In a decisive move by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Winners Malta Operations has been stripped of its gaming licence effective from 11 January. In the wake of this decision, the operator has been instructed to halt all activities sanctioned under the auspices of the now-invalid Malta licence.
The particulars that precipitated the MGA’s resolution have not been made public. Nonetheless, the regulator has delineated a series of obligations that Winners Malta Operations must adhere to in light of the licence revocation. Paramount among these is the company’s responsibility to settle any remaining fees owed to the MGA within a five-day window from the cancellation date. Furthermore, the now-defunct operator is required to ensure the return of any and all funds to its customers, coupled with an imperative to furnish the MGA with a report confirming the completion of such reimbursements.
In its pursuit of compliance and rectification, Winners Malta Operations is also tasked with the eradication of any mentions or representations of the Malta licence from their internet presence. While the chance to lodge an appeal against the cancellation decision exists, the MGA has provided no commentary on potential outcomes or considerations in this regard.
The revocation of Winners Malta Operations’ licence is not an isolated instance but rather part of a broader pattern of escalated regulatory enforcement action by the MGA. The gambling watchdog has, over recent weeks, laid down a series of suspensions and cancellations, sending a clear signal of its intent to maintain strict oversight and governance over the gaming sector.
A recent example in this spate of regulatory actions involves the termination of the B2C gaming licence previously held by Genesis Global. After initially having its licence suspended in January of the preceding year, the full cancellation bestowed upon Genesis Global effectively prohibited the continuation of gambling offerings under its permit.
This decision has far-reaching implications, affecting a total of 23 websites that operated under the licence including, but not limited to, Vegasoo.com, Sloty.com, Casinojoy.com, Spinit.com, and Genesiscasino.com. The loss of licence implies a significant upheaval for Genesis Global, which must now reconfigure its business strategies to adapt to the new regulatory landscape.
In a similar vein, Rush Gaming has found its licence in abeyance, though with the caveat of suspension rather than outright cancellation. The suspension is in effect indefinitely, bearing potential impacts on the company’s Fansbet.com and Onebet.com websites which are currently under scrutiny.
Moreover, Betago stands as yet another causality in this regulatory overhaul, having its licence withdrawn just a week prior. The MGA’s instructions are clear: Betago has been directed to refund players’ funds and expunge any references to its Malta licence from its digital interfaces, mirroring the conditions imposed on Winners Malta Operations.
The MGA’s heightened vigilance and assertive licence management underscore its commitment to preserving the integrity and trustworthiness of the Malta gaming sector. With an environment that is swiftly adapting to increasing global scrutiny, the message to operators is unequivocal: adhere to the regulatory framework or face the stark consequences of non-compliance. As Malta continues to assert its role as a premier gaming jurisdiction, the MGA remains vigilant in ensuring fair play and responsible gaming conduct, safeguarding both consumer interests and the reputation of the industry.
