Malta Gaming Authority and MDIA Unveil AI Gaming Charter for Responsible Use

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), in cooperation with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), has launched the AI Gaming Charter—a voluntary framework designed to ensure the ethical, transparent, and responsible application of artificial intelligence in Malta's gaming industry. Presented at a sector-wide event, the Charter is intended to guide gaming operators in aligning AI use with robust governance and regulatory standards, including those set by the European Union.

The AI Gaming Charter: Purpose and Scope

The AI Gaming Charter is a sector-specific, principles-led framework authored jointly by the MGA and MDIA. Its objective is to support gaming operators in deploying artificial intelligence in a manner that is responsible, transparent, and accountable. The Charter is voluntary and sits alongside existing legal instruments, notably the EU AI Act, offering gaming operators additional guidance tailored to operational realities in the iGaming sector.

The Charter does not replace legal obligations. Instead, it supplements current regulatory frameworks to help organisations introduce proper governance, human oversight, and ethical consideration when designing, implementing, and reviewing AI-powered systems.

Collaboration Between Regulators and Stakeholders

Development of the AI Gaming Charter followed extensive industry engagement. The MGA and MDIA undertook surveys, held focused consultations with gaming licensees, and engaged in targeted discussions with industry experts, the public sector, and technology professionals. This approach sought to produce a framework that is practical and adaptable to the evolving needs of the sector.

Representatives from a wide cross-section of the gaming industry participated in the launch event, highlighting broad support for the Charter's principles. The focus was on creating a framework that remains proportionate and usable as artificial intelligence becomes an established part of gaming operations.

Key Principles of the AI Gaming Charter for Operators

The framework sets out several expectations for gaming organisations using AI:

• Integrating ethical and responsible governance in all AI-powered activities and decision-making
• Ensuring human oversight remains a core feature during both AI system development and operation
• Mapping and documenting where AI is used across business processes, including player protection and fraud detection
• Managing risks associated with AI, such as potential impacts on fairness, transparency, or accountability

The Charter provides practical guidance to support companies in embedding these principles into their internal policies and everyday business processes. Operators are encouraged to review and, if appropriate, adopt the Charter as part of their broader compliance and innovation strategy.

Areas of AI Application in the Gaming Sector

Artificial intelligence is already present in functions ranging from player protection to customer service and fraud prevention. Operators use AI-powered systems to:

• Monitor player behaviour for signs of harm
• Detect suspicious activities and potential fraud
• Optimise customer interactions through automated communication tools
• Inform data-driven operational decisions

The Charter's guidance is designed to help the sector maintain the highest standards of transparency and responsibility as AI use expands.

Regulator and Authority Perspectives

Charles Mizzi, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Gaming Authority, described the Charter as a result of joint engagement by regulators, industry, and technology specialists.

“The AI Gaming Charter reflects a shared commitment between regulators, industry and technology experts to promote the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence. Our role as a regulator is not to stand in the way of innovation, but to help create the certainty and confidence needed for innovation to flourish responsibly,” stated Charles Mizzi, Malta Gaming Authority CEO.

Kenneth Brincat, CEO of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, stressed the importance of trust and human oversight:

“Trust is fundamental to the responsible adoption of AI. As its use becomes increasingly embedded across the gaming sector, organisations need practical ways to understand where AI is being used, manage the associated risks and ensure that accountability and human oversight remain firmly in place. The AI Gaming Charter translates these principles into practical, sector-specific guidance, bringing together MDIA’s expertise in AI governance and the MGA’s deep understanding of the gaming sector,” said Kenneth Brincat, MDIA CEO.

A Charter Shaping the Future of AI Governance in Gaming

The establishment of the AI Gaming Charter by the Malta Gaming Authority and MDIA marks a significant step for Malta as an iGaming jurisdiction. By combining MDIA’s background in AI governance with the MGA’s regulatory experience, Malta reinforces its capacity to support innovation while safeguarding the principles of transparency, accountability, and trust wherever AI is deployed in the gaming industry.

The Charter is intended for all organisations operating within Malta’s gaming sector. Its voluntary adoption underscores a collaborative approach, empowering the industry to address the challenges associated with artificial intelligence proactively, while complementing statutory regulatory requirements.