03/10/2012 : MALTA GAMBLING AUTHORITY SHOWS ITS TEETH
Sanctions and suspensions
The Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) has announced sanctions against Everleaf Gaming Ltd along with the suspension of licencee Mowjow Gaming Limited and Mowjow Technology Limited.
Little information is forthcoming on the reasons behind the decision but industry observers speculate that concerns have arisen following Everleaf's withdrawal from the U.S. market, the closure of a payment processor and seizure of funds along with US player withdrawal complaints.
A brief statement from the authority reads:
"The LGA Enforcement Unit issued sanctions against Everleaf Gaming Ltd following an investigation which emerged with a number of irregularities in their operation. Everleaf Gaming is being monitored closely to ensure its operation respects Maltese law."
The LGA has referred its case against Mowjow Gaming Ltd to the Police of Malta for the initiation of criminal procedures against the company and its shareholders following the authority's decision to suspend the operators licence.
No further information was divulged on the reasons behind the suspension with the LGA saying "the authority was bound not to say more so as not to prejudice the judgement of the police investigating the case".
Mowjow is an online gaming company that was marketing the launch of and taking registrations for a social money type game that fell across the lines of social media, mobile communication and online gaming as recently as the end of January 2012. Based in London and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Mowjow is headed up by Andreas Christensen, Chairman and CEO.