Malta Gaming Authority names Charles Mizzi new CEO, effective January 26

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has officially announced Charles Mizzi as the incoming Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Carl Brincat, with effect from January 26, 2024.

Mizzi's appointment, in terms of Article 6(2)(a) of the Gaming Act (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta), follows a selection process and a public call issued on October 30, 2023. Mizzi will be shadowing Dr Brincat throughout January to ensure a smooth transition at the helm of the Authority.

Mizzi will join MGA following a 5-year tenure at the helm of the Residency Malta Agency, where he led the organization towards its goal of elevating Malta's status as a residency by investment jurisdictions. Mizzi has also worked in a range of other senior roles during his career, including Head of Image & Communications Unit at BNF Bank.

The Board of Governors expressed confidence in Mizzi's dynamic and results-oriented approach, emphasizing their belief that he will further bolster the foundation of the Authority.

Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Charles Mizzi stated: "I am honored to have been given the opportunity to lead the Authority."

"I am keen to build on past successes and, together with the team under the guidance of the Minister responsible and the Board of Governors, to strategically steer the Authority forward so that Malta's already robust position in the field may be further strengthened while delivering value to all stakeholders."

Silvio Schembri, the Minister for the Economy, EU Funds, and Lands, acknowledged Carl Brincat's three-year tenure as CEO and extended his congratulations to Mizzi on his appointment.

“With his vast experience in managing the operations of a number of entities and his contributions towards major projects, Charles Mizzi is undoubtedly the right candidate to continue building on what the MGA has achieved so far, and lead his excellent colleagues within the Authority towards further future success,” Minister Schembri said.

Mizzi, stepping into his new role next month, will succeed Carl Brincat, who has led the MGA for the past three years. One of the immediate tasks for Mizzi will be addressing the contentious Malta Gaming Act, Bill 55, or Article 56A, which has faced opposition from various stakeholders, raising concerns about its compatibility with European law.

The bill aims to shield Malta-licensed operators from legal liabilities related to their gambling activities. However, it has been a subject of dispute, particularly in relation to European regulations governing legal judgments between EU members.

The MGA has previously defended its gaming laws, asserting their alignment with EU law and the freedoms granted to entities within the internal market.

European authorities have scrutinized the bill's compatibility, requesting further information from Malta's authorities. This scrutiny might lead to a review by the European Court of Justice, historically the final arbiter in disputes between European and domestic laws.