MGA publishes findings from thematic review on sports betting integrity reporting and escalation

The Malta Gaming Authority has published the findings of a Thematic Review examining how Authorised Persons identify, assess and escalate potential Sports Betting Integrity concerns. The review was undertaken as part of the MGA’s risk-based supervisory approach, focusing on Authorised Persons that had submitted few or no Suspicious Betting Reports since the introduction of the relevant reporting requirements. Through Supervisory Meetings and Reviews, the MGA assessed the monitoring systems, internal escalation procedures, reporting arrangements, and safeguards in place to address potential sports betting integrity risks. The review found that low reporting volumes were not necessarily indicative of inadequate monitoring. In several cases, they reflected proactive risk management measures, including restrictive betting limits and the removal of events considered particularly vulnerable to manipulation. The findings highlighted both good practices and areas for improvement. Examples of good practice included the use of real-time monitoring systems, effective collaboration between risk and compliance teams, and safeguards aimed at preventing athletes and sports personnel from engaging in prohibited betting activity. Areas for improvement included ensuring that internal escalation procedures and reporting responsibilities are clearly documented, strengthening monitoring arrangements through appropriate human oversight, and promoting a consistent understanding of reporting obligations. The publication is intended to support Authorised Persons in assessing and enhancing their existing arrangements, while encouraging the adoption of good practices identified through the review. The MGA will continue to monitor progress through its ongoing supervisory work and will take the findings of this review into consideration when developing future guidance and supervisory priorities. Find out more by reading the full thematic review here.