Overview of the Malta Gaming License
The Malta gaming license is an official authorization issued by the Malta Gaming Authority that permits operators to legally conduct gaming activities from this EU member state. The license serves as legal validation that your gaming business complies with strict regulatory standards established under the Gaming Act of 2018.
Malta introduced remote gaming rules in 2004 and replaced the old class system with the Gaming Act 2018, creating two core licence families – Gaming Service Licence (B2C) and Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B). In June 2024, 357 remote operators held an active MGA authorisation, making the sector 7 % of national GVA.
Role of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
The Malta Gaming Authority (formerly the Lotteries and Gaming Authority) is the sole authority that issues, monitors and renews permits, collects licence fees and gaming tax, and enforces AML controls. The MGA also publishes directives on player protection and data reporting.
Established in 2001 as the Lotteries and Gaming Authority, the MGA has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the gaming industry.
In 2025, the MGA implemented a significant upgrade to its regulatory framework, transitioning to a more sophisticated, evidence-driven approach. This initiative focuses on compliance, player protection, and sports betting integrity while directing resources to high-risk areas and strengthening collaboration with operators.
Types of Malta Gaming Licenses
The Malta Gaming Authority offers a licensing structure, which is designed to accommodate different business models and operational requirements.
Malta Gaming Service License
The Gaming Service License represents a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) license to offer or carry out a gaming service. A gaming service constitutes the offering, provision or operation of a gaming service, and the hosting by a person in premises accessible to the public of gaming devices or gaming systems.
B2C permit allows a company to carry out a gaming service such as an online casino, sportsbook or peer-to-peer poker room. Four “game types” (1-4) drive risk weighting and compliance contributions.
The B2C license covers four distinct game types that operators can offer under a single authorization. Type 1 includes games of chance played against the house with outcomes determined by random generators, such as casino games, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker played against the house, lotteries, and virtual sports games. Type 2 covers games of chance played against the house where outcomes are determined by external events, with operators managing risk through odds management.
Type 3 encompasses games of chance not played against the house where operators are not exposed to gaming risk but generate revenue through commissions, including player versus player games such as poker, bingo, and betting exchanges. Type 4 covers controlled skill games as defined under Gaming Authorizations Regulations, with fantasy sports being the primary licensable controlled skill game.
Critical Gaming Supply License
The Critical Gaming Supply License serves as a Business-to-Business (B2B) license to offer or carry out critical gaming supply services. A critical gaming supply constitutes the supply and management of material elements of a game, and the supply and management of software to generate, capture, control or process essential regulatory records.
B2B permit covering RNG platforms, payment gateways and other gaming supply functions used by B2C brands.
Other License Types
Malta offers additional specialized licensing options beyond the standard B2C and B2B categories. The Corporate Group License allows corporate groups to operate under a single authorization when the parent entity maintains over ninety percent control of group companies. This categorization applies to both gaming service licenses and critical supply licenses rather than substituting them.
Limited Duration Licenses provide temporary authorization for specific events or testing purposes. Recognition Notices are available for licensed entities from other EU/EEA Member States to carry on gaming services in Malta.
Low-risk approvals include gaming premises certificates and material betting events, but most iGaming firms choose one of the two main categories.
Mandatory Requirements for Malta Gaming License
Obtaining a Malta gaming license requires meeting specific eligibility criteria established by the MGA:
- Maltese or EU/EEA company located in Malta with two local directors.
- Minimum paid-up share capital: €100 000 for Type 1/2 B2C; €40 000 for Type 3/4 or any B2B.
- Fit-and-proper test on every shareholder and key licensee.
- ISO-aligned information-security policies and a certified gaming system audit.
- Ongoing responsible gaming and AML procedures in line with MGA Guidance Notes.
Application Process for Malta Gaming License
The Malta gaming license application process involves a comprehensive evaluation designed to ensure only qualified operators receive authorization. The entire process from initial contact with the MGA until clearance to begin operations takes between 4 to 6 months on average.
| Stage | Scope | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility call | MGA reviews business concept | 1 week |
| Document upload | Corporate, financial, technical files through the online portal | 2–3 weeks |
| Fit-and-proper review | Personal due-diligence, source of funds | 3–4 weeks |
| System audit | External lab tests RNG and control systems | 2–3 weeks |
| Compliance interview | MGA confirms risk controls | 1 week |
| Licence issued by the MGA | Pay initial fee and start operations | ≈ 12–16 weeks total |
Cost Structure of Gambling Licenses
Talking about the costs, the Malta gambling license represents a significant investment reflecting the jurisdiction’s premium positioning.
| Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application processing | €5 000 |
| Fixed annual licence fee (B2C) | €25 000 |
| Fixed annual fee (B2B) | €10 000–€25 000 |
| Compliance contribution | 1.25 %–4 % of gaming revenue generated; min €15 000, cap €600 000 |
| System audit (third-party) | c. €15 000 |
Taxation and Financial Benefits
Malta offers an attractive tax environment that significantly benefits gaming operators while maintaining compliance with EU standards. The jurisdiction provides competitive taxation combined with comprehensive regulatory oversight:
- 5 % gaming tax on Maltese-resident player GGR only; 0 % on revenue outside of Malta.
- 0 % VAT on cross-border B2C bets and B2B gaming services.
- 35 % headline corporate rate reduced to ≈ 5 % through shareholder tax-refund mechanism.
Advantages of a Malta Gambling License
The Malta gambling license offers numerous advantages that make it the preferred choice for serious gaming operators seeking credibility and market access:
- EU passport – MGA permit often accepted by banks, card schemes and most regulators across EEA
- Stable regulation backed by EU law and an English-speaking workforce.
- Clear fee schedule and monthly compliance portal – no hidden duties.
- Extensive local support sector: 250+ approved auditors, KYC vendors and hosting hubs.
- Established player trust – MGA seal displayed on over 300 online gaming sites.
Verdict
A MGA license is more expensive than Curaçao but offers stronger EU recognition, a transparent gaming act and bank-level credibility. With over two decades of regulatory experience and continuous framework improvements, Malta has established itself as the gold standard for gaming regulation. Firms planning long-term European growth often accept the higher price for smoother payments and lower gaming risk.