Malta Scales Back Foreign Gambling License Reforms
Malta's MGA has scaled back planned reforms to its Recognition Notice framework for foreign-licensed gambling operators after industry pushback, though it still aims to strengthen oversight where possible.Summary
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has abandoned several proposed amendments to its Recognition Notice (RN) framework, which allows Maltese-based gambling companies to operate under licenses from other EU/EEA and equivalent jurisdictions without a separate MGA license. The reforms, part of Malta's National AML/CFT Strategy for 2024–2026, originally included more extensive corporate disclosures, detailed financial information, and standardized legal opinions for foreign license applications, but faced industry pushback and concerns that some requirements may exceed the MGA's authority without legislative changes. While the MGA still intends to enhance oversight through targeted, risk-based information gathering—distinguishing between B2B and B2C operators—the planned reforms now lack much of their original scope. The regulator plans to begin collecting information this year, focusing on B2C Recognition Notice holders in the 2025 reporting period.
(Source：Gamblingnews)