Malta Gaming Authority Warns Users About False Gaming License Claims

The Malta Gaming Authority has issued a warning to consumers about websites falsely claiming to have MGA licenses or connections to the regulatory body. The authority emphasized that any references to MGA licensing from six specific websites are “false and misleading.”

The websites identified in the warning include immediate-connect.co.uk, pangagames.com, casino1bet.online, palmsbet1.com, flexiblesport.com, and casino-europa.eu. The MGA has advised that any claims of MGA licensing from these sites should be disregarded, indicating they may be operating gambling services illegally in Malta.

“The MGA would like to remind consumers not to utilise services provided by an entity unless they have ascertained that the entity in question is authorised to provide such services by the MGA,” the authority stated in its official release. The regulatory body stressed that authorized operators must comply with strict legal requirements designed to protect consumers.

The MGA further warned that unlicensed entities operate outside regulatory frameworks, lacking the necessary consumer safeguards and making transactions with such operators inherently risky. To assist consumers, the authority has published a comprehensive list of properly licensed operators that can be accessed through their official channels.

This warning follows a previous case involving Filipino online casino PHLove, which falsely claimed to hold a Maltese gaming license. The MGA had previously issued a press release clarifying it had “no connection” to the site and warning consumers about the dangers of unlicensed operators.

Despite investigations into PHLove’s claims, the site continues to falsely represent itself as licensed by multiple regulatory authorities, including the MGA, the UK Gambling Commission, PAGCOR (Philippines), and Gaming Curacao. Independent verification of licensing databases revealed no evidence of PHLove holding valid licenses from any of these authorities.

Following media reports, PAGCOR, the Philippine gambling regulatory body, launched an investigation into PHLove’s operations. However, at the time of reporting, the site continues to display these unverified regulatory claims on its platform.

The issue highlights a growing concern in the online gambling industry about operators misrepresenting their regulatory status to appear legitimate to potential customers. Such false claims can mislead consumers into believing they are using platforms that adhere to strict regulatory standards when, in fact, they may be exposing themselves to significant risks.

Industry experts emphasize that using properly licensed gambling operators is crucial for consumer protection. Licensed platforms must implement responsible gambling measures, ensure fair games, protect customer funds, and maintain data security protocols. In contrast, unlicensed operators face no regulatory oversight, potentially exposing users to theft, fraud, and other criminal activities.

The financial implications for consumers using unlicensed platforms can be severe. Without regulatory oversight, there’s no guarantee that player deposits are protected or that withdrawals will be honored. Additionally, personal and financial information shared with unlicensed operators may be vulnerable to misuse or data breaches.

Gambling authorities worldwide, including the MGA, continuously monitor the market for such violations and regularly issue warnings to protect consumers. The MGA, established in 2001, is one of the world’s most respected gambling regulatory bodies, known for its stringent licensing requirements and consumer protection measures.

Consumers are advised to verify a gambling operator’s licensing status through official regulatory websites before registering or depositing money. The MGA maintains a public register of licensed entities that consumers can check to confirm the legitimacy of any operator claiming Maltese authorization.

The authority has not provided additional comments on the specific actions it may take against the websites falsely claiming its endorsement, beyond the public warning issued to potential users.