MGA Publishes Thematic Review on Betting Activity in Maltese Football

The review forms part of the MGA’s broader, data-driven supervisory framework aimed at improving transparency and integrity in Malta’s gaming market. It focuses on bets placed on football matches involving Maltese-registered teams during the 2023–2024 season, analysing both local and cross-border participation.

According to the Authority, the study seeks to identify behavioural patterns among bettors, assess licensee monitoring practices, and evaluate the adequacy of existing integrity safeguards. As the MGA noted, “this initiative aims to enhance our understanding of market dynamics, licensee monitoring practices, and potential integrity risks within this segment.”

Market Size and Financial Findings

Financial data collected from operators shows that betting on Maltese football remains a small but diverse market. Reported stakes ranged from below €50 to over €800,000, reflecting substantial differences in operator scale and player engagement.

Winnings represented approximately 48 per cent of the total stakes placed, although some isolated cases showed unusually high payout ratios. In one instance, a licensee reported payouts of around €900 against less than €50 in stakes, producing a payout ratio exceeding 450 per cent.

The MGA noted that some operators even recorded negative gaming revenue, suggesting that betting on local football may not be consistently profitable. While such fluctuations are not unusual, they underline the need for continued monitoring to ensure market transparency and responsible operation.

• See also: Malta’s Gambling Haven Under Threat

Betting Markets Offered

Operators reported offering a wide but uneven range of betting options on Maltese football. Match Winner and Total Goals markets were the most popular and appeared in nearly all licensees’ portfolios.

Other markets, such as Handicap, Corners, and Card markets, were available only from a minority of operators, reflecting a selective approach to less common event-based bets. A few operators also experimented with niche or customised propositions under the “Other” category.

Overall, the MGA observed that “some licensees focus on a core set of markets, while others maintain a broader portfolio to appeal to a wider range of bettor preferences.”

Player Participation and Demographics

The review reveals that Maltese football betting remains a niche activity even among local players. Only a small percentage of active Maltese bettors wagered on domestic football competitions — typically below 5 per cent for operators with an international focus and slightly above 20 per cent for those catering to a local audience.

The demographic profile of these players is clearly defined. The market is overwhelmingly male, accounting for more than 85 per cent of active bettors, and dominated by younger adults aged 18–34. The 35–54 age group represents roughly one-third of players, while participation among those aged 55 and older is minimal.

Geographically, most bettors are concentrated in the Northern Harbour region, followed by the Southern Harbour and Western areas, mirroring Malta’s population density.

Cross-Border Betting Activity

Although Maltese football betting is primarily local, several operators reported participation by non-Maltese account holders. Some licensees recorded hundreds or even thousands of foreign bettors engaging with these markets.

These accounts originated mainly from various European countries, with additional activity noted from other international regions. The MGA highlighted that cross-border engagement, while limited, “shows that Maltese football attracts a modest but notable international interest alongside its local betting base.”

Some operators impose additional controls by requiring bets on Maltese football to be combined with at least one international event on the same slip. This approach reduces risk exposure and reflects the integrity-first stance of many licensees.

• Check it: Malta Gaming Authority Publishes 2024 Annual Report

Integrity Safeguards and Oversight

The Authority’s review found that most operators have integrated basic integrity protocols into their trading systems. These include automated monitoring tools, real-time alert systems, and escalation procedures for reporting suspicious activity.

Several licensees collaborate with external risk management providers, third-party data firms, and sports governing bodies to enhance detection and reporting mechanisms. As the report notes, “ongoing engagement with stakeholders and continuous strengthening of detection tools remain vital to ensure that betting markets related to Maltese football maintain high standards of fairness and transparency.”

The MGA concluded that the overall integrity of Maltese football betting relies on continued cooperation between licensees, data providers, and regulatory authorities. The report underlines the importance of proactive information-sharing and swift reporting of irregularities.

“The MGA remains committed to working closely with all licensees, strengthening detection mechanisms, and supporting proactive reporting and data-sharing practices that ensure Maltese sport remains clean and trusted,” the report states.