MGA issues reminder to licensees of suspicious betting obligations amid FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar taking place between Sunday 20th November 2022 to Sunday 18th December 2022, licensees may experience an increase in betting activity, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) pointed out in a statement.

In this regard, the MGA would like to remind its licensees offering sports betting of their obligations in relation to suspicious bets recorded on their platforms, as per regulation 43 of the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018).

Furthermore, the MGA reminded licensees that during this period, the MGA may communicate alerts or requests for information on events of interest that would potentially require an additional review from a sports betting integrity perspective.

More information regarding the Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements, and any other obligations thereof, can be found in the Guidance Paper on the Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements & Other Sports Integrity Matters.

Additionally, the MGA noted that licensees and third parties acting on their behalf are required to adhere to the requirements established in the Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09), particularly that any form of advertisement must be socially responsible and, inter alia, must not target or cause harm to minors and vulnerable persons, in a direct or indirect manner.

The MGA urged its licensees to remain compliant with the Commercial Communications Regulations, to communicate this information to any affiliates and remain vigilant and ensure that their brands are not being promoted in an unethical and socially irresponsible manner.