Powers and functions of the Authority

Without prejudice to any other power or function conferred to it by this Act or any other law, in pursuing the main regulatory objectives in line with the governing principles established by this Act, it shall be the function of the Authority:

(a) to regulate, supervise and keep under review all practices, operations and activities relating to any matter regulated by or under this Act, and the performance of the gaming sector;

(b) to promote the general interests of players, and to provide the relevant information and guidance to the public;

(c) to ensure that gaming services are advertised fairly and in a responsible manner in accordance with applicable law;

(d) to receive and investigate complaints by players and to assist and promote timely, fair and competent resolution of disputes between players and players and, or operators;

(e) to monitor the gaming sector in Malta and to undertake or commission such study, research or investigation which it may deem necessary;

(f) to provide information and issue guidelines and, or reports to the public relating to any matter regulated by or under this Act;

(g) to consult with the general public or a specific segment thereof, as the case may be, on all matters which the Authority considers necessary and, or desirable;

(h) to request, collect, compile and maintain records of all relevant data as the Authority may deem appropriate in connection with its functions and objectives;

(i) to develop the necessary strategy and action plans to achieve the policies, strategies and objectives set by Government or by the Authority;

(j) to advise the Government generally on the formulation of policies directly or indirectly connected with gaming and the gaming sector, and to make recommendations to Government on actions which in the opinion of the Authority would be expedient in relation to matters falling within the regulatory and supervisory functions of the Authority;

(k) to advise the Minister on new developments, needs and risks in gaming and the gaming sector and to make proposals as may be deemed necessary or expedient to respond thereto;

(l) to advise the Minister on the making of regulations;

(m) to establish the minimum requirements to be satisfied by any person who is engaged or employed in any activity, function or involved in any matter regulated by or under this Act;

(n) to inquire into the suitability of any person engaged or employed in any activity or involved in any matter regulated by or under this Act to ensure that these persons are fit and proper and suitable to carry out their functions;

(o) to grant any licence, approval, recognition or other authorisation for the carrying out of any operation or activity relating to any matter regulated by or under this Act, as may be required in terms of this Act or regulations made thereunder;

(p) to assess whether persons comply with the requirements imposed by or under this Act;

(q) to impose such proportionate requirements and conditions, in conformity with European Union law and Malta’s international obligations, as it may deem necessary in fulfilment of its functions under this Act, or as the Minister may direct the Authority by virtue of article 11, in respect of gaming and related activities which are authorised by a competent authority of any other jurisdiction and made available in Malta;

(r) to ensure high standards of conduct and management throughout the gaming sector;

(s) to prevent, detect and ensure the prosecution of any offence against this Act or regulations made thereunder;

(t) to collaborate with other local or foreign bodies, Government departments, international organisations, and other entities which exercise regulatory, supervisory or licensing powers under any law in Malta or abroad, or which are otherwise engaged in overseeing or monitoring areas or activities in the gaming sector or sectors connected therewith, and to make arrangements for the mutual exchange of information and for other forms of assistance or collaboration in regulatory and supervisory matters;

(u) to ensure that international obligations entered into by Malta or by the Authority relative to matters regulated by or under this Act are complied with;

(v) to pursue the establishment of common standards in the gaming sector;

(w) to foster advancements in the educational sector for matters relating to the gaming sector;

(x) to do such other things as are necessary, ancillary or conducive to the attainment of its objectives and, or the performance of its functions under this Act.