MGA releases annual report, rogue operators, fraud in focus
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) identified dozens of fraudulent gambling websites and stepped up enforcement activity during 2025, according to its newly released Annual Report, highlighting the regulator’s continued focus on consumer protection and market integrity.
The regulator said it reviewed 109 URLs linked to suspected unregulated gambling activity during the year, with 42 found to contain fraudulent references to either the MGA or its licensed operators. Those websites were subsequently added to the Authority’s public blacklist.
MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said the key to successfully regulating the gambling industry was not more regulation, but rather smarter regulation.
“The challenge facing regulators today is not to regulate more, but to regulate better.” he said.
“Throughout 2025, we refined the way we regulate – strengthening our risk-based approach to oversight, improving engagement, streamlining processes, and making better use of data and technology to focus our efforts where they matter most.
“That is how we strengthen confidence in the Maltese licence, safeguard players, and support the long-term sustainability of Malta’s gaming sector.”
Enforcement activity also remained robust, with the MGA issuing 35 cease-and-desist letters, 22 warnings and 30 administrative penalties totalling €162,520. The regulator also suspended one gaming licence and cancelled two others during the year.
On the licensing front, the MGA received 38 new gaming licence applications in 2025 and granted 19 licences, while approving eight licence renewals. Two applications were rejected after the Authority found information submitted by applicants to be false, misleading or materially incomplete.
The regulator also strengthened its compliance efforts, completing 15 full-scope audits, 109 thematic reviews and more than 7,900 inspections across Malta’s gaming sector. It resolved 3,718 player assistance requests and carried out 1,266 due diligence checks on operators, directors, key persons and investors.
Match-fixing and betting integrity also remained a priority, with the MGA receiving 280 suspicious betting reports from licensees, sharing 192 alerts with operators and participating in 66 international investigations.
Publishing its 2025 Annual Report and audited financial statements, the Authority said the review reflects both the performance of Malta’s land-based and online gaming sectors and the regulator’s continued focus on adapting to emerging industry trends, evolving regulation and changing market dynamics.
