Malta Gaming Authority Flags Multiple Unauthorised Gambling URLs in September 2026
The MGA has officially disclaimed any association with twelve online gambling sites identified in September 2026 and warns consumers against using services from entities not licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority.
Key Takeaways
- The Malta Gaming Authority named twelve unauthorised online gambling URLs in September 2026.
- These sites falsely claimed MGA licensing or affiliation, which the Authority has denied.
- Consumers are advised to check the official MGA licensee registry before using any operator.
- MGA-licensed entities must meet strict standards that do not apply to unlicensed operators.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issued a notice in September 2026 identifying twelve gambling websites falsely claiming affiliation with the regulator. The MGA has clarified it holds no connection with these URLs and stresses that any references to Maltese licensing on these sites are untrue and misleading.
Unauthorised URLs Cited by the Malta Gaming Authority
The MGA named the following websites in its September 2026 declaration:
- https://katosports.com/
- https://caswino-pokies.com/
- https://caswino.cz/
- https://ritzo-hungary.com/
- https://www.elysiumstudios.se/what-s-new
- https://www.tigercasino-au.com/
- https://horuscasino-aud.com/en-au/
- https://www.casinonight.nz/
- https://highflybet-aud.com/en-au/
- https://mzansibetcasino.live/es/
- https://www.casinonight-aud.com/
- https://www.chipscasino.pl/
These sites have asserted, either directly or by implication, that they are authorised or hold gaming licences issued by the MGA. The Authority denies all such claims. According to the official MGA statement, "Any reference to the MGA and/or gaming licence/s said to be issued by the Maltese Authority, as stated by the above websites, is false and misleading."
Licensing Framework and the Role of Authorisation
Malta's gambling regulatory system requires that only entities licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority may legally offer gaming services to consumers under Maltese law. Licensees must meet stringent legal and regulatory standards, which cover consumer protection, fairness, and responsible gambling. The MGA regularly updates its regulation records with lists of both licensed and unauthorised operators.
Unlicensed and unauthorised gambling entities operate outside the scope of Malta's regulatory protections. Transactions with such entities expose consumers to heightened risks, as there are no legal safeguards or mechanisms for dispute resolution. The MGA reinforced that consumers should check an operator's licensing status before engaging with any gaming services.
MGA Guidance for Consumers
The regulator has advised consumers to:
- Verify that any online gaming operator purporting to offer MGA-licensed services is actually listed as authorised on the official MGA licensee registry.
- Avoid transacting with sites included in the published list of unauthorised URLs. The full and updated list is available through the MGA.
- Recognise that unauthorised gambling sites are not subject to the standards or oversight outlined in the Maltese regulatory framework.
"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 the public notice.
Compliance Obligations and Ongoing Enforcement
All MGA-authorised entities must adhere to strict compliance standards embedded in Malta's gaming regulatory regime. This includes anti-money laundering rules, financial probity, player protection controls, and regular audits. Unlicensed operators, by contrast, are not bound by these requirements.
MGA enforcement efforts include ongoing monitoring, identification of unauthorised operators, and the publication of both positive and negative operator lists. The Authority warns that engagement with non-compliant entities can result in loss of funds, absence of recourse, and other consumer harms.
Accessing Updates and Official Licencing Registers
The latest list of unauthorised URLs, including those identified in September 2026, is accessible via the Malta Gaming Authority's public records. The list is revised with new entries as they are detected, reflecting the MGA's ongoing commitment to transparency. The official register of authorised licensees is also available and is the authoritative source for operator status.
MGA's notice and supporting resources serve as reminders to industry stakeholders and the public that only MGA-licensed operators provide the regulatory protections and legal recourse expected in the Maltese market. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor news and regulation updates for changes affecting compliance and enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gambling sites did the Malta Gaming Authority flag as unauthorised in September 2026?
The MGA identified twelve gambling websites in September 2026 that falsely claimed affiliation or licensing, including https://katosports.com/ and https://caswino-pokies.com/.
What risks are associated with using unauthorised gambling URLs?
Unauthorised operators are not subject to MGA oversight, so transactions lack regulatory protections and consumers face increased risk of loss and limited recourse.
How can consumers confirm if a gambling operator is MGA-licensed?
Consumers should verify operator status against the official Malta Gaming Authority licensee registry, which is publicly available and regularly updated.
Why does the MGA publish lists of unauthorised URLs?
The MGA publishes these lists to alert consumers and industry stakeholders about illegal operators that misrepresent their licensing status, supporting enforcement and consumer protection.
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About the author
Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
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