The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) have strengthened their collaboration by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding.

The two regulatory authorities will continue to work together on common objectives and values in overseeing the gaming sector. Areas of focus include responsible gambling and player protection, exchanging regulatory information and best practices, and mutual operational assistance concerning gaming operators.

“Our ongoing collaboration with AGCO has yielded tangible results in the past, and through this MoU we are committed to further bolstering our inter-jurisdictional relationship,” said MGA CEO Charles Mizzi. “Our focus remains on fostering the exchange of information, with the overarching goal of improving our regulatory practices and addressing mutual challenges effectively.”

The AGCO told Canadian Gaming Business that the commission “recognises the value in maintaining and building strong relationships with regulators in other jurisdictions, to enable collaboration, exchange of information as applicable, and to enhance the due diligence processes.”

Ontario market thriving but still a work in progress

The AGCO has been working with the MGA for years as the regulator first developed and now continues to refine the regulatory framework and responsible gambling supports for Ontario-regulated gaming.

The provincial market is healthy, with 47 licensed operators, nearly 80 legal sites, and $2.4 billion in gross gaming revenue taken in the second full year of operations. But there have been lessons learned along the way, such as the amendments that came into effect in February to help curtail the marketing of iGaming toward minors and the use of athletes in gambling advertisements, as well as the ban on offering betting markets on all World Boxing Association events that was introduced in April.

The AGCO hopes that by continually consulting with the MGA, which has overseen the Mediterranean island nation’s robust gaming and betting industry for 23 years, it can continue to shape the Ontario market to be the best it can be.

While you’re here, why not check out our write-up of the ‘Checking in on Canada’ panel from SBC Summit North America in New Jersey in May?