Rebranded gaming authority to be separate from promotional arm

Rebranded Gaming Authority to be separate from new promotional arm • Video Ray Attard

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Malta’s gaming regulator, has changed its name to Malta Gaming Authority.

The rebranding exercise will see the launch of the MGA’s new user-friendly website that includes a live chat facility to allow players to speak directly with the authority’s Player Support team.

The new authority will be separate from Gaming Malta, the government's promotional arm for the gaming industry, which contributes millions in licence fees and has become one of the island's main recruiters.

“This new name, accompanied by a new, transparent-looking logo will better represent our vision for the authority,” MGA executive chairman Joseph Cuschieri said.

“This is not simply a cosmetic change,” parliamentary secretary Jose Herrera said during the rebranding launch. “Placing the word ‘Malta’ in the authority’s name will enhance the country’s reputation with gaming players. At the same time, the word ‘lotteries’ has been removed from its name so as to better reflect the sort of games that the authority regulated.

“Rebranding the LGA will help attract more foreign gaming operators to Malta, which will ultimately result in an enhanced economy and the creation of more high-quality jobs.”

In a short speech, Economy Minister Chris Cardona also announced that the preferred bidder for the operations of an international maritime hub at the Marsa Shipbuilding facility will be announced later on this week.