The Maltese Parliament has approved Bill 55, which allows Maltese courts to refuse the recognition and enforcement of foreign online gambling sector-related rulings. In 2023, the Mediterranean island was home to 10% of the world’s online gaming companies. Moreover, 26.2+ million gaming accounts exist in Malta, calling it a safe and regulated place for their activities. While Malta stood at the forefront of industry transformations, the latest Gaming Amendment Bill brought controversial regulatory changes. There’s an ongoing debate about whether this monumental development will affect the market. While stakeholders grapple with its implications, here are the Bill’s outline, key provisions, and potential impacts for licensed operators.
Malta gambling laws background
Malta has a rich gambling regulation history, with a legacy dating back several decades. The small Mediterranean island nation has established itself as a prominent hub for the online gambling industry, thanks in part to its favourable legal framework.
Gambling regulation in Malta started in the mid-20th century. The Lotteries and Other Games Act 2001 marked a significant step in the country’s online gambling approach. This act appointed the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) as the authority overseeing land-based and remote (online) gambling.
Read more at the Times of Malta
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/controversial-gambling-law-greenlighted-malta-a2.1049707