Malta regulator launches suspicious betting reporting tool

The Suspicious Betting Reporting Mechanism (SBRM) is available to all Malta-licensed operators that offer sports betting from today (23 November).

An obligation for operators to report suspicious betting to the MGA had been due to come into effect on 1 January, but the regulator has introduced the tool ahead of this date.

This, the MGA said, is to prepare for a smoother transition and make any allow it to make any necessary changes prior to the official obligation date next year.

All operators must begin to use the SBRM tool from the start of 2021, with the MGA to provide licensees with a manual directing them how to use the new system.

The SBRM is part of the MGA’s suspicious betting reporting requirements, which, published in May, were subject to a consultation with operators.

None of the 10 respondents to the consultation showed any objection to the Suspicious Betting Reporting Requirements directive. However, some flagged concerns about the potential for disputes between operators and players who may find their winnings and bets were withheld due to the launch of an investigation.

The MGA said it would publish a periodic update on the progress of cases so that operators could update impacted customers.