ian-based betting operator CenturionBet Limited has had its online licence suspended by Malta’s gaming regulator, the Maltese Gaming Authority (MGA), after authorities identified ‘procedural irregularities’ in its contracts with external consultants.

Under the terms of the suspension, CenturionBet are required to suspend all gaming operations, transactions including deposits/withdrawals, cease to register new players and provide the MGA with all required data and documentation concerning its operations in Malta.

CenturionBet, which operates the Bet1128 website, told Italian gaming news agency Agimeg that it “deeply regretted” any wrongdoing and that it had acted “in full compliance” with its regulatory obligations under Maltese gaming law.

The company is the subject of a long running investigation in its native Italy over suspected links between it and the Sacra Corona Unita crime syndicate via its reputed owner Francesco Martiradonna, links which have been strenuously denied by the family’s lawyers.

A message on the company’s Bet1128 website confirms the MGA’s decision and limits its existing players to statement checks and accounting operations only, preventing any further betting from taking place.