The iGaming industry is evolving constantly, which requires keeping up with regulatory changes in various markets. During the SBC Summit Malta 2026, Jeremy Castillo had a meaningful conversation with Dr. Terence Cassar for a Nooktalks about gaming laws, international regulations, and the significance of balancing compliance and business development.
Dr. Cassar leads a successful legal practice in the field of gaming law, technology law, intellectual property law, and commercial law, assisting gaming firms and other companies in the pursuit of compliance in the rapidly transforming regulatory marketplace.
A Legal Career Focused on the Gaming Industry
During the discussion, Dr. Cassar admitted that he works mainly in Malta but his work is not limited to Malta, and he works with his clients globally. Dr. Cassar provides legal advice on gambling legislation and mostly deals with clients in relation to cross-border transactions, licensing, regulatory compliance, and litigation issues.
He does not only help companies get gaming licenses. At GTG, he has various ventures including mergers and acquisitions of B2B and B2C gaming corporations, advising clients on business strategies, and helping them win disputes with the players and regulators. He also focuses on technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, data protection, and intellectual property, which shows how close law and innovation are becoming in gaming sector.
Understanding Malta’s Article 56A
One of the key topics discussed was Malta’s Article 56A of the Gaming Act, commonly referred to as Bill 55. Jeremy asked about the legislation and the debate surrounding its impact on Malta-licensed operators.
Dr. Cassar stated that the goal of the Article 56A is to stop enforcement of some foreign court decisions in Malta which contradict Maltese public order. The legislation was created due to the increase in players’ claims, especially from Austria and Germany when players tried to get their gambling losses back from the operators licensed in Malta.
He also stated that Maltese courts have always upheld the laws of Article 56A. While there are still conversations held on European level, the present-day legal situation is comforting for the operators licensed in Malta. Nevertheless, he admitted that it is still necessary to keep up with legal developments.
Why Balance Matters in Gambling Regulation
The discussion shifted to another significant topic: the UK’s planned gambling tax rise. Jeremy noted that executives have voiced concerns over the issue of increasing taxes and the implementation of stricter laws, which could lead to players opting for unregulated gambling platforms.
Dr. Cassar shares this point of view and believes that regulation should ideally incentivize people to work legally and not make their businesses economically unfeasible.
Most gambling operators intend to adhere to the law, pay taxes, and develop their businesses, but there is a chance they will turn to illegal operations if the legislation becomes economically burdensome.
He explains that the essence of regulations is to create a system that ensures the safety of gamblers while enabling legitimate gambling operators to work freely.
The Future of Gaming Law
The iGaming sector will keep advancing thanks to legal changes that accompanied technological progress.
Dr. Cassar believes that cooperation is crucial for providing regulations that would impact players and not hinder advancements. Properly drafted laws enhance player protection, promote investments, and foster business development from a long-term perspective.
Having vast experience consulting gaming firms on licensing, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, tech law, and strategy, Dr. Cassar will continue to assist in navigating the ever-changing legal landscape.
Final Thoughts
The conversation at SBC Summit Malta 2026 offered valuable insights into one of the biggest challenges facing the gaming industry today, building regulations that protect players while supporting sustainable business growth.
As Jeremy concluded the interview, one message stood out clearly: effective legislation should create a healthy ecosystem where operators can thrive, players remain protected, and innovation continues to move the industry forward.
Nooktalks thanks Dr. Terence Cassar for sharing his expertise and perspectives. Conversations like these help industry professionals better understand the legal developments shaping the future of global iGaming.
