MGA urges heightened suspicious betting checks for 2026 Youth Olympic Games

The Malta Gaming Authority has called on all licence holders to keep a high level of vigilance and to report any suspicious betting activity promptly during the Youth Olympic Games, which are scheduled to run from 31 October 2026 to 13 November 2026. The authority issued the reminder on 28 October 2026.

The MGA said it was working with the International Olympic Committee and restated its commitment to protecting the integrity of sport and of betting markets, reminding licensees of their obligations under its regulatory framework. Licence holders are required to maintain enhanced monitoring of betting activity and to report any suspicious transaction without delay through the suspicious betting reporting mechanism, in line with Regulation 43 of the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive No. 3 of 2018).

Further guidance on reporting duties and related sports integrity requirements is set out in the Guidance Paper on Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements and Other Sports Integrity Matters. The MGA said licence holders must continue to maintain sound internal governance arrangements, including the appointment of a sports integrity contact person, and to cooperate actively with its Sports Integrity Unit and with other bodies competent for sports integrity.

As at other major international sporting events, licence holders are expected to take a proactive, risk-assessment-based approach for the duration of the competition. The MGA said failure to comply with the obligations may lead to sanctions being imposed by the authority.

The authority also reminded licence holders and third parties acting on their behalf that all commercial communications must comply with the Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09). Advertising must be socially responsible and must not be addressed to minors or vulnerable persons, or cause them harm, directly or indirectly.