The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issued a directive on Friday to all licensed operators under its jurisdiction, urging them to enhance their monitoring and reporting of suspicious betting activities throughout the upcoming Fifa World Cup.
The tournament, scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July, presents heightened risks for betting market manipulation, according to the regulator.
It aims to intensify its vigilance to protect both the integrity of sport and betting markets.
MGA’s proactive measures
In an official notice circulated to Malta-licensed bookmakers and gambling firms, the MGA emphasised the need for stringent surveillance protocols. This focused on identifying and reporting irregular betting patterns.
Operators have been reminded of their obligations under Malta’s Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018), particularly Regulation 43 regarding the swift submission of suspicious betting reports via the MGA’s Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism.
The notice highlighted the MGA’s ongoing collaboration with Fifa, aiming to safeguard sporting events against corruption and betting-related malpractice.
Operators have also been advised to refer to the MGA’s Guidance Paper on Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements and Other Sports Integrity Matters.
As a part of regulatory enhancements, all operators must appoint a designated Sports Integrity Point of Contact and strengthen internal controls. They must also cooperate actively with the MGA Sports Integrity Unit and other relevant integrity bodies.
The regulator issued a clear warning that failure to comply could result in strict regulatory consequences.
Illegal gambling
The National Gambling Board (NGB) in South Africa expressed its own concerns over the tournament this week, publishing warnings about an increase in illegal betting at the World Cup.
Lungile Dukwana, acting CEO of the NGB, explained that these illegal operators use a variety of digital channels.
“Once payment is made, victims either lose communication with the operators or are pressured into making further payments. The illegal operators mainly target victims through Facebook advertisements, WhatsApp messages, Telegram groups, SMS push links, fake social media pages and mobile applications downloaded outside official app stores,” Dukwana said.
These illicit actions can significantly distort betting markets. This not only jeopardises the fairness of sport but also undermines public trust in betting operators.
Rise of betting
Internationally, similar pre-tournament advisories have been issued by regulatory bodies in countries with substantial betting markets.
The Dutch gambling regulator announced its own heightened supervision of betting advertisements.
The regulator warned licence‑holders that any breaches of its gambling laws would be met with swift enforcement actions. They emphasised the protection of vulnerable groups and compliance with strict advertising rules.
Over in France, the ANJ has launched a campaign to combat the rise of betting in the face of the upcoming tournament, particularly in regards to addiction. This came as a recent report found that 41% of respondents planned to place a monetary bet on the World Cup.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
