Malta warns unauthorised operators

The gaming authority has released a new warning to unauthorised operators.

Malta.- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released a warning reminding operators and providers of gaming services and critical gaming supplies, including those offered by remote means, that as per article 13 of the Gaming Act, they may only operate in and from Malta, if they are in possession of the relevant authorisation issued by the authority.

“Operating in and from Malta includes, amongst other things, offering games to persons in Malta, having technical equipment located in Malta, having the natural person offering the gaming services located in Malta, and having the legal person offering the gaming services and critical gaming supplies registered and, or established in Malta,” said MGA in a release published on its website.

The reminder extends to providers of ancillary services relating to gaming activity, who are also prohibited from aiding, abetting or promoting games which are not duly authorised. Ancillary service providers include marketing affiliates, credit and financial institutions, payment services providers, cost centres and data centres.

Any person found to be in breach of the above may be subject to administrative sanctions or criminal prosecution, as envisaged in the same law, and penalties include fines up to €500k for first-time offenders, and up to €1 million for recidivists, as well as imprisonment.