The Malta Gaming Authority says the online gaming sector is showing a more profound, more confident commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, as the regulator recognises 17 licensees with this year’s ESG Code Approval Seals. “The second cycle of the ESG Code has shown that licensees are increasingly embracing the spirit of the framework, not just the mechanics of reporting,” the MGA told SiGMA News.
The Authority added that “this year’s recipients demonstrated a clear commitment to transparency and to embedding ESG principles more deeply within their organisations, including in areas that have previously been viewed as challenging.” While the MGA is still finalising aggregate data, it noted that “the overall quality of reporting continued to mature, reflecting the industry’s growing confidence and willingness to disclose more meaningfully across environmental, social, and governance topics.”
The remarks accompany the publication of the second full reporting cycle of the voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice, a framework launched in 2023 that has rapidly become a reference point for operators seeking to demonstrate responsibility beyond regulatory minimums.
Growing uptake and rising expectations
The MGA confirmed that 17 operators have earned the ESG Code Approval Seal for this cycle, representing an increase in participation. The Seal remains valid for one year and can be renewed as companies evolve their work in the 19 ESG topics required under the framework.
The Authority stated that “with participation increasing and operators becoming more familiar with the Code, we are exploring ways to add further value next year, ensuring the framework retains its relevance and continues to drive positive, measurable impact.” It intends to publish additional insights soon, including “observations on common challenges and emerging themes.”
MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said the regulator is witnessing a sector that is becoming notably more proactive: “The level of engagement we have seen this year reflects a sector that is becoming more confident and proactive in how it approaches the voluntary ESG Code. Operators are not only meeting expectations but also building trust and resilience, which benefits both their business and society.”
He added that the Authority’s role is to continue refining and strengthening the framework: “Our role is to continue strengthening the framework, supporting licensees, and encouraging ambition. Each reporting cycle brings new insights and better alignment, and we are committed to ensuring that ESG remains a meaningful driver of progress across the industry.”
The push echoes the direction set last year, when 14 companies received the first ESG Code Approval Seals. At the time, Mizzi argued the initiative would bolster both the sector’s reputation and long-term sustainability, saying: “By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, gaming companies not only contribute to the well-being of society and the environment but also strengthen the trust and confidence that consumers, investors, and regulators have in the industry.”
A maturing framework
In its comments to SiGMA News, the MGA emphasised that the Code is not intended as a rigid compliance exercise but a collaborative, evolving project. The Authority said: “As the framework evolves, our priority is to continue fostering a collaborative community around the ESG Code – one where operators learn from each other, share good practices, and collectively raise the bar.” It described the initiative as “a dynamic, long-term initiative rather than a static exercise in compliance,” signalling that future cycles will continue adapting alongside the industry.
This iterative philosophy reflects the MGA’s broader ESG roadmap, unveiled in greater detail during the publication of the first Insights Report earlier this year. Kinga Warda, the MGA’s Chief Officer for Policy & International Affairs, told SiGMA News at the time: “We saw an opportunity to bring clarity to what ESG can look like specifically for gaming, and we decided to act.” She argued that the sector required a framework that “reflects the realities of our sector, and speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities our industry faces.”
The report showed strong alignment on player protection, energy tracking and community engagement, with all participants implementing policies that, according to the MGA, went beyond regulatory requirements. But it also recorded persistent challenges, including board-level integration of ESG, cybersecurity disparities and significant gender imbalance in senior leadership.
Warda noted: “Some common themes did emerge, particularly around the need to strengthen gender representation at the executive level and to expand ESG-related training.” She described the initiative as a starting point for the sector, saying: “Ultimately, the greatest value of this first report lies in its role as a baseline—not just in terms of data, but in terms of mindset.”
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