MGA Warns Against Misleading Licensing Claims

Sites Making False Licensing Claims

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has warned consumers that Vavadapsv.com and Vulkanind.site are falsely claiming to be licensed by MGA. MGA says these claims are “false and misleading” and clarified that neither brand is under its oversight.

In its warning, MGA told consumers to check an operator’s license before using their services. It explained the risks of unlicensed entities: “The activities of unlicensed entities are unregulated and do not provide the necessary safeguards delineated by virtue of the framework, making transactions with such entities risky for consumers.”

MGA 2023 Regulatory Actions

MGA’s 2023 Annual Report published recently outlines the regulatory actions taken throughout the year. MGA received 24 new gaming license applications in 2023, down from 41 in 2022. 15 were granted, 13 were rejected or withdrawn.

MGA took strict compliance measures during the year:

• 28 warnings to licensees.
• 9 licenses suspended and 11 canceled.
• 19 administrative penalties and 1 regulatory settlement, totalling €172,900.

ESG Reporting Standards on the Rise

MGA also reported on the adoption of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice launched in July 2023. As of now, 14 online gambling operators have obtained the ESG Approval Seal, meaning they are compliant with the voluntary code.