Multiple iGaming Sites Faking Malta Gaming Authority Certification

Article by : Erik Gibbs Feb 5, 2025

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued a warning about four online gambling sites falsely claiming to be licensed under its regulatory framework. The watchdog stressed that these platforms are misleading users by displaying unauthorized references to the MGA, despite operating without official approval.

Two of the flagged websites, vavadahades.com and fortwinbam.com, claim they hold a license through Genesis Global Limited. However, this company had its license suspended in 2023 and later went bankrupt. Following the suspension, Genesis Global Limited was ordered to remove all references to the MGA from its platforms, but these two sites have continued to mislead players by falsely associating themselves with the regulator.

The other two sites, debet.moi and debet.bot, have similarly been accused of using the MGA’s logo without authorization. These platforms are linked to Debet, a company that recently became the main sponsor of UK football club Wolverhampton Wanderers. The sponsorship deal, described as the largest in the club’s history, has drawn scrutiny as the gambling sites display regulatory credentials they do not actually possess.

The MGA is urging players to verify the legitimacy of any online gambling operator before placing bets. The regulator highlighted the risks associated with unlicensed platforms, which operate outside of legal oversight and lack consumer protections.

Players using these sites may face issues such as unfair gaming practices, withheld winnings, or difficulty resolving disputes. The authority reminded the public that a complete list of licensed operators is available on its official website.

The gaming regulator has been actively enforcing compliance within the industry. In a report released in November, the MGA revealed that it had issued warnings to 28 companies throughout 2023 and revoked 11 licenses. Despite these regulatory actions, the gaming sector remains a significant part of Malta’s economy, contributing over €1.3 billion (US$1.7 million) last year.

The recent warning from the MGA follows a similar announcement made in October 2022, when the regulator flagged 18 unlicensed gambling domains operating within Malta. Among the unauthorized operators were 24Pokies, an Australian online casino, and 4 Crowns Casino, which listed a Netherlands-based address. At the time, the MGA made it clear that these entities were violating Malta’s Gaming Act by providing services without proper authorization.

The regulator urged players to avoid these sites, stressing that unlicensed operators do not offer the same consumer protections as those holding an official MGA license. That warning came just as Malta introduced new player protection guidelines, highlighting the ongoing effort to regulate the industry and safeguard users against illicit gambling operations.