MGA Flags False Licensing Claims from Unregulated Websites
The Malta Gaming Authority has moved to publicly address two gambling platforms—lavbet321.com and kasinoseta.com—after discovering that both claim to hold an MGA license. The regulator has made it clear that these assertions are fabricated, stressing that neither site is authorized to provide online gaming services under Maltese jurisdiction. By issuing this notice, the Authority aims to counteract the confusion such claims may create for players who trust the MGA brand as a marker of security and compliance.
The regulator pointed out that the use of its name by entities operating outside its oversight misleads the public and undermines the established framework designed to ensure lawful and transparent gambling operations. Because these platforms are not subject to MGA supervision, any claim suggesting an affiliation is, as the Authority emphasized, entirely unfounded.
Heightened Risks for Players Using Unlicensed Operators
The warning from the MGA ties into a larger ongoing effort to curtail the spread of unlicensed gambling sites that target both Maltese players and those abroad. The Authority noted that operators functioning without a license do not meet the regulatory standards required to protect players, including rules governing fairness, safety measures, and responsible gambling provisions. Without these safeguards, individuals placing their trust in such websites are exposed to a higher likelihood of fraud, manipulation, and unsafe handling of personal or financial data.
The MGA also reminded consumers that fraudulent or misleading operators fall outside the legal protections offered under Maltese gambling law. As a result, anyone using unregulated sites forfeits the benefits of the dispute-resolution processes, oversight mechanisms, and player-protection measures that licensed operators must provide. This lack of accountability leaves users vulnerable, especially when it comes to financial transactions and the secure handling of winnings.
To support players in avoiding these risks, the MGA pointed to its publicly accessible register of licensed operators. This tool allows anyone to quickly verify whether a website holds a valid MGA authorization. The Authority encouraged players to consult this register before engaging with an online gambling platform, describing it as a straightforward way to confirm legitimacy and avoid deceptive claims.
MGA Expands Responsible Gambling Measures with New Tool
Alongside its alert regarding unauthorized platforms, the MGA recently launched a new responsible-gaming self-assessment tool. Introduced in October 2025, this resource is designed to help individuals evaluate their gambling behavior and identify early indications of potential harm. Once users complete the assessment, the tool recommends relevant support services when needed.
The development of this initiative involved collaboration with several well-established organizations, including Caritas Malta, Agenzija Sedqa, the OASI Foundation, and the Responsible Gaming Foundation. By working with these groups, the MGA aims to broaden the availability of guidance for individuals who may be at risk and to reinforce its broader strategy for responsible gambling oversight.
Looking ahead to its regulatory priorities for 2025, the MGA reaffirmed that player protection will remain central to its mission. The Authority intends to continue monitoring unlicensed operators and to maintain firm supervisory expectations for those who hold MGA licenses. Its commitment includes preserving sector integrity, ensuring responsible-gaming measures are upheld, and addressing the ongoing emergence of unregulated entities targeting online players.
Source:
MGA Issues Warning Over Unlicensed Gambling Sites Misleading Players, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, November 28, 2025.