The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is mulling joining the Macolin Convention—something it has rejected since 2014—which would mean the MGA would not allow gambling companies based on the Mediterranean island nation from providing services to countries where those activities are considered illegal, Yogonet reported August 23.
Local news outlets report that the MGA is seeking legal advice on what impacts might result from joining the convention.
If it ratifies the convention, that would change Malta’s definition of illegal sports betting to mean that websites based in Malta that provide services to jurisdictions where they are banned would be considered illegal websites.
Currently sports betting platforms operating in Malta are not required to prevent players from countries where sports betting is banned from using their services.
MGA has contacted the international law firm of Van Bael & Bellis, which specializes in EU laws, to find out what might result from ratifying the convention. It will pay €22,750 ($24,683) for the advice.
This is seen as a gesture of goodwill as Malta seeks to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) gray list.
At the same time, the island’s parliament amended the Gaming Act to protect gaming companies based on the island from facing legal action from overseas courts. It empowers Maltese courts to deny recognition to foreign court rulings against local gaming companies.
