Malta Gaming Authority to clamp down on crypto and match-fixing in 2026

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Supervisory Engagement Efforts for 2026, setting out the key regulatory priorities for the year ahead. 

Building on the supervisory framework refined in 2025, the regulator said it will continue to apply a risk-based, evidence-led and outcomes-focused approach to supervision. 

The framework is designed to help the authority identify and assess regulatory risks more effectively, allowing it to direct resources toward areas of greatest concern.

Malta has become somewhat of a hub for iGaming, with technology providers like SOFTSWISS and EveryMatrix, along with traditional betting B2C brands Casumo, Betiton, Tipico and Evoke-owned Mr Green all headquartered in the country. 

Industry giants including Betsson, Kindred and LeoVegas also have established operations in Malta. 

Concerning crypto

The swarm of firms in the area increases the importance of the stringent rules run by the MGA and, for 2026, its supervisory work will centre on three core themes: compliance, player protection and sports betting integrity.

Within these pillars, the authority has identified several targeted focus areas based on its ongoing risk assessments, supervisory observations and engagement with licensed operators.

Key priorities include a thematic review of internal control frameworks governing the use of cash and cash equivalents within the online gaming industry, as well as a separate review focusing on internal controls around the use of crypto assets.

The latter has become more prevalent in the iGaming industry in recent years, with Malta-headquartered SOFTSWISS putting a lot of time and effort into crypto, providing crypto-enabled casino platforms used by an array of online casinos.

Recognising crypto’s growing role in iGaming,  the MGA has implemented strict anti-money laundering and know your customer regulations on operators which allow crypto deposits. 

Malta Gaming Authority turns to sports

The regulator will also conduct focused integrity reviews examining the risks of athletes betting on their own sport, alongside integrity concerns linked to esports betting markets.

Athletes betting on their own sport has been a hot topic this week. On Monday, it was reported that Major League Soccer (MLS) has banned two players, Yaw Yeboah and Derrick Jones, for life after an investigation which found that the pair had been betting extensively on matches throughout 2024 and 2025, including their own. 

In addition, the MGA plans to increase oversight of player protection measures, including closer scrutiny of the quality and consistency of operators’ monthly Alternative Dispute Resolution reporting. These reports ensure operators are complying with any player complaint resolution procedures. 

With regulators around the world ramping up measures on businesses in the industry, many will be keeping an eye on how the situation with the Maltese authority evolves. 

As previously mentioned, the country has such a dense population of iGaming firms and it is yet to be seen whether that trend will continue as other countries target the status of a regional industry hub, Estonia being the main example.