Key Moments:
- The Malta Gaming Authority has issued a consumer alert about six websites falsely claiming MGA licenses.
- Consumers have been advised to disregard any license claims from these sites due to the risk of unregulated gambling activity.
- The warning came after the Filipino casino site PHLove falsely asserted MGA accreditation, prompting a separate investigation.
Regulator Identifies Unlicensed Operators
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released a public warning regarding several online gambling operators that have claimed, without basis, to hold valid MGA licenses. The regulator named six sites, each allegedly making misleading statements about their authorization status or relationship with the MGA.
| Website | License Claim Status |
|---|---|
| pangagames.com | False MGA License Claim |
| Casino1bet.online | False MGA License Claim |
| immediate-connect.co.uk | False MGA License Claim |
| casino-europa.eu | False MGA License Claim |
| palmsbet1.com | False MGA License Claim |
| flexiblesport.com | False MGA License Claim |
Consumer Guidance and Official Warning
The MGA has strongly urged players to ignore assertions or references to MGA licensing made by these platforms, as their gambling services are likely being provided illegally within Malta’s jurisdiction.
“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,” reads the statement from the gambling authority.
The regulator also emphasized the importance of stringent legal compliance: “The gaming regulatory framework obliges authorised persons to comply with strict legal requirements in the interest of consumers. The activities of unlicensed entities are unregulated and do not provide the necessary safeguards delineated by virtue of the framework, making transactions with such entities risky for consumers.”
Response to False Licensing Claims by PHLove
The alert followed publicity surrounding claims by Filipino online casino PHLove, which stated it held MGA approval. The MGA, in a press release, clarified that it has “no connection” to PHLove and reiterated its standard advice regarding unlicensed operators.
No evidence was found in public regulatory databases to back up PHLove’s assertions. After this was made public, the Philippines-based authority PAGCOR announced plans to look into the situation. Despite the ongoing investigation, PHLove maintains its claims of being licensed.
The MGA has advised all consumers to confirm the legitimacy of any gaming site’s licensing status using its official public register.
- Author
Daniel Williams
