Carl Brincat named new MGA CEO

Carl Brincat, one of SiGMA’s top 8 candidate predictions and favorite for the role of MGA’s new CEO, confirmed for the position

The Malta Gaming Authority has appointed Carl Brincat (seen left) as the new Chief Executive Officer of the MGA with immediate effect, in terms of article 6(2)(a) of the Gaming Act (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta).

The role for CEO at the Malta Gaming Authority was held by Heathcliff Farrugia.  Late last year he announced that he will not renew his contract. Farrugia (seen below) joined the MGA as COO in 2014 and was a pivotal figure in the transformation process which the Authority underwent.  In 2016, he was then appointed as the Chief Regulatory Officer, and later CEO in 2018.  

In a bid to fill this role, the MGA issued a public call for the first time ever on December 17th, enhancing the transparency and credibility of the application process. The appointment of Brincat follows an extensive search led by the Board.

Brincat, an advocate by profession, joined the MGA legal team in 2014. He was part of the legislative overhaul for the gaming industry in Malta which saw a new regulatory framework being implemented.

His current role at the MGA is the Chief Legal and Enforcement Officer with his main areas of expertise focusing on gaming regulation, general legal, regulatory affairs and dispute resolution. His responsibility does not stop here as Brincat is also responsible for legal affairs with other external stakeholders and the Maltese government.

Carl Brincat said: “It is an honour to be selected to lead the organisation at such a critical juncture for the MGA and the industry alike. I am proud of the work that has been done by the Authority so far in raising regulatory standards and committed to ensuring that we continue along this path. However, it is essential that we cultivate stronger partnerships with other regulators and stakeholders, and the industry itself, to achieve a regulatory environment that accomplishes the MGA’s objectives as set out in the law in the most effective, transparent, and proportionate manner.”

With his ties with the government and his heavy involvement with the new gaming regulatory framework as one of the principal drafters, Brincat was listed as one of our favourite contenders in taking Heathcliff Farrugia’s role due to his connections and understanding of the new framework.