Gaming Act (Cap. 583), article 4

4. (1) Governance and supervision of the gaming sector shall pursue the following main regulatory objectives: (a) to ensure that regulation of the gaming sector is carried out in the public interest; (b) to ensure, through the powers vested in the Authority, that gaming is free from crime and is not used as a source or an instrument of crime; (c) to ensure that gaming is conducted in a fair, safe and transparent manner; (d) to ensure that the interests of minors and other vulnerable persons are a dequately safeguarded; (e) to promote the development of a sustainable gaming sector and economic growth; (f) to promote the development of Malta as a centre of excellence and expertise fo r gaming-related competences and skills, knowledge building and knowledge transfer, in particular in technology-rich and player assistance services; (g) to promote responsible innovation in the gaming sector. GAMING [CAP. 583. 7 Governing principles. (2) The pursuit of the regulat ory objectives, governance and supervision of the gaming sector shall be guided by the followi ng governing principles: (a) regulatory action shall be proportionate to the aims it strives to achieve and not more burdensome than necessary for the achievement of the said aims; (b) requirements to be imposed on regulated persons shall be non-discriminatory, t ransparent and accessible, consistent, objective and made public in advance; (c) regulatory action affec ting rights and obligations of persons shall be timely and sh all be reasoned and taken on the basis of appropriate and relevant considerations; (d) regulatory procedures and requirements shall be such as to avoid, as much as reasonably possible without prejudicing regulatory objectives, duplication of requirements and controls; (e) regulation shall, where appropriate and possible, use a risk-based approach, so that regulatory objectives are pursued in the most efficient and effective way; (f) prior to taking regulatory action or imposing regulatory requirements, where appropriate and opportune, consultation shall be carried out with regulated persons, other stakeholders in the gaming sector and, or the wider public as the case may be; (g) in case of a conflict between public interest and economic considerations, public interest considerations shall prevail; (h) where the public interest considerations so require, the Minister shall be empowered to amend any relevant policies and regulatory actions shall be adjusted accordingly: Provided that the Authority may deviate from these governing principles if such deviation is objectively justified by an overriding reason relating to public policy, public security, p ublic health or the protecti on of the environment. PART III - Establishment, Functions, Powers and Conduct of Affa irs of the Malta Gaming Authority Establishment of the Malta Gaming Authority.