MGA Hits Hard in 2020 With Massive €2.34 Million Fine

The Malta Gaming Authority has started the new decade off with a show of force by issuing Blackrock Media Limited with an unprecedented fine of €2.34 million – the largest fine the Authority has levied against any offending corporation since its inception.

✓MGA Is Clear On Its Role & Responsibility

The MGA brought the full weight of article 25 of the Gaming Act (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta) to bear in this instance.

Chapter 583 of the Gaming Act is:

“AN ACT to make provision for the governance and regulation of gaming services and products from and within Malta, together with all such activities and matters that are ancillary or incidental thereto or connected therewith, and for the establishment and functions of the Malta Gaming Authority.”

Blackrock Media fell foul of the fact that Chapter 583 sees the MGA enforcing the operation of “gaming services and products from and within Malta”.

✓Play By The Rules, Or Else.

The Gaming Authority reported that its joint investigation with the Executive Police found that Blackrock Media had been running an illegal online casino operation from within Malta:

“Blackrock Media Limited (the ‘company’) has paid a total financial penalty of €2.34 million for operating a gaming service through a Maltese legal entity without being in possession of the necessary authorisation.”

From the above statement, the offender tried to mask its illegal gambling services by falsely presenting itself as a licenced entity.

The ruling proves that the MGA is not willing to take it easy on bad actors who look to abuse or circumvent their licencing requirements. The message is clear, “play by our rules or we will hit you where it hurts – your wallet”.