MGA to review athletes amid betting integrity concerns

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has announced plans to review Malta-based athletes as part of a wider effort to address emerging risks linked to sports betting integrity.

According to the regulator, the initiative will involve a data-driven assessment of gambling-related risks among locally registered athletes, following reports of suspicious betting activity and previous supervisory findings. 

The move comes amid a series of recent cases that have raised concerns about betting behaviour within professional sport.

Earlier this year, multiple players from Malta’s national water polo team were investigated over alleged betting during the European Championships. 

In a separate case, authorities also launched a probe into potential match manipulation linked to a Malta Premier League fixture between Mosta FC and Naxxar Lions.

The MGA indicated that some athletes may be vulnerable to gambling-related harm, particularly in cases where individuals place bets on competitions within their own sport. 

The regulator said its objective is to strengthen awareness and reinforce best practices around betting integrity.

Alongside the athlete-focused review, the MGA will also evaluate the safeguards implemented by betting operators to prevent such activity, including internal monitoring systems and reporting mechanisms.

Beyond traditional sports, the regulator has identified esports as another area requiring closer scrutiny. Planned assessments will focus on risks to competitive integrity, including monitoring frameworks and incident reporting structures within tournaments.

Crypto-related transactions are also under review, with the MGA highlighting concerns around anonymity and the speed of fund transfers, which can complicate oversight and enforcement.

The combined measures reflect a broader shift toward proactive, risk-based supervision as regulators respond to evolving threats across betting, digital finance and sports ecosystems.