MGA warns of rogue sites impersonating its licensees
2026-07-17
Source: iGaming Expert
The Malta Gaming Authority has flagged three domains impersonating licensed operators, and reports that 42 of 109 URLs reviewed in 2025 contained fraudulent references to the regulator or its licensees, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect players from unregulated platforms.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued another warning against websites that deceive customers by posing as officially licensed operators. The regulator continues its 2025 crackdown on unlicensed platforms, aiming to shield players from unregulated gambling environments.
In a recent notice, the MGA identified three specific domains that are masquerading as holders of a Maltese licence: manekicasino.bet, dragonaracasino.uk.com, and slot-hunter.at. The authority stated that it has no association with these URLs or any other site that falsely claims a connection to the MGA or its licensees, adding that any references to the MGA or its gaming licences on these domains are fraudulent and misleading.
The MGA reiterated its advice for players to verify an operator’s licence status on its official website before wagering and to use only regulated platforms that fall under Malta’s gaming regulatory framework.
So far in 2025, the authority has examined 109 URLs, of which 42 were found to contain false references to the MGA or its licensees. These URLs have been added to a publicly accessible list to assist players in avoiding rogue operators.
“The challenge facing regulators today is not to regulate more, but to regulate better,” said Charles Mizzi, Chief Executive Officer of the MGA, earlier this month. He explained that throughout 2025 the authority has refined its oversight by strengthening its risk-based approach, improving engagement, streamlining processes, and leveraging data and technology to focus efforts where they have the greatest impact. This, he noted, builds confidence in the Maltese licence, protects players, and supports the long-term sustainability of Malta’s gaming sector.