AGCO and Malta Gaming Authority Strengthen Collaboration with New MoU

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) have reinforced their partnership by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement marks a continued commitment to working together on shared objectives and values in regulating the gaming sector.

The collaboration between these two regulatory authorities will focus on several key areas, including responsible gambling, player protection, the exchange of regulatory information and best practices, and providing mutual operational assistance concerning gaming operators.

MGA CEO Charles Mizzi emphasised the benefits of this partnership, stating, "Our ongoing collaboration with AGCO has yielded tangible results in the past, and through this MoU, we are committed to further bolstering our inter-jurisdictional relationship. Our focus remains on fostering the exchange of information, with the overarching goal of improving our regulatory practices and addressing mutual challenges effectively."

The AGCO echoed this sentiment, telling Canadian Gaming Business that the commission "recognises the value in maintaining and building strong relationships with regulators in other jurisdictions. This enables collaboration, the exchange of information as applicable, and enhances the due diligence processes."

Ontario Market Thriving but Continues to Evolve

The AGCO has collaborated with the MGA for years, initially developing and now continuously refining the regulatory framework and responsible gambling supports for Ontario-regulated gaming.

The provincial market is robust, with 47 licensed operators, nearly 80 legal sites, and $2.4 billion in gross gaming revenue recorded in the second full year of operations. However, there have been important lessons along the way. Amendments introduced in February aimed at curtailing the marketing of iGaming towards minors and the use of athletes in gambling advertisements, along with the April ban on offering betting markets on all World Boxing Association events, are examples of the regulatory adjustments made to improve the market.

By continually consulting with the MGA, which has overseen Malta's extensive gaming and betting industry for 23 years, the AGCO aims to further enhance and shape the Ontario market to achieve the highest standards of operation and regulation.