The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued a directive to all licensed operators under its jurisdiction, calling for increased monitoring and reporting of suspicious betting activities during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The tournament, taking place from June 11 to July 19, is associated with a heightened risk of betting market manipulation, prompting the regulator's heightened vigilance to ensure the integrity of both sports and betting markets.
In an official notice sent to Malta-licensed bookmakers and gambling firms, the MGA stressed the necessity for stringent surveillance protocols aimed at detecting and reporting irregular betting patterns. Operators are reminded of their obligations under Malta’s Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive, specifically Regulation 43, which requires the prompt submission of suspicious betting reports through the MGA’s Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism.
The notice also highlighted the MGA’s continuing collaboration with FIFA to protect sporting events from corruption and betting-related misconduct. Additionally, operators are encouraged to consult the MGA’s Guidance Paper on Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements and Other Sports Integrity Matters.
To enhance regulatory compliance, all operators must designate a Sports Integrity Point of Contact and reinforce their internal controls. They are also required to work closely with the MGA Sports Integrity Unit and other relevant integrity organizations. The MGA warned that non-compliance could lead to serious regulatory repercussions.
In South Africa, the National Gambling Board (NGB) has raised concerns regarding illegal betting during the tournament. Lungile Dukwana, acting CEO of the NGB, explained that illegal operators exploit various digital platforms to target victims. "Once payment is made, victims either lose communication with the operators or are pressured into making further payments. The illegal operators mainly target victims through Facebook advertisements, WhatsApp messages, Telegram groups, SMS push links, fake social media pages, and mobile applications downloaded outside official app stores,” said Dukwana. Such illegal activities can severely disrupt betting markets, threatening the fairness of sports and eroding public confidence in betting operators.
Internationally, regulatory bodies in countries with significant betting markets have also issued similar pre-tournament advisories. The Dutch gambling regulator has announced increased oversight of betting advertisements, warning license-holders that violations of gambling laws will prompt swift enforcement actions with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups and adhering to strict advertising standards. Meanwhile, in France, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has launched an initiative to address rising betting, especially concerning addiction, ahead of the tournament, following a report indicating that 41% of respondents intended to place monetary bets on the World Cup.
