Dr Carl Brincat has been appointed Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) CEO by the regulator's board of directors.

The appointment takes place with immediate effect following a public call for applications in December.

A lawyer by profession, Brincat was previously the MGA's chief legal & enforcement officer, having served on the MGA's legal team for over six years.

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 we continue along this path.

"However, it is essential 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.”

In 2018, the MGA appointed Heathcliff Farrugia to the CEO role and, in November, he announced he would not be renewing his tenure at the helm of the regulator.