The investigation was sparked by the latest batch of arrests in Italy by anti-mafia police, as part of Palermo’s “Game Over” operation.
With the inquiry now closed, one licence has been suspended, one cancelled and three companies have chosen to avoid scrutiny by unilaterally “terminating” their own licences. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) last month began an investigation into all of its licensees connected to Italy or owned by Italians in an effort to avoid further connections between Malta-licensed operators and organised crime being uncovered by Italian police. At least five Italian gambling companies have exited Malta following an investigation by the regulator into links to organised crime and unlicensed betting shops.
