The Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) announced on April 1, 2026, that a set of gambling tax reforms is scheduled to be...
MGA issues warning for operators over suspicious FIFA bets
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued a warning to gambling operators, ordering licensees to carefully monitor suspicious betting activity during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 and report any abnormal patterns.
As the tournament is set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the MGA has called on operators holding a Maltese license to track and report any suspicious transactions through the Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism.
The regulatory body has also reminded that commercial materials have to comply with advertising rules, while promotions should not target minors or vulnerable groups, and all ads must be socially responsible.
The MGA shared in a statement:
“The MGA reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of sport and betting markets. We are reminding all licensees of their obligations under the applicable regulatory framework. 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.”
Alongside suspicious betting reports, operators are also required to improve internal governance and impose strict measures to ensure integrity by appointing a Sports Integrity Point of Contact and cooperating with the MGA Sports Integrity Unit.
The MGA is not the only authority to issue such statements, as other European gambling regulators sent warnings over World Cup ads in late May 2026 as well, including Belgium and the Netherlands.
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