MGA Publishes 2023 ESG Code Results: First Reporting Cycle Shows Promising Start

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published the results of its first ESG Code of Good Practice reporting cycle, highlighting early progress across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in the online gaming sector.

Fourteen licensed operators voluntarily participated in the 2023 reporting cycle, marking a foundational step toward greater transparency and sustainability within the iGaming industry.

ESG Code Reporting: A New Chapter in iGaming Accountability

The 2023 initiative forms part of the MGA’s broader commitment to sustainability under Malta Vision 2050, a national strategy focused on long-term economic resilience and responsible growth.

The ESG Code reporting process assessed operators across a set of non-financial performance criteria, including:

• Environmental impact (energy use, emissions tracking)
• Responsible gambling measures
• Community engagement
• Governance structures and leadership diversity

All participating licensees received a Tier 1 or Tier 2 ESG Code Approval Seal, depending on their alignment with the Code’s standards.

Encouraging Signs: Beyond Regulatory Compliance

According to the MGA, several licensees exceeded baseline regulatory requirements, especially in player protection, responsible gambling, and community investment.

These voluntary actions are seen as encouraging signs that industry parts actively embrace ESG principles rather than viewing them as mere checkboxes.

"Operators are showing they can lead the conversation on sustainability and responsible conduct, not just follow it," the MGA noted in its report.

Where Improvement Is Needed

Despite the positive developments, the report also highlighted areas requiring further attention. These include:

• Formalizing ESG governance frameworks at the board and executive levels
• Better internal data tracking systems for ESG metrics
• Broader leadership participation in ESG training
• Improved gender diversity in upper management

The MGA acknowledged that the sample size was limited, as participation in the 2023 cycle was voluntary. As such, results are not yet fully representative of the Maltese iGaming sector.

2024 ESG Cycle Now Open

Following the release of the 2023 results, the MGA has officially opened enrolment for the 2024 ESG Code reporting cycle. The Authority encourages a broader range of licensees to join the initiative and help shape the sector’s long-term sustainability outlook.

This move follows recent regulatory developments by the MGA, including:

• Updated audit procedures
• Tighter compliance reporting frameworks
• Crackdowns on license misuse by unregulated operators

The combination of stricter oversight and voluntary ESG adoption reflects the MGA’s evolving approach to regulatory leadership in a rapidly changing industry.

What This Means for the iGaming Industry

The 2023 ESG Code report signals a shift toward voluntary accountability and future-focused regulation in online gambling. The MGA lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and socially responsible iGaming sector by encouraging operators to go beyond compliance.

While challenges remain — especially in governance and inclusion — the momentum generated by this first cycle suggests real potential for industry-wide change.

Operators interested in participating in the 2024 ESG Code cycle can visit the MGA’s official site for registration details and eligibility guidelines.