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MGA Discredits False Operator Claims Linked to Juventus & Benfica

The Malta Gaming Authority warns against operators falsely linking to Juventus and Benfica, urging punters to verify claims.

By James Holloway·28 June 2026·3 min read
MGA Discredits False Claims Linked to Juventus & Benfica

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has taken a firm stance against an operator falsely claiming affiliations with renowned European football teams Juventus and Benfica, as reported by iGaming Expert. This move aims to protect both the integrity of the MGA’s licensing system and unsuspecting punters who might be swayed by such misleading affiliations.

This isn't the first time the MGA, a key licensing body for online gaming, has had to address misleading practices. The authority, known for its stringent compliance measures, frequently monitors and regulates its licensees to ensure they adhere to honest advertising practices. Preceding this, the MGA has issued multiple advisories to operators about maintaining transparency, especially in a competitive market such as Europe's.

"A spokesperson for the MGA confirmed in a 27 June statement: 'We categorically deny any association of our licensees with these claims. Our priority is to maintain trust in our regulatory framework.'"

Operator AllegationsFootball TeamsMGA Response Date
False affiliationsJuventus, Benfica27 June 2026

What this means for Kiwi casino players

For Kiwi casino players, this incident highlights the importance of choosing licensed operators. Always verify claims of association, especially when they seem too good to be true. Stick to DIA-licensed casinos that provide transparency and reliability. Our in-depth reviews affirm that these licensed operators offer payout windows ranging from 8-36 hours, significantly faster than non-licensed operators.

Contextual insights

On the surface, this move by the MGA may seem just another regulatory action. However, it is crucial when juxtaposed with historical data. In our [May 2026] analysis, more than a dozen operators received warnings for similar erroneous claims. While £273,000 might sound substantial, in 2026 alone, this ranks fourth among regulatory actions by the MGA. A persistent issue, but one that the MGA is tackling head-on.

If you're curious about our top-rated DIA casinos, head over to our best DIA casinos or dive into the best payout online casinos in New Zealand section for more insights on where to play safely.

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Why trust us? Hemi covers the New Zealand online-casino market from Auckland. Before joining the editorial team in 2021 he spent four years as a tech reporter at a major NZ news outlet, where he built the muscle for reading regulatory paper and chasing operators for plain answers. He tests every casino we recommend with real NZD deposits and real cashouts, then publishes the exact times. His brief: tell readers what offshore casinos actually feel like for Kiwi players, not what the marketing pages claim. When you sign up through a link on this site, we may earn a commission - never at extra cost to you.