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German regulator brands Malta Bill-55 a “protective shield incompatible with EU laws”

August 24, 2023 · 7:49pm ET | 4:49pm PT
Photo: Shutterstock
  • Ted Menmuir, SBC News

Gluecksspiel (GGL), the Federal Authority of German gambling, maintains its opinion that Malta’s ‘Bill-55’ is incompatible with European Union laws and member-state protections.

Signed in June by Malta President George Vella, Bill-55, titled the “Gaming Amendment Bill’ allows Maltese courts to “refuse the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements related to the online gambling sector.”

As such, the Act prevents enforcement actions against Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) licensed operators under two sets of circumstances. Firstly, if an action “conflicts with or undermines the provision of gaming services in Malta it cannot be undertaken.”

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In addition, enforcement measures cannot be taken if the action made by the operator relates to an authorised activity lawful under the Gambling Act of Malta.