Malta Gaming Authority flags igaming sites falsely claiming to have Maltese licences
The MGA says it has no connection to the “false and misleading” sites.,
Malta.- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has warned that two online gambling sites are falsely claiming to have Maltese licences or to have a connection to the Maltese regulator. It stressed that it has no connection to the websites lavbet321.com and kasinoseta.com and that any claims suggesting otherwise is “false and misleading”.
The regulator made the notice public, advising players to verify the licensing status of any operator claiming to have a connection to the MGA before using its services. It reminded players that it has a publicly accessible register of authorised entities on its website, enabling consumers to confirm whether a platform is legally permitted to offer gaming services under Maltese law.
In its notice, the MGA also warned that engaging with unlicensed entities has greater risks for players since the operators can not be guaranteed to meet the consumer safeguards and legal obligations of Malta’s regulatory framework, including fair gaming practices and responsible gambling requirements.
New gambling self-assessment tool
On the topic of safeguards, the MGA last month announced the launch of a new online gambling Self-Assessment Tool for players. Available in both English and Maltese, the tool is intended to help players to reflect on their gambling habits and behaviour.
The free, anonymous tool was developed in collaboration with the Maltese organisations Sedqa, Caritas Malta, the OASI Foundation, and the Responsible Gaming Foundation. It’s based on the widely recognised Problem Gambling Severity Index screening tool and uses a questionnaire comprising nine questions. The questions aim to assess the extent of an individual’s gambling behaviour while also considering broader social and environmental influences.
The MGA said the tool encourages self-reflection in an accessible way, helping players consider whether they may benefit from reaching out for professional guidance. Access is via the Player Hub on the MGA website. Should a user’s results indicate the need for further support, they will be directed to one of the participating organisations, each of which serves as a point of contact for advice and care. Information is also available on safer gambling tools, such as setting limits or using global bet-blocking tools.
