Malta regulator: few betting integrity reports don't mean weak monitoring

Operators licensed in Malta that rarely report suspicious bets are not necessarily watching too little, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has concluded. The regulator has published the findings of a thematic review on sports betting integrity.

The review covered Authorised Persons that had submitted few or no Suspicious Betting Reports since the reporting requirements were introduced. It formed part of the MGA’s risk-based supervision. Through supervisory meetings and reviews, the regulator assessed monitoring systems, internal escalation procedures, reporting arrangements and safeguards.

The details

• Low reporting: in several cases it reflected risk management, including restrictive betting limits and removal of events seen as particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
• Good practice: real-time monitoring systems, effective cooperation between risk and compliance teams, and safeguards to stop athletes and sports personnel placing prohibited bets.
• To improve: clearly documented escalation procedures and reporting responsibilities, monitoring backed by appropriate human oversight, and a consistent understanding of reporting obligations.

The MGA says the publication is meant to help licence holders assess and strengthen their arrangements. The summary does not name any operator or say how many were reviewed.

What’s next

The MGA says it will keep monitoring progress through its supervisory work and will take the findings into account when developing future guidance and supervisory priorities.