” said Binda Dey, Group CMO, Knight Riders Sports.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, bringing together two globally recognised brands with a shared commitment to innovation and elevating fan engagement through technology. Stake’s impressive presence across global sports demonstrates their dedication to supporting world-class sporting entertainment, and we look forward to a successful and impactful partnership.”

Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake, said: “TKR represents the kind of excellence Stake looks for in partnerships. Their track record and passionate fanbase make them the perfect addition to our cricket portfolio. We’re excited to support TKR and bring our platform to cricket fans worldwide.”

“Our partnership with TKR is not just about brand alignment – it’s a step toward building meaningful connections with cricket fans. We are excited to create immersive, tech-driven fan experiences that reflect the energy and passion of T20 cricket,” added Sarin.

To celebrate this partnership, Trinbago Knight Riders and Stake launched an innovative teaser campaign, combining the star power of the Knights – Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Dwayne Bravo alongside athletes from Stake’s global sponsorship portfolio. The campaign was designed to build intrigue by tapping into the passionate fanbases of these diverse sports, generating organic buzz across social media and culminating in the official partnership reveal.

The post Stake joins Trinbago Knight Riders as official title partner appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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