Malta issues 26 new licences in 2017 first quarter

The news was delivered within the regulator’s quarterly report, which showed licensee growth was well up from last year’s first quarter, when 13 licences were issued.

"While the MGA acknowledges the positive results achieved during the first quarter of 2017, the Authority is committed to its continuous improvement programme to enhance its service delivery, governance and supervision of all gaming activities in and from Malta,” said chief executive of the Malta Gaming Authority, Joseph Cuschieri.

The quarterly figures also showed that the gaming industry currently contributes 13 percent of total economic gross value added of the overall Maltese economy. Employment in the sector also rose 16 percent on 2016’s figures, now totalling 5,458 workers on the island.

"Our priority remains to ensure fairness of games, protection of minors and vulnerable persons and the prevention of crime, fraud and money laundering,” Cuschieri added. "Our key focus for the coming years shall be to raise quality and standards across all gaming sectors, raise the bar in the overall governance and supervision of the gaming sector, engage and build partnerships with other jurisdictions, key stakeholders and regulators, explore new growth areas including niche gaming sectors and innovations and enhance consumer protection mechanisms and empowerment.”

Source: GMB / Betting-business.co