Here is a compilation of casinos that are officially licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority.
Since beginning the issuance of gambling licenses in 2001, the Maltese authority has positioned itself as a key player within the European online gambling landscape. The industry contributes over €80 million annually to Malta's economy.
Securing an MGA license serves as a reliable means for operators to launch an online casino. The authority is meticulous about ensuring that online casinos operate with integrity, earning the trust of players. Only those casinos that demonstrate fairness receive permits from the Maltese regulator.
The Remote Gaming Regulations, specifically S.L. 438.04, form the primary framework for issuing MGA gambling licenses. The initial regulations were laid down in April 2004 and remained in effect until 2018, when new laws were enacted. The regulatory framework maintains a technology-neutral stance, applying to both land-based and online gambling venues.
Acquiring a gambling license in Malta provides a secure and reliable way to legally establish your gaming business. The existing legislation offers comprehensive guidelines detailing how any gaming entity should function.
Four distinct types of gaming licenses are issued by the MGA to gambling establishments.
Both international and Maltese enterprises can select from four varying types of gaming licenses:
- Type 1 — designated for online casinos and gaming halls utilizing RNG-driven games.
- Type 2 — meant for online bookmakers that take various bet types at predetermined odds.
- Type 3— for platforms offering poker, lottery services, raffle contests, and other peer-to-peer games.
- Type 4— tailored for suppliers of both hardware and software, as well as those providing hosting services.
Prior to 2018, MGA licenses were granted for a duration of five years, but currently, they remain valid for ten years. Operators do not have to reapply for each license type; they simply need to indicate their service classification after initial licensing, alleviating the need for a complete re-licensing process.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) engages in thorough examinations of company operations and scrupulously assesses all documents submitted. Acquiring a license can be quite challenging for newcomers in the gaming field due to the extensive verification processes involved. However, achieving this licensure can significantly elevate your casino enterprise.
For entrepreneurs experienced in the gambling industry, the process to secure a gaming license in Malta typically spans two to four months. The complexity of obtaining certification is elevated, particularly for those pursuing the initial category of licenses.
Understand the regulations and criteria needed to successfully obtain a license from the Malta Gaming Authority.
The operator must incorporate their business within the jurisdiction of Malta and will also receive a designated phone number linked to their registered address.
Other terms from the licensor:
- All documents must be prepared in English since the Malta Gaming Authority only accepts submissions that have been translated into this language.
- Compile a comprehensive list of employees that includes detailed resumes, copies of passports, certificates indicating a clean criminal record, and letters of reference.
- Submit a detailed business plan that outlines the project, including financial forecasts and marketing approaches.
- Share comprehensive details regarding your security systems, software publisher certifications, methods for storing client data, and transaction histories.
After successfully navigating all required stages and obtaining the regulator’s consent, licensed casinos are permitted to operate in a testing phase for 60 days, during which the licensing authority conducts an audit of the online platform's technical framework.
An initial audit of a casino that has obtained a Malta gaming license occurs within the first year after certification and is repeated three years later. The regulator checks to ensure proper operational conditions, including the functionality of the random number generator and adherence to responsible gaming practices. The auditing fee is €4600 1.5 years after license acquisition; thereafter, it increases to €7000. .
Licence Cost
Licence type | Rate |
---|---|
Type 1 | During the first 1.5 years post-licensing, there is no fee, followed by a charge of €2300 for the subsequent six months and €4600 thereafter. |
Type 2 | 0.5% from the total amount of placed bets |
Type 3 | 5% from the annual income |
Type 4 | The gaming authority’s office operates on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. Licensing applications for Malta are not accepted during weekends or public holidays. |
MGA Contacts
For general inquiries, reach out at: [email protected];
How you can contact MGA:
- For media-related questions, please contact: [email protected];
- Office address: Malta Gaming Authority Building SCM 02-03, Level 4, SmartCity Malta, Ricasoli SCM 1001, Malta.
- Phone: +356 2456 9000;
- Check MGA licensing status at https://www.mga.org.mt/. The regulatory body maintains an updated roster of MGA-licensed casinos as well as a list of operators whose licenses have been revoked. This provides users a means to ascertain the safety of playing for real money at various online casinos and allows for submissions of complaints in case of any rule violations.
You can see if a best casinos Canada Although the gaming authority is widely respected, it is not without its flaws. Here are some advantages:
Examine the pros and cons associated with operating a casino that is accredited by the MGA.
Malta is a member of the EU, making it a stable financial environment and not an offshore territory. Players have a high regard for casinos operating under MGA licenses.
- The application procedures for obtaining a license have been meticulously crafted within the legal framework and fine-tuned through experience. The authority has been issuing licenses since 2001, ensuring all processes adhere to established guidelines.
- An abundance of IT firms offer comprehensive solutions for attaining a license. They are well-versed in the intricacies involved in securing a gaming license in Malta, assisting operators throughout the process.
- The costs associated with licensing are relatively low, with responsible casinos incurring an annual fee of €8,500. The first year requires an upfront payment of €4,830, covering the audit and application processing expenses.
- Opening a bank account in Malta is straightforward. Financial transactions are efficiently managed, and banks display a favorable attitude towards the gambling sector.
- The Malta Gaming Authority grants interim licenses to operators while they await the issuance of their permanent license or during the auditing phase.
- There are minimal drawbacks. Business operators note that they must pay two types of taxes: one on gaming revenue and another specific to gaming activities. Additionally, the gaming authority necessitates comprehensive reporting from licensees.
Top online casinos licensed by the MGA in 2025 also mandate that you
undergo age and residency verification before being allowed to withdraw funds. If a player is found to be underage or is wagering from a restricted jurisdiction, their account will be suspended. Annually, operators must budget for additional expenses related to auditor fees for verifying all operational data. This should be taken into consideration prior to pursuing an MGA license. Usually, reputable casinos have no significant issues fulfilling audit requirements. Despite the strict conditions set by the regulator, compliance is achievable. Licensed casinos that abide by the law and maintain integrity face no documentation challenges. They ensure timely payouts and adhere strictly to responsible gambling protocols, allowing users to enjoy gaming on their websites or through client applications for Android and iOS with complete peace of mind.
The licensing jurisdiction has issued permits to online gaming establishments since 2004, making Maltese online casinos pioneers in this arena. The authority provides licenses for all gambling-related services, allowing operators to set up land-based casinos, official websites featuring slot games,
Key Takeaways
Companies awarded licenses gain international recognition, granting them access to deliver services across multiple countries. Licensed platforms can even extend their operations into Canada, with no specific restrictions on online betting imposed by legal frameworks from other jurisdictions. online mobile casinos The Malta Gaming Authority diligently oversees licensees to ensure they meet their responsibilities towards clientele. Certified casinos that provide favorable payouts exclusively collaborate with established software providers. The regulator conducts audits of the random number generators, verifying slot machine pay-outs. Players can commence with a minimal deposit or engage at higher stakes, assured that these casinos prioritize safe gambling.
For seasoned gamers, the MGA's regulatory status is a fundamental aspect when selecting a gambling site. The Maltese authority addresses player complaints regarding mobile online casinos and mediates disputes between MGA-licensed establishments and their patrons.
Here are some of the leading Canadian gambling platforms accredited by the MGA:
A detailed listing of Canadian casinos that have secured licensing through the Malta Gaming Authority.
These online casinos, holding an MGA license in Canada, rank high on our list of secure betting sites for 2025. They offer appealing incentives, including no-deposit bonuses, and player feedback indicates a satisfactory withdrawal process.
When scrutinizing the leading online casinos available for CAD players, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the rules around betting, bonuses, and withdrawals. For example, high rollers are encouraged to deposit substantial amounts, as some online platforms may impose limits for new players. Bonus enthusiasts often seek out free spins and welcome bonuses offered by online casinos licensed by the MGA.
Online casino with a Gibraltar license