MGA GETS TOUGH: CANCELS 7 AND SUSPENDS 2 LICENSES IN Q1 2020

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) cancelled seven licenses, and suspended two more, during the first half of 2020. 

In its Interim Performance Report, the MGA confirmed that between January and June 2020 it issued 11 warnings, suspended two and cancelled seven licenses, and issued nine fines, after conducting compliance audits and investigations. 

The operators who lost their licenses included:

• Watch World Luxury
• Global Gaming Entertainment
• bSupporter
• Dorobet
• The Daily Fantasy Football Company
• Pick Mister

Meanwhile, Stakers and BetElephant had their licenses suspended in response to regulatory breaches. The most notable fine was that given to Blackrock Media, which got hit with a €2.34M fine in January after it was found to be operating a gaming service without authorisation.

Q1 2020 also saw the MGA take action against 10 adverts or promotions that were deemed to be exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic – something the regulator had specifically warned operators not to do. 

Additionally, 833 criminal probity screening tests were conducted, covering both land-based and online gaming, and the authority’s Player Support Unit resolved 2,433 assistance requests – up 38% year-on-year. 

It was also revealed that the authority received 40 international co-operation requests, and sent 25 such requests of its own, covering various areas including sports integrity, criminal activity by players, adverse media reports, license issues with operators, and the authorisation process. 

Staying with international matters, during the period the MGA signed four data-sharing agreements with international bodies; the International Cricket Council, the Swedish Football Association, the Darts Regulation Authority, and the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association. It also hosted a delegation of members of the Lotteries and Gaming Board and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Zimbabwe. 

The MGA will be publishing its full-year industry performance report, and its annual report for the 2020 financial year, during May. 

In related news, month the authority named Dr Carl Brincat as new CEO.