Malta Gaming Authority warns UK operators about Brexit effect

[The Buzz]

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issued a warning last week to U.K. gambling companies, reminding them that they need to make changes if they want to continue to hold a valid licence following Brexit, which has been delayed to Jan. 31.

From the blog of the legal and technical firm Szilaghi Consulting:

To be able to obtain and hold a gambling licence in Malta, the gambling companies must be established in the EEA which means that they have to transfer their operations from the UK.

The warning from the MGA comes after the UK government issued a piece of advice to the UK located casinos firms, asking them to check the work requirements of their employees to prevent them from being not allowed entering in the country post-Brexit.

The Brexit deadline is getting closer and the PM Boris Johnson continues the negotiations to come to an agreement that’s acceptable for all parties. However, even if not agreed, Boris Johnson promised that he will take Britain out of the EU without a deal on the 31st of October.

The MGA has reminded British operators that if this is the case, there will be issues for their licence and the legality of their business in Malta.

The Gaming Authorisation Regulations in Malta specify that to hold a licence the company must be established within the European Economic Area. This clause is contained within Regulation 10.

However, regulation 22 states that any EU licence-holder not licensed in Malta itself but nevertheless still providing services will need to apply for what’s known as a recognition licence, and this could potentially be a headache for British operators.

Read the entire article here: https://szilaghi.com/malta-warns-gam...brexit-effect/

And here is a link to the complete guidelines issued by the MGA: https://www.mga.org.mt/wp-content/up...pean-Union.pdf

[CasinoDefence]

Very complicated! Thanks for the link

[Former Member 14]

Seems, yet another industry-mess is on the cusp.

[Syndicate]

As borders to gaming continue to go up (local licensing), the Malta license is becoming less of an influence. Once Germany and a few Scandinavian countries get it together, Malta will become nothing more than an overpriced back office. I'm very grateful for what opportunity this small Island gave us all, but it's the end of the race!

[Pokerface]

Hang on tight ... this will be the tip of the iceberg .... very confusing times ahead for all industries.

[AmyWilson]

Thank you for such useful information. I think Brexit will create problems not only in the gambling field, and not only in Malta. We need to be careful next year.

[allfreechips]

Pretty much we want some more cash, so whatever happens you will need some more licensing, and really we wont investigate or pull your license unless of course you don't pay us.

[feedinco]

Thanks for the information.