MGA Fine Company for Provision of Unauthorised Gambling Service

By Simon Wright, Last updated Feb 26, 2021

The Malta Gambling Authority ( MGA ) has ordered a Maltese registered company, Blackrock Media Limited, to pay a financial penalty of €2.4m for operating an online gaming service without the necessary licence and authorisation.

After a joint investigation by the MGA and the Malta executive police, it was determined that Blackrock Media Limited had been processing payments to and from players as part of a gaming service which was not duly authorised.

According to the MGA site: “The aforementioned financial penalty has been paid in terms of a settlement which has been reached with the Authority in terms of article 25 of the Gaming Act (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta).”

Silvio Schembri, Malta’s parliamentary secretary for financial services, said of the penalty imposed on Blackrock Media: “This is proof that our institutions work diligently, efficiently and effectively.”

“It should be noted that this is the highest fine ever issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, which proves the credibility and seriousness the authority operates with to safeguard the reputation of the Maltese jurisdiction in this field.”

“This result was possible through the professional work carried out by means of a joint collaboration between the Malta Gaming Authority and the Malta Police Force.”

“Such result is a clear proof of the Maltese government’s commitment in implementing the recommendations put forward last year in the MONEYVAL report and in strengthening the measures taken so far by the current administration.”

“The gaming industry is an important element of our economy and we must continue to make sure that our jurisdiction will continue to raise the bar and retain the title as the home for gaming excellence.”

Blackrock Media Ltd is owned by Blackrock Entertainment B.V, a company based in Curacao, who operate an online casino called WildSultan.com

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