The Malta Gaming Authority Perspective: Ahead of London iGaming RegCom 2026
Responsible gaming, financial crime prevention and evolving regulatory expectations remain high on the agenda for industry stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions. The inaugural London iGaming RegCom 2026, taking place on 29 – 30 June 2026, will offer a platform to exchange insights, explore emerging opportunities and discuss practical approaches to regulatory and operational excellence.
The summit will begin with an exclusive networking evening in Notting Hill, followed by a full conference day at the refined Hilton London Kensington. The agenda will focus on key developments across regulation, compliance, AML and player protection through a series of expert-led discussions.
London iGaming RegCom 2026 is proud to welcome the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) as a valued supporter of the summit.
As the single regulatory body responsible for the governance of gaming activities in Malta, the MGA is recognised internationally for its commitment to fair and transparent gaming, crime prevention and the protection of players. The MGA continues to work closely with industry stakeholders while remaining at the forefront of regulatory and technological developments that impact the gaming sector.
Representing the MGA at London iGaming RegCom 2026 will be Erika Formosa-Falzon, who will contribute to discussions on AML in Practice: What Actually Works, What Doesn't and Where Regulators Are Cracking Down.
Ahead of London iGaming RegCom 2026, the MGA shared its views on the regulatory developments, compliance priorities and industry opportunities currently attracting attention across the global gaming sector.
Addressing the future of gaming regulation, the MGA emphasised the value of risk-based and forward-looking oversight:
“The industry is evolving rapidly, and regulation must evolve alongside it. The priority today is not necessarily more regulation, but smarter, more agile oversight that is proportionate to the risks being addressed.
At the Malta Gaming Authority*, we continue to focus on maintaining the highest standards of player protection, safeguarding the integrity of the sector, and ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain fit for purpose in an increasingly digital and interconnected environment. This includes strengthening the use of data and technology in regulatory decision-making, adopting more risk-based approaches to supervision, and engaging proactively with emerging developments before they become systemic challenges.*
At the same time, effective regulation should create the conditions for a sustainable and well-governed industry to flourish. By providing regulatory certainty, maintaining open dialogue with stakeholders, and ensuring that requirements remain proportionate and risk-based, regulators can support an environment in which responsible operators are able to innovate, invest, and grow sustainably.
Ultimately, the objective is to strike the right balance: protecting consumers and preserving the integrity of the sector, while fostering a resilient, sustainable industry that continues to deliver long-term value.”
Discussing what separates truly effective AML programmes from those that simply satisfy minimum requirements, the Authority highlighted the importance of a robust risk-based framework:
“Effective AML programmes go beyond a tick-box approach by embedding a truly risk-based framework that assesses higher-risk scenarios both individually and holistically. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the risks the business is exposed to, supported by controls that are not only implemented but regularly tested for effectiveness. Ultimately, the focus is on actively managing and mitigating residual risk, rather than simply meeting baseline compliance requirements.”
When asked about fostering innovation while maintaining high standards of player protection and compliance, the MGA stressed the value of collaboration:
“Innovation and effective regulation should not be viewed as competing objectives. In fact, the best regulatory outcomes are often achieved through constructive dialogue between regulators and the industry.
Regulators can also support innovation by adopting technology-neutral and risk-based frameworks, focusing on outcomes rather than prescribing specific solutions. This allows new products and technologies to develop within clear regulatory guardrails.
Collaboration should also extend to joint initiatives, such as guidance, industry consultations, and pilot/sandbox frameworks, which help provide clarity while enabling responsible experimentation.”
Looking at developments across multiple jurisdictions, the Authority noted that sustainable growth requires operators to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment:
“The expansion of regulated markets presents significant opportunities for operators, but it also brings greater complexity. Businesses are increasingly required to navigate different licensing regimes, compliance obligations, and regulatory expectations across multiple jurisdictions.
For sustainable operators, this reinforces the importance of strong governance, effective compliance frameworks, and a long-term approach to growth. Organisations that embed regulatory compliance into their business strategy, rather than treating it as a purely operational requirement, are generally better placed to adapt as markets evolve.
From a broader perspective, the continued growth of regulated markets is a positive development. Well-designed regulation enhances consumer protection, promotes market integrity, and creates greater certainty for responsible operators. While each jurisdiction will naturally develop its own regulatory model, there is also increasing value in regulators sharing knowledge and learning from one another. International cooperation and the exchange of best practices ultimately strengthen regulatory effectiveness and contribute to a more resilient global gaming ecosystem.”
The MGA shared what they're most anticipating at the summit:
“We’re particularly looking forward to engaging directly with industry stakeholders, as regulators are often seen solely as supervisors, whereas our role also includes supporting and strengthening AML/CFT frameworks across the sector. Events like London iGaming RegCom are valuable because they create a platform for open dialogue, which enables us to help build stronger relationships, clarify expectations, and address challenges collaboratively across the industry.”
From AML and player protection to innovation and sustainable growth, the topics highlighted by the MGA reflect many of the priorities currently shaping industry discussions.
London iGaming RegCom 2026 presents a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage directly with regulators, operators, legal professionals and compliance specialists from across the industry.
Whether the focus is compliance, regulation, responsible gaming, AML, risk management or operational excellence, the summit offers opportunities to gain practical insights, exchange ideas and build meaningful industry connections.
Join Industry Leaders This June
With London iGaming RegCom 2026 just one week away, prospective attendees are encouraged to register to join regulators, operators, investors, and compliance professionals for two days of practical discussions, networking, and industry insights. Secure a seat now to gain valuable insights, connect with industry leaders and stay ahead of the latest regulatory and compliance developments.
Register here: https://www.eventus-international.com/london-regcom
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available for organisations looking to enhance their visibility, connect with senior decision-makers and position themselves alongside the industry's leading voices.
To explore the remaining sponsorship packages, please contact:
Lou-Mari Burnett
Chief Operating Officer
Eventus International
loumari@eventus-international.com
