The MGA Introduces the AI Gaming Charter Following a Collaborative Process with the Industry

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has officially presented the AI Gaming Charter in collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), establishing a voluntary framework to promote the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) throughout the gaming industry. This measure addresses the growing prominence of AI in key operations of licensed operators in Malta and the European Union, and complements other regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act.

BLUF: A voluntary framework for the responsible use of AI in regulated gaming

The AI Gaming Charter, developed by the MGA alongside the MDIA, provides clear and updated guidelines for operators to implement AI systems with robust governance and ethical oversight. The document is the result of a wide consultative process with sector stakeholders, including industry surveys and specific dialogues with licensees, thus ensuring that the recommendations are feasible and respond to actual needs.

Collaboration Between Regulatory Bodies and the Industry

The development of the AI Gaming Charter involved an open and structured consultation with various participants, including gaming companies, representatives from the technology sector, and public bodies. This approach helped identify specific opportunities that AI brings to gaming — for instance, in player protection, fraud detection, and operational decision-making — as well as the associated challenges in terms of risk management, transparency, and human oversight.

Charles Mizzi, Director General of the MGA, expressed that

“The AI Gaming Charter reflects a shared commitment between regulators, the industry, and technology experts to promote the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence. Our role as a regulator is not to hinder innovation, but to create the necessary trust and certainty for innovation to grow responsibly.”

For his part, Kenneth Brincat, CEO of the MDIA, added:

“Trust is fundamental for the responsible adoption of AI. As its use is integrated into the gaming sector, organizations need practical mechanisms to understand where AI is used, manage associated risks, and ensure that accountability and human oversight are fully integrated.”

The result is a balanced framework that allows the MDIA’s expertise in AI governance to combine with the MGA’s vision in sector regulation, aligning Malta with European best practices such as the EU regulation on artificial intelligence.

Foundations and Scope of the AI Gaming Charter

The AI Gaming Charter is voluntary and is based on principles such as:

• Transparency in the use of AI within gaming operations
• Accountability in the design and deployment of models
• Human oversight and accountability
• Ongoing risk assessment

The document offers practical guidance that can complement internal compliance policies and existing legal obligations, facilitating operators' adaptation to the rapid technological evolution in gaming.

AI is already being observed in:

• Player protection systems (behavior monitoring)
• Detection of fraudulent activities
• Automated interaction with customers
• Support in operational decision-making

Thus, the charter provides recommendations for adopting governance controls, staff training, and technical mechanisms that ensure AI is used ethically and that automated decisions can be audited and reviewed by humans.

Relationship with the EU AI Act and Other Regulations

The MGA emphasizes that this sector framework does not replace broader regulations like the EU AI Act but rather complements them in specific contexts of gaming in Malta. The goal is to anticipate risks, reinforce trust, and minimize regulatory gaps during the transition towards increased AI adoption within the online and land-based gaming ecosystem.

The consultation process included surveys, workshops, and a formal consultation where operators, technology providers, and other stakeholders evaluated the applicability and proportionality of the framework, resulting in flexible guidelines but referenced to international and European standards.

Perspectives for Operators and Future Evolution

Licensed operators in Malta can voluntarily adhere to the AI Gaming Charter and use it as evidence of due diligence, good governance, and ethical adequacy in the face of future inspections or relevant regulatory updates both at national and community levels. The MGA and the MDIA reiterate that regulatory collaboration is key to technological development, positioning Malta as a European benchmark in responsible innovation and AI oversight in the gaming industry.

The AI Gaming Charter is already available for public consultation, and regulators expect that its implementation will inspire best practices, boost consumer trust, and facilitate the articulation between technological innovation and effective user protection.