Malta Gaming Authority warns operators over esports integrity

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has called on licensed operators to maintain high standards of integrity if offering markets on esports events.

Regulators have seen a “significant boost” in firms offering esports betting in the wake of the international shutdown of sporting events due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a guidance note released to operators, the MGA warned that esports events may be “lacking the standard integrity checks” due to most events now being run online.

“Just like other sports, esports has varying levels of professional, semi-professional and amateur tournaments, and while many esports events are organised in a highly professional manner, others are not. And in a new sector such as esports, this distinction may not be easy to make,” the MGA stated.

The MGA has told operators to ensure customers understand the distinction between esports and virtual sports events, as well as ensuring that all matches on which markets are offered have not been pre-recorded.

It has also recommended operators investigate whether esports tournaments operate integrity controls before offering betting markets, as well as contacting organisers for more information on the participants and officials involved.

MGA officials have told operators to maintain betting integrity and fraud checks to ensure participants and those involved in the events do not place bets, reporting any such instances to the relevant regulatory entity.

Last month, the MGA warned operators to be socially responsible in communicating with players during the coronavirus lockdown, calling on firms to be mindful of their actions and those of their affiliates.