### Malta Regulator Warns Against Misleading Websites
To begin with, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued a warning to consumers concerning two websites that falsely claim they are licensed within Malta. The sites, Vavadapsv.com and Vulkanind.site, state they are sanctioned by the MGA, yet the regulator has confirmed through a [statement](https://www.mga.org.mt/the-mga-publishes-notice-on-multiple-unauthorised-urls-6/) that there is no affiliation with these websites.
The MGA clarified that any mention of the regulator or gaming licenses in reference to these sites is “false and misleading.” They advised consumers to confirm the legitimacy of service providers before engaging with them, emphasizing that only entities authorized by the MGA should be trusted. The regulator further highlighted that unlicensed operators are not regulated and fail to offer the consumer protections that are required by legal frameworks, thus posing risks to consumers.
### Changes in Merkur Group’s Management
Additionally, Merkur Group, owned by Gauselmann Group, has unveiled an overhaul of its management starting 1 January. Joining the management board will be Dominik Raasch, head of sales and management spokesman, along with Meik Sellenriek, the chief financial officer. David Schnabel, the managing director of Merkur Casinos in Germany, will also join them.
Raasch is set to manage Merkur Sales, while Sellenriek will take charge of the group’s arcade operations both domestically and internationally. Schnabel will steer the newly formed division called ‘Casinos Management Board’.
Michael Gauselmann, chairman of the Merkur supervisory board, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted that Dominik, Meik and David will have more responsibility. They possess the Merkur ethos and have shown their capability to lead strategic advancements in their specific areas.”
### FanDuel’s Partnership with the Professional Women’s Hockey League
Meanwhile, in North America, FanDuel, a part of Flutter Entertainment, has [partnered](https://press.fanduel.com/press-releases/fanduel-extends-position-in-women-s-sports-and-becomes-an-official-sportsbook-partner-of-the-professional-women-s-hockey-league-pwhl) with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). This agreement enables FanDuel to serve as an official sportsbook and exclusive in-app streaming partner in the United States.
The deal provides fans access to live streaming for up to 90 regular season games and playoff matches each year. Additionally, fans can bet on games with options such as player prop bets, novelty markets, and same-game parlays.
Dale Hooper, general manager of FanDuel Canada, remarked, “FanDuel is pleased to work alongside the PWHL and support its athletes. This collaboration heralds a new era for fan interactions, enhancing the visibility of women’s professional sports.”
### Flutter’s Significant Donation to a Cancer Charity
In other news, Flutter has announced a substantial donation exceeding £350,000 (€423,051/$444,787) to the cancer charity, Cure Leukaemia. Flutter’s annual Charity Ball managed to [raise more than £282,000](https://www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/community-blog/news/cure-leukaemia-recieve-over-350k-in-life-changing-support-from-flutter/) to support clinical trials. Additionally, its UK brands, including Sky Betting & Gaming, Betfair, Paddy Power, and Tombola, raised £75,000, bringing the total contribution to £357,000.
These funds are set to bolster the new ATICUS network which operates at a yearly cost of £1 million, supporting 15 centres and hospitals across the UK. Steve Birch, chief commercial officer of Sky Betting & Gaming and Tombola, expressed gratitude, “We are truly thankful for the generosity of everyone who attended, collectively helping us gather significant funds for Cure Leukaemia, aiding their quest to cure blood cancer.”
### Virgin Bet Supports Lower Football Season Ticket Prices
Finally, Virgin Bet, part of the LiveScore Group, is backing a campaign aimed at [reducing season ticket prices for UK football](https://livescoregroup.com/press-news/virgin-bet-is-sponsoring-a-grand-isnt-grand-campaign-to-help-refund-deserving-fans-their-season-ticket-price/). Teaming up with the Sport Social Podcast Network, their initiative ‘A Grand Isn’t Grand’ intends to provide cash prizes to eight Premier League season ticket holders to offset ticket expenses.
This move comes as a response to several Premier League clubs hiking their season ticket prices above £1,000 for the 2024-25 season. Fans can submit entries to win £1,000 towards their tickets until 22 December. Dominic Vye, marketing director at Virgin Bet, stated, “At Virgin Bet, we believe that ‘A Grand Isn’t Grand’ reflects the burdensome cost of being a football fan. We’re dedicated to making sports accessible to all, and with ticket prices on the rise, this campaign is our way of supporting fans who cherish the sport.”