Why ESG Standards Are Shaking Up the Online Casino Industry in Malta

July 11 2025, Published 2:30 a.m. ET
The Malta Gaming Authority introduced a voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice back in 2023, designed for remote gaming companies to encourage responsible and sustainable practices across the industry. ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and is a framework used to evaluate a companies sustainability and ethical impact, by considering how the business manages its impact on the environment, people and internal governance structures.
The introduction of the Code of Good Practice has been a major move in the industry and set about altering how platforms operate by doing the right thing. This article will look at the ways ESG standards are transforming the online casino industry in Malta and beyond.
What Does ESG Mean in the Gambling World?
The decision from the Malta Gaming Authority to introduce a voluntary Code of Good Practice for remote gaming companies has been designed to encourage ESG reporting, enhance transparency and boost the facilitation of benchmarking among operators. There are two reporting tiers offering basic and aspiration standards while 19 topics are covered across each of the environmental, social and governance areas.
By introducing the ESG Code of Good Practice, the MGA is aiming to set a benchmark for excellence so that operators are keen to pursue sustainable development, social responsibility and its own governance in how it works. It acts as a reference for platforms to regularly assess their processes and improve ESG practices across the board.
ESG and Player Trust: Why It Matters
For gamers looking to locate the best online casinos in Malta, it is important to compare and assess a range of platforms to find the one which best suits your needs. It's also wise to research whether the site follows the ESG code of practice if the ways in which platforms operate is important to you. For many players, knowing that the operator does its bit for the environment and society boosts how they interact with the site and enhances loyalty and trust.
If a company can actively demonstrate its commitment to ethical practices, players will be more comfortable to game with that operator and want to engage with a business that shares a commitment to helping the planet and environment. By implementing strong ESG practices, operators can enhance the ways in which they adhere to laws and regulations, which in turn will boost its reputation and entice more gamers to commit.
How MGA-Licensed Casinos Are Adopting ESG
In the 18 months since the ESG Code of Good Practice was introduced, more MGA-licensed platforms will have been taking to steps to enhance its operations by adopting ESG principles around sustainable and responsible gambling. There are number of ways sites can achieve this by promoting player protection by implementing bolstered security measures, educating players around the importance of responsible gambling and introducing time-out and self-exclusion options.
When it comes to the environment, operators can take steps to reduce their environmental footprint while introducing energy-efficient operations among the workforce in their offices. Adhering to laws means the operator will create an environment which is fair and allows players to game with comfort and confidence.
The ESG Code of Good Practice has initiated companies to take on new responsibilities and drive community engagement and social responsibility. It is important for operators to uphold ethical standards as it sets an example, protects gamers and enhances procedures, ensuring the site is aligned when it comes to operations at all levels.
Examples of How Casino Platforms can Follow the ESG Code of Good Practice
There has been a considerable push for operators to aid players when it comes to responsible gambling. Self-exclusion tools provide players with an option to take a step back while spending limits can protect players from gambling beyond their means. Casino gaming should remain a hobby and a passion and not negatively effect your work or social life, making it impossible to pay for bills, for example.
Casino sites are encouraged to show transparency by clearly communicating odds and payouts while ensuring player information, financial details and sensitive data are protected by robust security measures to keep away would-be hackers and malicious actors. By taking a grassroots approach, gambling operators can engage directly with societies to work together with gamers to produce and maintain safe environments for play.
The Future of ESG in Online Gambling

The ESG has already had a major impact on how casinos operate in a short space of time and its influence will no doubt grow in the coming years as more platforms take action. Sites are recognizing the importance of sustainability, ethical governance and responsible gambling with stakeholders making moves to adhere to the Code of Good Practice.
Technological advancements will help platforms to implement more sophisticated tools to follow through on promises, from responsible gambling practices to the ways in which education is offered to players around the dangers of chasing losses and addiction.
The ESG Code of Good Practice will continue to improve standards by encouraging operators to prioritize the ways in which they make decisions to the benefit of consumers and the planet. From planning to strategy, the decision-makers can use ESG standards in the future to make improvements in the day-to-day running of the business.
Overall, the ESG Code of Good Practice has been a welcome addition to the online casino industry as companies strive to do right by stakeholders, players and the world as a whole.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Gamble or play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. If you’re in the U.K. and need help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.