Amid criticisms from European regulators of Malta’s controversial “Bill-55”, the country’s gambling regulator stands by the newly approved gaming law amendments, saying they are in line with EU rules.
Germany Says Bill-55 Violates EU Rules
Under Bill-55, courts in Malta may refuse to recognize enforcement action if it goes against or undermines the provision of gaming services in Malta, and if the licensee’s practices do not violate Malta’s Gaming Act.
The main concern raised about Bill-55 is that it could create a legal loophole that would enable Malta-licensed operators to offer their services to other EU jurisdictions regardless of their existing gaming laws. Germany’s gaming authority Gluecksspiel (GGL) has been vocal about its position on this matter, accusing the Maltese government of approving the law as a protection for operators against civil claims from players.
MGA Responds to Criticisms of Bill-55
Responding to GGL’s recent remarks, the MGA clarified that not every judgment regarding the operations of Malta-licensed gaming firms would be in breach of the country’s public policy and that the law was not designed for Maltese courts to automatically decline any enforcement action against licensees.
The MGA further stated that the scope of amendments under Bill-55 is highly restricted, with the changes developed based on the “freedoms” that entities operating within the EU market are entitled to.
