On the 16th of February 2016 Prime Minister Joseph Muscat inaugurated new offices for the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The new offices for the Malta Gaming Authority are located in SmartCity Malta, the home of knowledge-based companies that reside therein which aim to serve the EU and North African markets.
In his opening address, Joseph Cuschieri, the MGA's Executive Chairman, highlighted the milestones that have contributed to the success of the Malta Gaming Authority since its inception in 2004, when it was previously knows as the Malta Lotteries & Gaming Authority. Mr Cuschieri mentioned the fact that Malta was the first EU Member State to enact comprehensive legislation on remote gaming. Reference was also made to new legislation that is in the pipeline that will be a game changer for Malta and will ‘future-proof’ Malta's standing as a jurisdiction of excellence and regulatory pioneership. Changes comprise new consumer protection measures, simplification of the licensing structure from the current model to a Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) framework. This will result in an elimination of duplication of checks and in a speeding up of the ‘time to market’ for operators.
Speaking at the event, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth, Dr Jose’ Herrera, praised the MGA for another successful milestone in its success story. “The new offices are equipped with the latest technology so that the Authority will be able to continue to deliver positive results as reflected in the interim performance report published just a few weeks ago. The gaming industry contributes substantially to Malta’s GDP and it is in our interest to sustain this sector.”
Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat praised the Malta Gaming Authority for the inception of a strategy that emphasises innovation and diversity, thereby resulting in ensuring that Malta is at the forefront when attracting investors in this sector.
The new offices for the Malta Gaming Authority have a floor area of over 2,562 square metres, spread on two floors and feature the latest environmental standards, technological infrastructure and corporate environment. These state of the art facilities incorporate solutions for press and networking events, seminars and training of staff. The MGA employs 150 people. Such move is intended to evidence Malta’s commitment to the regulation of gaming and to providing European solution to investors and entrepreneurs intending the make the island a ‘home’ to their gaming operations.
