The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has taken a strong stance against AMGO, a prominent online casino and sports betting operator. AMGO, which operates various brands under its Malta license, including Gigapotti.com, Dragonaraonline.com, Pwr.bet, Jetbull.com, and Fantasino.com, has been found guilty of several regulatory breaches.
Failure to Pay License Fees: AMGO was charged with failing to pay its annual license fee for the period between November 22, 2022, and November 22, 2023. An outstanding amount of €13,915 (£12,098/$14,660) remains unpaid.
Non-compliance with Regulatory Deadlines: The second breach relates to AMGO's failure to pay compliance fees within the specified timeframe, violating Regulation 3(1)(a) and Regulation 6 of the Gaming License Fees regulations.
Player Protection Directive Violation: The third breach pertains to Article 38 of the Player Protection Directive, as AMGO failed to meet its commitments to players or resolve imminent issues concerning player protection.
In response to these breaches, the MGA has initiated proceedings to cancel AMGO's license, leaving the operator with a 20-day window from October 31st to provide a written response justifying why their license should not be revoked. AMGO is also required to settle all unpaid fees, including applicable interest, and ensure compliance with Gaming Player Protection Regulations before the MGA considers reinstating the license. Failure to meet these conditions will result in the permanent cancellation of the license.
The MGA's actions against AMGO are part of a broader effort to clamp down on license breaches within the industry. The regulator's recent decisions against other operators, such as the cancellation of Arabmillionaire's license for regulatory violations, illustrate their commitment to enforcing compliance with MGA regulations, including anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules. Last month, Tipster Limited also faced license cancellations after the company was liquidated, emphasizing the MGA's unwavering commitment to upholding industry standards.
This move by the MGA sets a significant precedent for the online gambling sector, reinforcing the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements and maintaining transparency in operations.