Malta Gaming Authority Releases AI Gaming Charter in Industry Collaboration

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched the AI Gaming Charter, a new voluntary framework developed with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) to promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence within the gaming sector. This sector-specific initiative offers MGA licensees and stakeholders practical guidance for ethical, transparent, and accountable AI deployment, complementing existing legal requirements such as the EU AI Act.

The Scope and Purpose of the AI Gaming Charter

The AI Gaming Charter establishes a voluntary, principles-based framework for AI governance in Malta’s gaming industry. Its guidance addresses emerging industry applications, including player protection tools, fraud detection systems, and operational decision-making processes. By encouraging organisations to embed robust governance and oversight, the Charter aims to support transparency and accountability—two critical factors for regulators, operators, and their partners as AI adoption accelerates.

Unlike mandatory regulatory rules, the Charter offers non-binding guidance custom-fitted for gaming, reflecting the MGA’s approach to foster innovation while upholding responsible standards. It works alongside the existing legal regime, notably the EU AI Act and Malta’s own technical regulations, helping gaming businesses make informed and proportionate decisions about integrating AI into their products and back-office operations.

Collaborative Development and Industry Engagement

This framework is the product of what MGA describes as "extensive engagement" with gaming licensees and other sector stakeholders. The process included sector-wide surveys, direct discussions with licensed operators, targeted consultations, and input from the broader technology and public sector communities. The aim was to build a Charter that is both practical and capable of responding to the changing technological environment facing Malta’s gaming licensees.

By prioritising proportionality and practicality, MGA intends the Charter to be accessible regardless of licensee size or operational complexity. The document does not impose additional legal obligations but instead serves as both a reference point and a supplement to existing compliance work for those deploying AI across areas such as customer interaction, anti-fraud, and automated decision-making in gaming operations.

Responsible AI Governance: Key Principles

The Charter highlights several governance priorities, including:

• Ensuring transparency in how AI systems make decisions related to gaming operations
• Embedding human oversight and retaining clear lines of accountability in automated processes
• Supporting ethical standards in system design and ongoing deployment
• Providing practical mechanisms for risk management, specific to risks posed by AI in the gaming context

Charles Mizzi, CEO of the MGA, stated at the Charter’s launch event that the initiative represents “a shared commitment between regulators, industry and technology experts to promote the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence.” He added:

“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.” — Charles Mizzi, MGA CEO

Alignment with EU AI Regulation and Maltese Expertise

By aligning the Charter with the EU AI Act and leveraging the MDIA’s expertise in technology governance, the framework situates Malta as a leader in balancing innovation and risk management in gaming. Kenneth Brincat, CEO of the MDIA, emphasised the importance of trust and accountability:

“Trust is fundamental to the responsible adoption of AI... 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. This collaboration demonstrates how Malta can support technological innovation while ensuring that AI remains transparent, accountable and trustworthy.” — Kenneth Brincat, MDIA CEO

The Charter encourages licensed operators to map where AI is used in their business, assess associated risks, and document their controls — measures closely reflecting recent trends in European digital regulation.

Next Steps for Operators and Vendors

With the Charter now available, stakeholders across Malta’s gaming sector—including B2B platform providers and affiliates—are encouraged to review its principles and integrate its recommendations into their AI strategies. While voluntary, the framework provides a path for alignment with international best practice and offers guidance to those seeking robust governance tools in an evolving technological environment.

Given the growing adoption of AI by Malta-licensed operators for functions ranging from player protection to fraud monitoring, the Charter may become a reference point for internal policies and future regulatory discussions. Stakeholders aiming to demonstrate a proactive stance in responsible innovation now have a formal resource from the regulator itself.

For further details on AI and regulatory developments in gaming, see our coverage in the regulation and b2b sections.