The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is one of the most respected international gambling regulators today and oversees a significant number of online casinos. For American football enthusiasts wondering whether they can place NFL bets at MGA-licensed operators, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let’s elaborate.
Understanding MGA License Types
The MGA issues licenses for four distinct game types. Type 2 is specifically designed for fixed-odds betting operations, which is the case for sports betting. All MGA-licensed casinos with a type 2 license can offer American football betting alongside traditional casino games, like slots and table games. Those without a type 2 license cannot.
It’s worth noting that not all MGA casinos include sportsbooks. Many MGA-licensed platforms focus exclusively on casino games like slots and table games. Only a select few offer sports betting options. This distinction matters for bettors specifically seeking NFL action, beyond NFL-themed slot machines, which are standard in most online casinos.
The Popularity of American Football Betting
The NFL has become an absolute juggernaut in the betting world. The American Gaming Association projected approximately $35 billion in legal wagers during the 2024 NFL season, representing a dramatic increase from the $26.7 billion wagered in 2023. This explosive growth reflects both expanding legalization and growing public appetite for football betting.
Analysis of nearly 4 million bettors revealed that Super Bowl participation surges by 220% compared to regular season games, with pre-game wagers dominating at 86% of all bets placed. These indicate that even casual bettors become heavily engaged during the big NFL events and want to take part in the action.
Betting Trends Worth Knowing
Understanding how professional bettors approach NFL wagering can help your strategy. During the 2024 season, the Detroit Lions emerged as the most heavily bet team on a game-to-game basis, delivering for bettors with a 12-5 record against the spread and the second-best cover margin in the league.
Conversely, the Tennessee Titans posted a historically poor 2-15 record against the spread, marking them as the worst-performing team in this metric during the entire Super Bowl era.
These extremes highlight why researching team performance and making educated decisions matter more than simply backing popular franchises or your favourite team.
One betting type that has surged in popularity lately is the player proposition bets. More sportsbooks are offering increasingly sophisticated options, such as same-game parlays, where multiple player outcomes are combined into single high-payout wagers. This type of betting has particularly resonated with younger demographics who prefer more interactive engagement beyond the games themselves.
Tips for NFL Betting
Verify Sports Betting Availability First
Before registering at a casino, confirm it offers sports betting. Many MGA operators focus solely on casino games and won’t offer betting at all.
Focus on Analytics
Do your research before you place your bets. Look at advanced metrics like expected points added, passer rating under pressure, and rushing success rates to influence both team decision-making and betting markets. Bettors who incorporate these statistics alongside traditional measures gain meaningful edges.
Beware Primetime Public Bias
High-profile games on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights attract disproportionate casual betting, often driven by reputation rather than analysis. This can create valuable opportunities for contrarian bettors.
The Regulatory Framework Advantage
The MGA is responsible for regulating over 10% of the world’s virtual casinos and maintains strict standards, including mandatory player protection measures, separate player fund accounting, and comprehensive dispute resolution mechanisms.
Compared to other international licensees, like Curacao and Anjouan, they are far stricter and better for players. This further translates to greater confidence when depositing funds and placing high-stakes wagers.
