MGA Sounds Alarm Over Sites Falsely Claiming Maltese Licensing

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published a new warning after identifying two online gaming domains that have been incorrectly suggesting ties to the regulator or claiming to operate under Maltese licences. According to the notice, lavbet321.com and kasinoseta.com are not connected in any way to the Authority, with the regulator stressing that assertions made on these sites are “false and misleading”.

Authority Reiterates Consumer Risks Around Unlicensed Operators

In its communication, the MGA highlighted that players who choose to engage with unlicensed platforms face significantly elevated risks due to the absence of regulatory safeguards. The Authority reminded the public that Malta’s gaming framework imposes “strict legal requirements in the interest of consumers” on all authorised operators. Without these obligations, unregulated entities function outside established oversight mechanisms, leaving users exposed to unreliable practices and potentially unsafe transactions.

The regulator again urged the public to verify a provider’s licensing status before using any of its services. To support this, the MGA maintains a publicly accessible list of all authorised companies, enabling players to confirm whether a platform is officially approved to offer gaming services under Maltese law.

Ongoing Efforts to Strengthen Player Protection and Responsible Gambling

The latest notice forms part of the Authority’s broader strategy to monitor and counteract unauthorised activity within the online gaming sector. This includes both local and international operators seeking to target consumers by falsely presenting themselves as regulated in Malta.

In addition to tackling unlicensed operators, the MGA has introduced new tools aimed at supporting safer gambling behaviours. In October 2025, the regulator rolled out a self-assessment tool designed to help individuals gain insight into their gambling patterns. The initiative offers personalised feedback and points users toward relevant support resources whenever necessary.

An MGA spokesperson explained the purpose behind the launch, saying: “The aim is to help people identify signs of harmful behaviour early and understand what support is available.”

Developed in collaboration with several key organisations—including Caritas Malta, Agenzija Sedqa, the OASI Foundation and the Responsible Gaming Foundation—the tool complements existing regulatory measures such as player monitoring systems and self-exclusion options provided by operators.

MGA’s 2025 Focus: Supervision and Market Integrity

The Authority also recently outlined its regulatory priorities for 2025, with renewed emphasis on enhancing supervisory functions, maintaining robust consumer protection standards and increasing oversight of unlicensed activity. This continued focus underscores the MGA’s commitment to ensuring a secure and transparent environment within Malta’s gaming industry.

The regulator emphasised in its notice that consumers should remain vigilant when interacting with online gaming platforms, especially those making unverifiable licensing claims. By confirming an operator’s status through official MGA channels, players can minimise their exposure to fraudulent practices and engage only with providers that comply with Malta’s stringent regulatory expectations.

Source:

‘’The MGA publishes notice on multiple unauthorised URLs’’, mga.org.mt, November 27, 2025.