MGA Warns Operators Over Covid-19 Marketing

Malta's gaming regulator, the Malta Gaming Authority, has sent out a reminder to licensees where they impart the importance of not mentioning Covid-19 in their marketing materials to customers.

Licensees who mention the pandemic either directly or indirectly will be considered to have violated the regulations set forth. The marketing rules stipulate that casino operators may not promote antisocial behaviors, or state that betting can be a solution to a variety of issues that players may encounter.

This move follows rules from the UK Gambling Commission, which warned their own operators to not promote online betting as a way to deal with the pandemic. The KSA in the Netherlands also issued warnings, saying that they'll seek €50,000 fines for operators who promote gambling as a way to deal with the pandemic and lockdowns, even if they're offshore and don't hold a gaming license.

Operators who violate the marketing terms in Malta will be subject to penalties including large fines.