MGA launches platform to receive alerts on suspicious bets

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched a new platform that will allow sports betting operators to report suspicious activity.

Developed by the Sports Integrity Unit at MGA, the Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism (SBRM) will allow companies to address these problematic issues through a portal.

The launch is part of MGA’s planning for 2020, in which the regulator aimed to expand monitoring of the online gambling and betting sector.

The new feature will be officially available to all licensed operators from January 1, 2021, but has now been introduced to undergo a transition and testing phase.

Founded in August 2019, the Sports Integrity Unit aims to gather information regarding suspicious bets.

The SBRM platform appears after the publication of the Consultation Document on Suspicious Bet Reporting Requirements and Other Sports Integrity Matters, in May this year. The article was praised by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) in July.

In addition, MGA has strengthened its sports integrity network in recent months, having signed data sharing partnerships with various national and international sports entities.

These agreements include the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Swedish Football Association (SvFF), the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association (WPBSA) and the Darts Regulatory Authority (DRA).

About the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

The gaming industry has evolved from the structure of traditional casinos to the iGaming market, which features high-tech innovations to increase player interactivity and make the game available anytime, anywhere.

These developments brought new challenges in the definition of legal parameters. As such, regulators are increasingly recognizing the importance of having an effective legislative and corporate structure.

For this reason, MGA aims to ensure that the game is kept free of crimes and fraud, by intensifying international collaboration efforts.