Regulation

The MGA warns about multiple unauthorized websites linked to its name

The Malta Gaming Authority published a list of URLs detected in August 2026 improperly using licenses and false references to the authority, alerting operators and consumers about legal and security risks.

By Miguel SandovalPublished Aug 31, 20263 min readEurope

Official notice from the Malta Gaming Authority about unauthorized URLs and regulatory risks for players and operators

Key Takeaways

The Malta Gaming Authority identified in August 2026 several URLs using its name and licenses without authorization.
None of these sites have any relation or approval from the MGA, and their references are false and misleading.
Maltese regulation requires users and operators to verify licensing status before any interaction with gambling services.
Unauthorized sites lack legal protection and standard security measures, exposing consumers to additional risks.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued a statement clarifying that it has no relation to a number of websites detected during August 2026 that improperly use its name or falsely claim to hold licenses granted by the authority. This action aims to protect legal operators and consumers within the online gambling sector from regulatory and security risks associated with unregulated services.

Official Warning from the Malta Gaming Authority

The MGA published a warning on August 31, 2026, regarding several unauthorized URLs. The identified portals include:

According to the authority, any mention of the MGA or references to gambling licenses supposedly issued by the Malta Gaming Authority on these sites is false and misleading.

Regulatory Risks of Operating Without MGA Authorization

The MGA emphasized that providing online gambling services without proper authorization is a serious infringement of the Maltese regulatory framework. The body reminded that the regulatory regime is designed to ensure consumer protection through strict compliance, transparency, and security requirements.

The activities of unlicensed operators fall outside this legal framework and therefore do not provide the necessary safeguards for customers. This includes a lack of dispute resolution mechanisms, deposit protection, and responsible gambling measures, which the MGA requires from all licensed operators in Malta.

Verification Obligations for Operators and Players

The authority strongly recommends that consumers and industry players verify that any entity they interact with or provide services to is duly authorized by the Malta Gaming Authority. To this end, the MGA makes available a public registry of licensed entities, as well as a list of unauthorized URLs that expands as new infringements are detected in the market.

"The regulatory framework requires authorized individuals to comply with strict legal requirements in the interest of consumers" — official statement from the Malta Gaming Authority

This verification obligation also extends to payment providers and other related services to ensure the integrity of the Maltese operational environment.

Continuous Update of the List of Unauthorized Sites

The MGA actively monitors unauthorized activities in the online environment and periodically updates the public list of URLs involved in such incidents. This list is available to interested parties through the regulatory authority’s official channels. Additionally, a registry of all licensed entities in Malta is available for consultation, allowing both consumers and operators to check the status of any platform or potential partner before interacting with them.

Safeguards of the Maltese Regulatory Framework

The regulatory structure of Malta requires that all licensed operators demonstrate compliance in consumer protection, responsible gambling, funds management, and dispute resolution. By interacting with entities or websites outside this framework, consumers assume significant risks that range from potential loss of funds to the lack of legal recourse in case of incidents.

The MGA’s recommendation remains clear: only the services of operators and portals listed in the official registry of authorized entities should be used, which is available and updated on their institutional page. The email addresses identified in August 2026 represent only a part of the ongoing effort to combat the improper use of the image and regulatory regime of the Maltese authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What websites did the MGA identify as unauthorized in August 2026?

The MGA identified eleven sites, including royalgame-canada.com, royal-game.org, totobet.net, x3bet-uk.com, playex.io, and others, as unauthorized and unaffiliated with the authority.

Why is it risky to interact with sites not licensed by the MGA?

Interacting with sites without MGA authorization exposes consumers to a lack of fund protection, absence of dispute resolution mechanisms, and other safeguards required by the Maltese regulatory framework.

How can one verify if a site operates with an MGA license?

The Malta Gaming Authority maintains an updated registry of licensed entities and a public list of unauthorized URLs, allowing users and operators to check the status of each platform before operating.

Who should verify the licensing status of an operator in Malta?

The MGA advises both consumers and industry players, including payment providers and platforms, to verify the license status of any operational partner before entering into business relationships.

Source: MGA Malta

About the author

Miguel Sandoval

Regulatory Affairs Correspondent

Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.