What Does the Malta Gaming Authority Do?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates gambling in Malta. This also includes online gambling under the Gaming Act, not just brick-and-mortar casinos. In fact, the MGA has provided licenses to online casinos since 2001. Gambling sites go through a long application process to get their license and also have to pay annual license fees.
Besides licensing gambling sites, this regulatory body also has other goals. First off, it audits operators with an MGA license regularly and checks their gaming and control systems. This way, it makes sure they’re safeguarding players and their money. It also promotes responsible gaming and fights underage gambling. In addition, the MGA ensures casino sites have fair games with random outcomes.
While the MGA hasn’t been around as long as other regulators such as Curaçao eGaming and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission , it has a reputation as a strict licensing body in the industry. Gamblers trust MGA casinos because the commission keeps operators to a high standard. This creates a safe gaming environment for all players. If a casino site breaks any of the MGA’s rules, they will have to face penalties. Depending on how serious the breach is, they may have to pay up to millions of euros in fines.
There are a number of things that MGA online casinos do to follow the commission’s guidelines. Having clear terms and conditions which don’t mislead players is one of them. The same applies to advertising materials. Besides this, they also verify the identity of players and from where they get their money. This is mostly done to prevent money laundering.