MGA Warns Against Six Gambling Sites Over False Licence Claims
MGA Issues Warnings Over Websites Falsely Claiming Maltese Licences – Regulator Flags Misuse of Name and Cancelled Licence Codes
Key Takeaways
- The Malta Gaming Authority has identified six websites that falsely claim links to or licences from the regulator.
- Two OP7 domains display the MGA name alongside references to Juventus, Benfica, and other gaming bodies.
- One site cites an MGA licence code linked to Genesis Global Limited, whose licence was cancelled in 2024.
- The MGA reiterates that consumers should verify authorisation through its official registry before using gambling services.
MGA Flags Six Websites for False and Misleading References
The Malta Gaming Authority has publicly distanced itself from six online gambling websites that it says are acting in a false and misleading manner by referring to the regulator on their platforms. The URLs identified are linked to brands including OP7, ufabet.black, playtok.bet, slotblastcasheu.vip and www.vulkanworld.com.
According to the regulator, these websites reference the MGA despite not being authorised to provide gambling services under its framework. The authority stated that unlicensed entities operate outside its regulatory safeguards, exposing consumers to potential risks.
The warning forms part of a series of notices issued by the MGA concerning unauthorised operators that misuse its name or logo.
OP7 Sites Display MGA Branding and Football Club References
Two of the flagged URLs belong to the operator OP7. Both sites display the MGA moniker together with references to Curacao Gaming and the European Gaming and Betting Association. The platforms also feature the crests of European football clubs Juventus and Benfica.
No mention of OP7 appears on the official websites of either football team. However, OP7 Sports released a video on Instagram that appears to show Juventus players wishing fans a Happy Chinese New Year.
The OP7 sites also state that they hold an “offshore licence NO 16-0025”, without specifying the jurisdiction issuing that licence. The absence of a clearly identified licensing authority makes independent verification difficult.
The issue is particularly notable given that online gambling is expressly prohibited in Mainland China. The Chinese government has previously warned that gambling can result in severe personal and financial consequences.
Additional Websites Citing Unverified or Incorrect Licences
The other domains listed by the MGA present similar issues relating to licensing claims.
Ufabet describes itself as a Thai football betting website offering sports wagering and online casino games. The platform claims oversight by the “internationally recognised Malta Gaming Authority” but does not provide a licence code to support that statement.
Playtok, presented as a Philippine site with design elements resembling TikTok, displays both Curacao Gaming Authority and MGA logos. However, it makes no reference to a licence from PAGCOR, which would be required to operate in the Philippines.
Vulkan World offers multiple language options, while its chat function appears in Ukrainian. When users follow the site’s licence link, they are redirected to a page claiming registration under Genesis Global Limited and licensing under MGA licence MGA/B2C/314/2015. A search of the MGA’s official registry does not return this licence code.
Genesis Global Limited previously held licence MGA/CRP/314/2015, but that licence was cancelled in 2024. The same MGA/B2C/314/2015 code was previously cited by Vavada Ltd. In February 2025, the MGA issued a similar warning concerning that reference.
Long Running Misuse of the MGA Name and Logo
The unauthorised use of the MGA’s name and logo is not a new development. The regulator’s first notice addressing such misuse dates back to 2006.
In recent months, the authority has continued to publish warnings about specific domains. In June, it issued a notice concerning dragonia-casino.at and dragonia-de.de. Similar lists were released in January and February.
In each case, the regulator reminded consumers to verify whether an entity is authorised by consulting the official MGA registry before engaging with its services. The authority emphasised that transactions with unlicensed operators are not subject to the regulatory safeguards required under Maltese law.
What This Means for International Gambling and Crypto Users
For international users, including those evaluating crypto betting platforms or offshore sportsbooks, the notices underline the importance of checking licence credentials directly with the issuing authority. Displaying a regulator’s logo or referencing a licence number does not in itself confirm authorisation.
The cases highlighted by the MGA show different methods used by websites to suggest legitimacy. These include citing vague offshore licences without naming a jurisdiction, displaying regulator logos without licence codes, referencing cancelled licence numbers, and associating brands with well known football clubs.
For users comparing platforms across jurisdictions, the ability to independently verify a licence remains a key safeguard. The MGA’s registry provides a searchable database of authorised operators and licence holders.
Our Assessment
The Malta Gaming Authority has identified six websites that it says falsely reference its regulatory status, including cases involving unverified offshore licences and licence numbers linked to cancelled approvals. The regulator continues to issue public notices as part of an ongoing effort to address misuse of its name and logo. For consumers, the development reinforces the need to confirm licensing information through official regulatory channels before using online gambling services.
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