Malta issues new guidelines for eSports betting

Malta Gaming Authority publishes guidelines for sportsbook operators offering esports markets.

Malta.- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has warned operators about the risks involved in offering eSports betting markets in the absence of major sports.

With the majority of global sports events and tournaments postponed or cancelled since mid-March because of the Coronavirus pandemic, operators have started to offer more eSports markets to fill the void.

But to ensure players are properly protected, the MGA has published a list of guidelines to betting operators that they expect to be adhered to, particularly while countries remain in lockdown.

This include operators ensuring matches are not pre-recorded and making sure bettors know the difference between eSports and virtual sports.

The regulator has also recommended operators seek information about participants involved in events.

The MGA would also like operators to maintain betting integrity and fraud checks, while any suspicious betting activity should be reported to the regulator immediately.