MGA strengthens stand against false licence claims amid Casinowinner.io warning
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has stepped up its efforts to protect players and its regulatory integrity, issuing a fresh warning against Casinowinner.io for falsely claiming an MGA-issued licence.
In a public notice, the Authority confirmed that it has no connection with Casinowinner.io and stressed that any reference to an MGA licence by the platform is . Without authorisation, sites fall outside Malta’s regulatory shield, putting players at risk of illegal activity, unfair conditions, and unsecured transactions.
The MGA is done whispering. It wants teeth, not talk. It needs public enforcement that doesn’t flinch. Instead of handling infractions quietly, Malta’s regulator is now calling out, warning, and cutting off bad actors in the open market. The era of polite warnings is ending, and the gloves are coming off.
A battle for trust in a crowded market
At first glance, the Casinowinner.io situation might appear as just another isolated case. Yet, it sits within a growing web of challenges for regulators worldwide, not least in Malta.
Unauthorised gambling websites have increasingly used fake licensing claims to lure players into unsafe environments. In March 2025 alone, the MGA flagged several sites, including nagacash9x.com and ebet.agency, for similar misconduct. Look closer, and a pattern emerges: rogue operators dressing up lies to pass for real licences.
The MGA’s more robust posture is no coincidence. This move follows the MGA’s 2025 regulatory update, where the Authority committed to sharper, data-driven compliance and more assertive enforcement. Operators should prepare for sharpened oversight, tougher inspections, and patience thinning for any slip that could tarnish Malta’s premier standing in the gaming world.
Reclaiming the narrative
Casinowinner.io is not alone in attempting to exploit old or outdated images of trust. Only recently, SiGMA News reported on a series of unauthorised URLs using the old MGA logo, with some sites even fabricating screenshots of fake licences.
The damage caused by such schemes is twofold. Not only do players risk financial and data loss, but regulatory brands like the MGA suffer erosion of the trust they have spent decades building. In a world where credibility is currency, regulators cannot afford even the suggestion of counterfeit legitimacy.
By calling out offenders directly, the MGA is reclaiming its narrative positioning itself not just as a rule-setter, but as an active guardian of gaming safety.
The Malta Gaming Authority’s hard stance against Casinowinner.io mirrors a continent-wide trend. Across Europe, regulators are tightening controls, increasing penalties, and reinforcing their reputations through more aggressive enforcement against unauthorised and non-compliant operators.
Europe’s unified clampdown
Europe’s regulators are singing from the same hymn sheet, coming down heavier on rogue operators and tightening the rules to increase the perception of tighter compliance standards.
- Malta: The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has intensified its enforcement actions, increasing the frequency and severity of penalties since 2023. Operators now face administrative penalties ranging from €5,000 to €50,000 for standard violations and fines up to €1 million for serious breaches such as anti-money laundering (AML) failures or responsible gambling violations. Inspections, audits of player funds, and substance requirements have all been stepped up, reinforcing that maintaining a Malta licence demands genuine, ongoing compliance.
- The Netherlands: The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) introduced a new structured fine policy in 2025. The most severe violations can incur penalties of up to €4 million, with turnover-related fines of up to 3 percent of gross revenue also available. This structured approach aims to provide greater deterrence against AML breaches and unlicensed operations.
- United Kingdom: The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has issued record-breaking penalties in recent years, including £17 million (€20 million) against Entain and £19.2 million (€22.6 million) against William Hill. These fines relate to failures in AML, counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. The UKGC has also introduced mandatory third-party audits and enhanced affordability checks for higher-risk operators.
- France: France’s regulator (ANJ) has prioritised illegal site suppression through swift IP blocking and new partnerships with tech intermediaries. New legal reforms let France block unauthorised gambling sites faster, strengthening its enforcement power.
- Sweden: Sweden has launched a review of its Gambling Act to strengthen restrictions against offshore operators. With up to 30 percent of players using unlicensed platforms, Sweden’s government is pushing for stricter penalties and improved channelisation.
A coherent message
Meanwhile, the message across Europe is growing louder: unauthorised and non-compliant gambling operators have no place in the industry’s future. Regulators are increasing fines and adopting more dynamic tools and cross-border strategies to drive rogue operators out. Compliance is no longer a box-ticking exercise, but a continuous commitment to player safety and regulatory integrity. Those who don’t adapt may soon find the whistle-blowing and the penalties harsher than ever.
No haven for unauthorised operators
The MGA is turning the tide. A harsher, less merciful era of gaming regulation is rising, eroding the shelters for deception and feeding a public hunger for deeper transparency to not damage Malta’s iGaming significance. Other regulators are likely to follow suit, tightening cross-border collaborations and imposing heavier penalties for misuse of licensing marks.
Here is a simple truth for players: if you would not trust a stranger with your wallet, do not trust an unverified site. Always verify before you trust. The MGA where players can quickly check an operator’s status.
And for the rogue sites peddling lies and fake badges of honour? The game is up. And this time, the regulatory referee has the whistle and is not afraid to blow it.
