The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has cautioned players and stakeholders after confirming that the websites lavbet321.com and kasinoseta.com have no connection to the regulator, despite presenting themselves as affiliated or licensed under Maltese law. In its notice, the Authority described the claims made by these operators as “false and misleading,” reinforcing concerns over the spread of unlicensed platforms within the global online gaming market.
The regulator emphasised that engaging with unlicensed websites poses significant risks for consumers, as such operators are not bound by the strict compliance, fairness, and responsible gambling standards required under Malta’s regulatory framework. Licensed operators are obliged to maintain player safeguards, implement monitoring mechanisms, and uphold transparent operational practices—protections unregulated platforms do not provide.
To support safer participation, the MGA reminded the public that it maintains a publicly accessible register of authorised entities, enabling users to verify whether an operator is legally permitted to offer gaming services in Malta. The announcement aligns with the Authority’s broader enforcement strategy and ongoing efforts to reduce illegal or misleading activity across the sector.
The notice also follows the MGA’s recent launch of a gambling self-assessment tool introduced in October 2025. Developed in collaboration with organisations such as Caritas Malta, Agenzija Sedqa, the OASI Foundation, and the Responsible Gaming Foundation, the tool provides personalised guidance to individuals assessing their gambling behaviour and directs them to support services where needed.
As part of its updated regulatory priorities for 2025, the MGA has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing supervision, strengthening consumer protection, and closely monitoring unlicensed operations. The latest warning highlights the Authority’s focus on maintaining market integrity and ensuring that players remain safeguarded from misleading and unregulated services.
