MGA adds eight more brands to their unauthorised URLs list during August

The world of online casinos can be a hazardous place sometimes. With so many casino companies looking to turn a profit, there are always some that operate in what can be described as unscrupulous ways.

In this article, we look at some of the perils in the online casino market and report on how the Malta Gaming Authority has recently added a total of eight new brands to its list of unauthorised URLs.

Every online casino needs a license

In order to operate legally in the iGaming industry, every online casino will need to apply for a license from one of the many gaming authorities in the world. As most people know, the Malta Gaming Authority remains one of the most reputable and long-standing governing bodies.

Applying for a license is not exactly a straightforward process. Gambling companies will need to provide the authorities with plenty of paperwork and attachments as well as go through rigorous testing. In addition to this, casinos will need to commit themselves to the principles of responsible gaming and other similar practices.

Only after a long licensing process will the casino brands be able to obtain their licenses. However, some authorities will take longer to go over their applications than others. Historically speaking, getting the MGA license is particularly difficult and time-consuming. This is largely due to strict European Union oversight and regulations in the area.

The difficulty of getting an MGA license makes wearing the license’s logo on the website a proverbial badge of honour for casinos that have successfully gone through the process and come out on the other side of it.

Eight new casinos caught with fake MGA licenses

Since obtaining an MGA license adds a lot of credibility to any casino brand, it should come as no surprise that some casinos will try to exploit the system. In August 2024, the Malta Gaming Authority added the following eight casinos to its list of casinos that falsely claim to be operating under an MGA license:

• http://www.70bet.com
• http://www.81bet.com
• http://www.67bet.com
• http://www.755bet.com
• http://www.ob9myr.com
• http://www.136bet.com
• https://lotusbook.io
• http://www.youplayfortuna.com

These casinos have effectively been added to the MGA’s Unauthorised URLs page. There, the MGA declares that it has “no connection with the below-listed URL” and that any reference to the MGA stated on the domains “is false and misleading.” Those looking for real MGA casinos could take a look at mgacasino.fi. On that website, there is a large list of legitimate MGA casinos.

Always do your own research

Those wanting to play at actual Malta Gaming Authority casinos are recommended to do their own research to ensure that the brands are indeed operating under said license. Instead of only looking for a logo in the footer of the homepage, customers should make sure to click on the logo and see if there is more information available on the license. Typically, legitimately licensed online casinos will mention the serial number of their license as well as link to it.

If you want to be sure, you might also go to the MGA’s website yourself and look at the so-called Licensee Register to see if the brand you are looking at is on the list of verified operators. Malta is a major player in the industry and has hundreds of brands listed under it.

Choosing to use online casinos that claim to have an MGA license when they do not can have devastating consequences. Chances are that casinos that are using such devious ways to trick their potential customers are going to act maliciously in other ways as well. For instance, they might not pay out winnings and instead look for excuses to confiscate them.

Conclusion

Online casino customers should never take risks by playing at online casinos that do not have the proper licensing. Unfortunately, there are several bad actors looking for easy money in the online gambling industry. Staying vigilant and keeping up with the MGA licensee register is a good way to stay safe out there.

Disclaimer: Players must be 18 years + to partake in any gambling, betting or casino activity. Players are urged to seek help if they require it. Players play at their own risk.