MGA recognises qualified electronic signatures for regulatory submissions

The Malta Gaming Authority has formally recognised the use of Qualified Electronic Signatures for all documentation submitted across its regulatory, supervisory, operational and administrative functions.

This move brings the MGA in line with the eIDAS Regulation (EU No 910/2014), specifically Article 3(12), which defines a Qualified Electronic Signature as a digital signature that meets strict legal and security standards.

Any party submitting documents with an electronic signature is wholly responsible for ensuring that signature complies with the eIDAS requirements. The MGA is not assuming any verification duty upfront but retains the right to check validity, integrity and authenticity.

Where the MGA deems it necessary, it can request additional assurances or demand a traditional wet-ink signed document. Submissions carrying non-compliant or questionable signatures may be rejected outright.

The Authority also said it may prescribe specific execution, certification, verification or submission requirements on a case-by-case basis. The notice takes effect immediately and is subject to future revision.

For Malta's iGaming operators and licensees, this update reduces administrative friction by allowing digital signing for applications, reports and other regulatory documents. However, the onus remains on each entity to ensure its electronic signature tools meet EU standards before submission.

The MGA's recognition of QES signals a broader push toward digital integration in Malta's gaming regulatory framework, though the regulator maintains the discretion to fall back on paper-based verification when necessary.