The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has provided a notice to all licensees calling for “heightened vigilance and the timely reporting of suspicious betting activity” during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The MGA will work with FIFA during the World Cup which is set to take place from 11 June until 19 July 2026.
Reaffirming its commitment to the safeguarding of the integrity of sports and betting activity, the MGA is reminding licensees of their obligations under the correct framework.
Licensees are officially required to maintain enhanced monitoring of betting activity and to report any suspicious transactions without delay through the suspicious betting reporting mechanism.
The MGA is not the only regulatory body that has called for increased alertness during the World Cup as Co-host nation, Canada, urged players to set spending and time limits during the tournament.
France’s National Gaming Authority (ANJ) similarly launched a responsible gambling campaign titled “Risk Zone” in the build-up to the World Cup.
Licensees are also expected to carry out “robust internal governance arrangements” and the designation of a sports integrity point of contact, and to ensure active cooperation with the MGA sports integrity unit and other regulatory bodies.
Given the surge in betting activity during the tournament, licensees need to adopt a more proactive and risk-based approach throughout the World Cup period.
An estimated $60bn will bet during the FIFA World Cup 2026
