MGA calls on licensed operators to strengthen betting checks for 2026 Youth Olympics

The Malta Gaming Authority has called on all licensed operators to strengthen monitoring of sports betting and to report any anomalies promptly during the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which are scheduled to run from 31 October to 13 November 2026. The authority said it was acting in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee and restated operators' obligations under national rules.

Operators must use the Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism to report any suspicious transaction without delay, an obligation set out in article 43 of the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018). The MGA also referred operators to its Guidance Paper on Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements and Other Sports Integrity Matters for guidance on how to make reports and on related integrity duties.

Licensed companies must maintain governance and control systems and designate a Sports Integrity Point of Contact, a person tasked with integrity matters who is to ensure effective liaison with the MGA's Sports Integrity Unit and other competent bodies and to support the timely exchange of information when potentially irregular situations arise. As with other major international sporting events, the authority expects operators to take a proactive, risk-based approach for the duration of the event, with the aim of identifying anomalous behaviour in betting markets promptly and responding adequately to possible threats to the integrity of competitions.

The MGA said failure to meet monitoring, reporting and cooperation obligations may lead to measures by the authority within its supervisory and enforcement remit. It also reminded licensed operators and third parties acting on their behalf that the Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09) require gambling advertising to be socially responsible, must not target minors or vulnerable people and must not cause them harm, directly or indirectly. The authority said protection of minors is a central element of the commercial communication rules for a youth sporting event.