The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) recently published a detailed report on Maltese football betting. Findings suggest that the betting market is moderate in size and predominantly comprises young urban males, although interest from foreign bettors is peaking slowly. The report underscores the gambling regulator’s focus on player protection and transparency within the local sports betting sector.
Maltese Football Betting Insights at a Glance
- The report is based on the data submitted by B2C Type II licensees between 2023-24. It evaluates consumer demographics, wagering patterns, and player safety protocols prevalent across the market.
- Findings suggest that the market is moderate in size and dominated by young males from urban areas. While foreign bettors wager on Maltese football, the betting volume is limited compared to other markets.
- The review underscores the MGA’s commitment to regulatory oversight in local sports betting markets. The watchdog collaborates with local sports bodies to ensure fair play and a transparent betting ecosystem.
Report Reveals Popular Maltese Football Betting Markets
The Thematic Review is part of the MGA’s broader efforts to establish a risk-based regulatory framework. It is based on data-driven assessments of market segments with higher risk exposure. In October, the regulator launched a new tool for players to track their gambling behaviours, highlighting its focus on real-world insights.
The detailed study was conducted between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024, and collected data from 60 B2C Type II licensees. The report found that 70% of licensees accepted bets on local football, and 37% of Maltese accounts wagered on local sports. Betting volumes varied among operators, ranging from €50 to €800,000.
Some licensees reported payout rates higher than 100% and negative gaming revenue on Maltese football markets. While Match Winner and Total Goals account for 56% and 29% of the average betting market distribution curve, Handicap, Corner, Future, and Card Markets account for 7%, 5%, 2%, and 1%, respectively.
Data shows that, on average, a small fraction of consumers wager on Maltese football. Operators offering a wide range of international betting markets reported a meagre 5% volume. On the other hand, licensees with a localised consumer base reported that 20% of wagers were on Maltese football.
Player Demographics and Cross-border Betting Trends Uncovered
Demographic data suggests that between 85% and 90% of bettors are male. While 18- to 34-year-olds hold the largest share of the market, 35- to 54-year-olds account for a third of betting activities. Regional data demonstrate strong gambling tendencies among the urban male population, with Northern Harbour accounting for 49% of all wagers.
The report shows non-Maltese players betting on local football competitions, highlighting the global reach of Maltese sports. However, the betting volume is limited in comparison to other sports betting markets. The information also highlights the need for strict oversight in local competitions to ensure fair play and transparent betting operations.
Licensees also confirmed that they have integrated a range of player protection measures on their platforms. Operators have put in place various measures to protect players, including automated tools that spot unusual behaviour and procedures for players to report anything suspicious, following the MGA’s advice.
Some operators also prohibit single bets on Maltese football, instead requiring punters to wager on at least one international event in a single betting slip. This reduces overall risk and highlights operators’ obligation to established consumer protection protocols. The findings confirm that while the Maltese football betting market is moderate in size, its integrity relies heavily on licensees’ integrity and commitment to working with the MGA.
The report comes at a time when the Maltese government announced incentives for the iGaming sector in the 2026 Budget Speech. Lawmakers have proposed financial and regulatory incentives to fuel growth in the online gambling industry. The Prime Minister also emphasised long-term gains and a competitive future for the Maltese economy.