Key Moments:
- The Malta Gaming Authority has identified four websites that falsely claim to operate under its license.
- The regulator emphasized that these sites are not authorized to provide gaming services under Maltese law.
- Recent actions form part of the MGA’s ongoing effort to protect consumers and combat misuse of its brand.
Websites Cited for False Licensing Claims
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) released a notice on 29 January 2026 announcing that four gambling sites are improperly associating themselves with the regulator. According to the statement, slotvocalnocasheu.vip, joypang-0907.com, nobet177.com, and playxfortuna.com have all referenced MGA licensing or branding in a way that is “false and misleading.” The MGA clarified it holds no connection to these platforms and that any such association is inaccurate.
Regulatory Intervention Driven by Consumer Protection
In its warning, the MGA pointed out that the problem extends beyond unauthorized use of its brand. The authority expressed concern that players may wrongly assume they have regulatory protection when using these sites, despite a lack of official Maltese licensing. The MGA stated: “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.”
Furthermore, the MGA reiterated that operators not properly licensed under Maltese law are not bound by the country’s consumer protection standards. Players engaging with these sites face the absence of guaranteed protections regarding payments, dispute resolution, or safeguarding of funds.
Discrepancies in Licensing Claims
The MGA reported that some of the named websites claimed Malta licenses and displayed license numbers not present on the authority’s current records. Reporting indicated that joypang-0907.com and playxfortuna.com both referenced Malta registration and included license numbers unrecognized by the MGA’s active register. Also noted was that the companies behind these brands, Bayton Limited and SLTM Ltd, once possessed licenses but had since surrendered them. The MGA cautioned that the continued use of former license information or Maltese branding can still confuse players.
Ongoing Regulatory Measures and Guidance for Players
The recent announcement continues a series of warnings issued by the MGA in recent months. The authority has been active in distancing itself from entities exploiting Malta’s regulatory reputation for unwarranted legitimacy. The regulator urged all players to confirm licensing details through its official channels before registering accounts or making deposits.
This message reinforces the importance of consulting the MGA’s license register for verifying the current authorization status of any gambling website. If a site is not listed on the MGA’s official register, it is not authorized, irrespective of any claims displayed on its homepage.
Websites Identified by the MGA
| Website | Claimed License Status | Associated Company | MGA License Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| slotvocalnocasheu.vip | False/Misleading | Not specified | Unlicensed |
| joypang-0907.com | Claims Malta registration and license number | Bayton Limited | License surrendered |
| nobet177.com | False/Misleading | Not specified | Unlicensed |
| playxfortuna.com | Claims Malta registration and license number | SLTM Ltd | License surrendered |
Conclusion
The Malta Gaming Authority continues to reinforce its regulatory standards by identifying and publicly warning against unauthorized operators. Investors and players alike are encouraged to rely exclusively on official MGA records for accurate information on approved gaming providers.
- Author
Daniel Williams
