Looking to develop its environment, social and governance policies, the Malta Gaming Authority has begun a targeted consultation with remote gaming sector licensees to collect feedback on a draft voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice.
Through the development of an ESG Code, the MGA aims to promote a sustainable gaming industry that safeguards players’ rights.
The code will strive to support gaming companies with self-regulation, best practices and meeting key sector stakeholder standards, helping licensees “reap the benefits of running a sustainably-conscious operation” and prepare for upcoming ESG legislation such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
Three extensive stages – peer review and research phase, materiality assessment, and stakeholder interviews – over a six-month period helped to create the draft ESG code, producing a footing for subsequent consultations to keep the code “well-informed and reflective of the industry’s ESG priorities and stakeholder expectations”.
While the code only applies to remote gaming companies for now, the MGA is examining if this should also be expanded to cover the land-based sector.
The MGA has also recently been awarded the re-certification of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality Equality Mark after demonstrating its commitment to policies and practices of gender equality and family-friendly measures.
“This certification is a true attestation of the MGA’s continued focus to provide an environment that promotes gender equality and family-friendly measures to its employees,” commented Etienne Gatt, Head of HR, PR and Communications.
“We recognise that we are living in an era where employees strongly value employers that truly put equality, well-being and flexibility at the core of their operations.
“We strongly believe that this is a successful model towards ensuring the MGA retains its excellence as a gaming regulator worldwide.”
