MGA requires enhanced suspicious-betting monitoring during 2026 Youth Olympic Games

The Malta Gaming Authority has reminded licensees to increase monitoring of betting activity and to report suspicious transactions without delay during the Youth Olympic Games, which run from 31 October to 13 November 2026. The MGA said the requirement applies under Regulation 43 of the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018), with reports to be made through the Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism.

The regulator said it was acting in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee and restated its commitment to protecting the integrity of sport and betting markets. It pointed licensees to its Guidance Paper on Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements and Other Sports Integrity Matters for further guidance on reporting and related sports integrity obligations.

Licensees are expected to keep internal governance arrangements in place, including naming a Sports Integrity Point of Contact, and to cooperate actively with the MGA Sports Integrity Unit and other relevant integrity bodies. The MGA said licensees should take a proactive, risk-based approach throughout the tournament period, as at other major international sporting events.

The MGA said failure to meet these obligations may result in enforcement action. It also reminded licensees and third parties acting for them that all commercial communications must comply with the Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09), and that advertising must be socially responsible and must not target or otherwise harm minors and vulnerable persons, directly or indirectly.