The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released a report examining betting activity on domestic football. This is part of its ongoing commitment to supervision and risk management. The authority believes that, given the strong presence of the betting industry in Malta, domestic football may face higher integrity risks than usual.
Scope of the Review
The study analyzed data from 60 licensees covering the period from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024. This period encompasses a full football season. About 70% of licensees offered markets on domestic football, while 37% reported handling wagers from Maltese accounts on local competitions.
Betting Volumes and Trends
Stakes varied widely among operators, with the highest volume exceeding €800,000 ($923,000). Some licensees reported negative revenue, indicating that they operated at a loss on domestic football. Most bets focused on the match winner, though overall, the proportion of Maltese-based bettors wagering on local football remained low. Notably, several operators accepted bets from non-Maltese accounts, highlighting potential cross-border integrity risks.
Integrity Measures in Place
The MGA emphasized that continuous monitoring of cross-border betting is critical to maintain integrity. Many licensees indicated that they deploy automated tools and advanced fraud detection systems to track unusual betting activity. Some operators also apply rules requiring account holders to place additional bets outside Maltese football on each betting slip. This further reduces potential manipulation risks.
Financial Overview
The MGA’s report builds on its 2024 annual report. This report recorded €84.1 million in revenue generated across the licensed betting sector.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the MGA’s proactive approach to safeguarding integrity in Malta’s football betting sector. By monitoring both domestic and cross-border activity and enforcing robust compliance measures, the authority aims to maintain a secure and transparent betting environment.
