TLDR The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issued an advisory warning about unlicensed gambling websites copying licensed brands. A fake site impersonating Dragonara Casino in St. Julian’s was flagged by the regulator. The MGA is urging players to check for a valid licence before depositing money. Germany reported that 254 illegal gambling operators left the market by the end of 2025. 370 advertisers in Germany stopped promoting unlicensed gambling brands.
The Malta Gaming Authority has warned players about a rise in fake gambling websites that pretend to be licensed operators. The regulator issued the advisory on Friday.
It said it has found a pattern of unlicensed sites copying the look and branding of MGA-approved companies. The goal appears to be tricking players into thinking the sites are authorised.
One example named in the advisory was a fake site pretending to be the online business of Dragonara Casino in St. Julian’s. The MGA said this platform is active and has no licence.
How Players Can Spot Fake Sites
The MGA told consumers to check that any gambling site holds a valid licence before signing up or depositing funds. It said this step can be done through official regulator listings.
Licensed operators must follow consumer protection rules. This includes safeguards around deposits, complaints, and responsible gambling tools.
Unlicensed sites do not follow these rules. The MGA said this leaves customers open to greater financial and legal risk if something goes wrong.
The regulator did not say how many fake sites it has identified in total. It also did not confirm whether any players have reported financial losses tied to these copycat platforms so far.
Wider Crackdown Across Europe
The Malta warning comes as regulators across Europe deal with the size of the illegal gambling market. Much of the current debate