MGA Issues Guidance on Audit Terminology
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has clarified recent updates to its system audit, review, and compliance audit processes following industry confusion over new terminology.
Last year, the regulator revised its audit procedures and added two new status options: Resolved at Audit Stage and Partially Compliant. These were introduced to give licensees more accurate ways to report and respond to issues identified during an audit. But unclear definitions led to uncertainty among providers.
To clear things up, the MGA released official guidance. If a provider discovers a minor issue during an audit that’s quickly fixed, it should mark the problem as Resolved at Audit Stage. If a fix isn’t immediate but expected soon, the correct status is Partially Compliant. Both require accompanying notes that detail the issue, how it was or will be resolved, and any future steps.
Streamlined Filing Process Introduced
In a push for efficiency, the MGA has introduced three designated folders for audit-related documents: system audits, system reviews, and compliance audits. Providers must upload materials to the appropriate folder and clearly name each file to reflect its content. Additionally, all documents must include a rationale explaining why the file is “sufficient and conclusive” for audit purposes.
This move follows a string of other regulatory updates over the past year, including changes to tombola and lottery applications, financial reporting rules, and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
MGA Distances Itself from casinowinner.io Licence Claims
Alongside internal improvements, the MGA is also tackling external misuse of its brand. It recently issued a statement disassociating itself from casinowinner.io, which falsely claimed to be licensed by the MGA.
On its site, casinowinner.io previously implied an MGA affiliation, but has since removed such references. The site now mentions licenses from Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Curaçao, though confirmation remains murky.
According to casino comparison platform Rotativka, the operator’s main licence is from Curaçao, but due to vague site terms, verifying this is difficult. The platform advised users to proceed with caution when engaging with the site.
Familiar Games, Unlicensed Operators
Casinowinner.io features games from top-tier suppliers like Evolution Gaming, YGGDRASIL, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech—studios typically seen on UK-licensed platforms. This mirrors a broader concern raised by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which has warned of black-market sites offering familiar games without proper oversight.
The UKGC has urged suppliers and operators to closely monitor where their content ends up, a message the MGA echoed in urging users to verify any licence claims via its official database.
Another recent example is GOD55, which faced backlash after falsely claiming an MGA licence while sponsoring Birmingham City FC.
