This year’s MGA CEO Workshop brought a change of scene and a surge of fresh energy. On Monday 9 June, a group of CEOs and key function holders gathered at the Marriott Hotel in St. Julian’s for the 8th edition of this intimate and focused event hosted by us.
The location may have been new, but the mission remained clear: to bring leaders together for honest conversations around the challenges and opportunities shaping regulated iGaming.
This year’s strong turnout of industry leaders showed just how valuable these discussions have become – a space to engage, question, and collaborate.
Sponsored by Altenar
This year’s MGA CEO Workshop was proudly sponsored by Altenar, whose support reflected their ongoing commitment to regulatory excellence and open industry dialogue. As a trusted sportsbook provider in highly regulated markets, they understand that innovation thrives where there’s room for honest conversation.
The iGaming space is full of pressure points. Compliance is critical, but so is leadership. CEOs today need more than regulatory updates – they need spaces where they can exchange honest experiences, challenge assumptions, and gain clarity on what’s coming next.
As one of the workshop leads, Yuliya, shared:
“Over the years, this has become much more than a learning session. People now come to challenge ideas, share experience, and talk about the market’s future. It feels open and collaborative.”
She also highlighted a growing concern: regulation is expanding far beyond gaming itself. Emerging frameworks like MiCA, DORA, NIS2, the AI Act, and the EU Accessibility Act are beginning to affect operators indirectly, through their suppliers and tech partners. Leaders need early awareness of these shifts to avoid operational bottlenecks and compliance surprises.
This year’s agenda focused on high-stakes areas – not just for compliance teams, but for CEOs making strategic calls daily:
- MGA enforcement actions and how they’re evolving
- Global enforcement trends and what they signal
- Updates to MGA regulations for 2024 and 2025
- Shifts in global licensing and the growing influence of new markets
- The ongoing rise of the black market and the regulatory imbalance it creates
- The future of the MGA license in a changing EU framework
- Building strong governance and compliance cultures across organisations
There were also breakout discussions on marketing restrictions, AML, financial reporting, and payments – areas where the industry is experiencing fast change and increasing scrutiny.
One key takeaway: navigating all of this takes more than just solid policies. It demands awareness, adaptability, and teams that understand what good practice looks like in real time.
A standout moment of the day was the networking lunch at Atrio Restaurant. It offered attendees the chance to step away from the presentations and speak candidly in a more relaxed setting.
It’s not just the topics or the setting that make the MGA CEO Workshop special – it’s the people in the room. The willingness to share, question, and connect makes all the difference. To the leaders who joined us in June: thank you for making it meaningful. We’re already looking forward to the next conversation on 31 October.
Author: Jovana Kljajic, Senior Marketing Manager
