BTM Entertainment loses Malta licence
BTM Entertainment held a B2C gaming service licence from the Malta regulator. However, this approval has now been withdrawn.
The MGA ordered BTM Entertainment to settle all outstanding fees with the regulator within seven days of the cancellation notice. This is dated 22 March 2024. The regulator added that the decision could be subject to appeal.
Cancellation comes after BTM Entertainment was suspended several years ago in Malta. The operator had its licence held in early 2019, although the MGA did not disclose the reasons for this action.
When the licence was active, BTM Entertainment operated the Roy Richie online gambling brand. This included fixed-odds betting and live betting services.
Rush Gaming stripped of Malta licence
BTM Entertainment is the second business in recent weeks to have its Malta licence cancelled. Earlier in March, Rush Gaming was also stripped of approval in the country.
As was the case with BTM, the regulator did not disclose why it had cancelled the Rush Gaming licence. The business was initially suspended in January, with the full cancellation coming just two months later.
Rush Gaming’s B2C gaming licence covered several gambling activities. These include casino, controlled skill games and fixed-odds offerings such as live betting.
The operator ran both the Fansbet.com and Onebet.com websites. It was ordered to notify all players of the cancellation and settle any outstanding fees.
Mizzi takes charge at MGA
There has been something of a flurry of cancellations since Charles Mizzi took over as CEO of the regulator. Mizzi replaced Carl Brincat in January, who stepped down after two years at the helm.
In addition to BTM and Rush Gaming, those also feeling the wrath of the regulator in recent months include Super7Plus, which lost its licence in January.
Mizzi joined the MGA from Residency Malta Agency, where he served as CEO for five years. He also held other senior roles during his career including head of the image and communications unit at BNF Bank.