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MGA issues warning over unauthorised gambling websites

The regulator said several online platforms are falsely claiming links to Maltese licensing, urging consumers to verify authorisation before engaging with any gambling services.

3 min read
mga-licence
Key Points
The MGA has disassociated itself from four gambling websites using misleading licence claims
Any reference to Maltese authorisation by the listed sites has been described as false 
Consumers have been reminded to verify operators against the MGA’s official licence register

The Malta Gaming Authority has published a notice distancing itself from a number of online gambling websites that it says are operating without authorisation and falsely referencing Maltese licensing.

In a statement, the MGA said it has no connection with the websites slotvocalnocasheu.vip, joypang-0907.com, nobet177.com and playxfortuna.com. 

The regulator added that any reference to the MGA or to gaming licences purportedly issued by the authority on these platforms is “false and misleading”.

The MGA reiterated that consumers should not use gambling services unless they have confirmed that the operator is authorised by the Maltese regulator. 

It noted that its regulatory framework requires licensed operators to comply with strict legal and operational standards designed to protect players. 

According to the authority, unlicensed operators fall outside this framework and are not subject to regulatory oversight. 

As a result, transactions carried out with such entities may expose consumers to increased financial and personal risk, including the absence of safeguards related to player protection, dispute resolution and responsible gambling measures.

The regulator reminded players that a full list of authorised operators is publicly available through the MGA’s official website. Consumers are encouraged to consult the register before engaging with any gambling platform claiming Maltese licensure.

The warning forms part of the MGA’s ongoing efforts to combat unlicensed gambling activity and prevent the misuse of its name and regulatory status. The authority has repeatedly stated that false claims of Maltese licensing are a common tactic used by offshore operators seeking to gain credibility with European consumers. 

In recent years, the MGA has increased the frequency of public notices addressing unauthorised gambling websites, alongside broader initiatives aimed at strengthening regulatory cooperation and consumer awareness. 

These actions reflect growing scrutiny of cross-border online gambling activity and the challenges faced by regulators in policing unlicensed operators operating outside national jurisdictions.

In October 2025, the MGA issued a similar warning against six unregulated websites, again stressing that any references to Maltese authorisation on those platforms should be disregarded. 

The authority has also taken steps to strengthen regulatory coordination through a memorandum of understanding with the Malta Financial Services Authority and the launch of new responsible gambling tools.

Good to know

The MGA reported €84.1m ($99.8m) in revenue for 2024 in its full-year results, representing a 2.5% increase year-on-year

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