MGA Warns Public About Four Unlicensed Gambling Sites

Are you betting on a site that falsely claims to be licensed? You might be at risk! The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has identified four gambling websites operating without a valid license, misleading players with false claims of regulatory approval. By exposing these fraudulent sites, the MGA aims to protect players and uphold gaming industry integrity. Stay informed and ensure your online betting experience is safe and secure.

MGA Issues Warning on Four Unlicensed Gambling Sites Misusing Its Name

Key Points:

1. MGA Identifies Four Unlicensed Gambling Sites
   • The sites falsely claim to be licensed or misuse the MGA’s logo.
   • Two sites are linked to Vietnamese betting operator Debet.
2. Genesis Global Licence Misuse Exposed
   • Two other sites falsely claim to operate under Genesis Global’s revoked MGA licence.
   • Genesis Global went bankrupt in 2023 after major regulatory failures.
3. MGA Stresses Importance of Playing on Licensed Sites
   • The regulator warns that unlicensed sites offer no consumer protections.
   • Players should verify a site’s licence on the MGA website before betting.

MGA Names and Warns Public About Four Fraudulent Gambling Websites

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued a public warning about four online gambling sites operating without a valid licence. These websites either falsely claim MGA accreditation or misleadingly display the regulator’s official logo.

The sites named by the MGA are:

• Debet.moi and Debet.bot – Linked to Vietnamese operator Debet, a sponsor of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
• Vavadahades.com and Fortwinbam.com – Illegally using Genesis Global Limited’s revoked MGA licence.

The regulator has made it clear that it has no affiliation with these sites and that any reference to the MGA is both false and misleading. Players engaging with unlicensed operators risk losing their funds and have no consumer protection in case of disputes.

Debet-Linked Websites Misuse MGA Logo

Debet, a Vietnamese-based gambling operator, has been caught falsely displaying the MGA’s logo on its websites Debet.moi and Debet.bot. The company, which sponsors English Premier League football team Wolverhampton Wanderers, has no connection with the Maltese gaming authority.

The misuse of the MGA’s logo can mislead bettors into believing these sites are legally licensed and regulated. However, without an official MGA licence, these sites operate outside the law and do not offer the player protections required by regulated operators.

Genesis Global Licence Fraud: Vavadahades.com and Fortwinbam.com

The other two fraudulent sites—Vavadahades.com and Fortwinbam.com—are falsely claiming to be licensed under Genesis Global Limited. However, Genesis Global had its MGA licence revoked in 2023 after filing for bankruptcy and laying off 140 employees in Malta.

Genesis Global had previously exited the UK gambling market after being fined £3.8 million by the UK Gambling Commission for failing to comply with anti-money laundering and responsible gaming regulations.

Despite the company’s collapse, some rogue operators continue to use Genesis Global’s former MGA licence as a front. The MGA has confirmed that the licence is no longer valid and warns players against trusting these sites.

MGA Urges Players to Verify Licences Before Betting

The MGA has strongly advised players to check an operator’s licence status before placing bets. The easiest way to do this is by visiting the official MGA website and using their public licence verification tool.

In its warning, the MGA highlighted the risks of gambling on unlicensed platforms:

“The activities of unlicensed entities are unregulated and do not provide the necessary safeguards… making transactions with such entities risky for consumers.”

MGA’s Regulatory Activity in 2023

The MGA remains committed to strengthening its oversight of the online gambling industry. According to its latest annual report:

• 24 new gaming licence applications were submitted in 2023, a drop from 41 in 2022.
• 15 licences were granted, while 13 applications were rejected or withdrawn.
• 28 warnings were issued to gaming operators, with 9 licences suspended and 11 cancelled.
• The MGA imposed €172,900 in fines through administrative penalties and regulatory settlements.

Meanwhile, the regulator has also been working on sustainability initiatives, with 14 gambling operators achieving the MGA’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting standard since its launch in July 2023.

The MGA’s latest warning highlights the growing issue of unlicensed gambling operators misleading players with false claims of regulatory approval. Debet and rogue operators misusing Genesis Global’s former licence have been exposed for their deceptive practices.

Players must remain vigilant when choosing an online gambling site. By verifying licences directly through the MGA website, bettors can ensure a safe and regulated gaming experience. As the industry continues to evolve, strong regulatory oversight is crucial in maintaining integrity and player protection.