Maltese regulator urges heightened vigilance for suspicious betting during FIFA World Cup 2026
The MGA has urged licensees to report any suspicious transactions promptly.
MGA.- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued a notice to Maltese gambling licensees urging increased vigilance and quick reporting of suspicious betting during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which starts on Thursday (June 11). The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to working with FIFA to safeguard the integrity of sport and betting markets and reminded licensees of their obligations under Maltese gambling regulations.
The MGA stressed that licensees are required to maintain enhanced monitoring of betting activity and to report any suspicious transactions without delay through the regulator’s Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism, in line with Regulation 43 of the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018).
Licensees are also expected to maintain robust internal governance arrangements, including the designation of a Sports Integrity Point of Contact, and to ensure cooperation with the MGA Sports Integrity Unit and other relevant integrity bodies.
“Given the elevated risk environment associated with major sporting events, licensees are expected to adopt a proactive and risk-based approach throughout the tournament period. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in regulatory action,” the MGA warned.
The regulator noted that all commercial communications must comply with the Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09). Meanwhile, advertising must be socially responsible and must not target or otherwise cause harm to minors and vulnerable persons, whether directly or indirectly.
The regulator noted that guidance on reporting requirements, as well as related sports integrity obligations, is available in the Guidance Paper on Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements and Other Sports Integrity Matters.
In other news, the MGA has declared that it has no connection with the site siapwdku.net. It warned. that any reference to the MGA and a gaming licence said to be issued by the Maltese Authority is false and misleading.
