The MGA began its work in 2001, replacing the old Lotteries and Gaming Authority. It controls both land-based and online gambling in Malta. Regulators created it to stop crime, protect vulnerable players, and ensure game fairness
Over the years, the MGA earned trust across Europe. Online gambling accounts for about 12% of Malta’s GDP, and the MGA formed early rules that balanced safety with innovation. Its regulations now support modern trends like blockchain gambling and crypto casinos while maintaining strict oversight.
Licensing Structure
The MGA offers two categories of licences: B2C for casinos and betting sites, and B2B for software providers and host platforms. Within B2C, there are four game types: Type 1 covers casino games and lotteries, Type 2 handles fixed-odds betting, Type 3 covers peer-to-peer and commission-based services, and Type 4 handles controlled skill and platform hosting tools.
MGA now allows one licence to cover multiple game types. Its rules specify that licence holders do not need separate licences for each game type, but they must request approval through the Licensee Portal.
Online Casinos with the MGA licence
The casinos below meet our five standards for live casino play and hold a MGA licence. We only show casinos that are allowed in your country.
This licence is not allowed in your country. You can find live casinos that are valid where you live on our casinos page.
Application and Oversight
Operators start by undergoing fit-and-proper background checks, reviewing their business plans, finances, and technical systems. Independent auditors then test live systems. If everything passes, MGA grants a five-year licence. They require compliance audits again during the first and third years. This layered oversight keeps operations transparent and accountable.
Fees, Capital, and Ongoing Taxes
To apply, operators pay a €5,000 one-time non-refundable fee. For B2C licences, they then face an annual fixed licence fee of €25,000 or €10,000 for Type 4 services. B2B operators pay between €25,000 and €35,000 yearly, depending on revenue, and back-office costs from €3,000 to €5,000.
The MGA also charges a monthly compliance contribution. For Type 1 services, they charge 1.25% on the first €3 million of revenue, then scale down to 0.4% over higher tiers. For Type 2, the rate starts at 4% on the first €3 million. Types 3 and 4 have similar tiered systems. New start-ups may get a 12‑month waiver from the compliance contribution.
The MGA requires minimum paid-up capital: €100,000 for Types 1 and 2, and €40,000 for Types 3 and 4. That ensures financial stability and helps cover audits and taxes. Operators also pay a 5% gaming tax on revenue generated from players physically in Malta.
Scale and Reach
By the end of 2021, the MGA issued 351 active licences to 341 entities. That number rose slightly in 2022 to around 358 active licences. Several popular operators like Videoslots, Casumo, Tipbet, and Unibet hold MGA licences. MGA licences allow operators to serve players in most EU countries and many international markets. Exceptions include the U.S., Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, China, Turkey, and several others.
Player Benefits and Protections
The MGA enforces rules that protect player funds, ensure fair gameplay, prevent underage gambling, and combat fraud and money laundering. All MGA-licensed sites must segregate player funds, publish easy-to-access game rules, and support responsible gambling. They must also handle player complaints transparently through their Player Support Unit.
Challenges and Limitations
The MGA charges high entry and ongoing fees that can burden smaller operators. Its detailed licence process can take four to six months. And in some regions—especially in Europe and Asia—MGA-licensed sites cannot accept players due to national restrictions. Regulatory enforcement can lead to licence suspensions. For example, Tipbet lost its MGA licence in 2024 over compliance issues.
Conclusion
In the online gambling world, the MGA stands for safety, quality, and innovation. Licence holders earn player trust and respect from regulators. They also access international markets. Entry costs and compliance are high, but the prestige and oversight justify the effort for serious operators. The MGA holds its ground as a leading global gaming regulator. It imposes high standards and adds complexity for operators, but it also delivers transparency, player safety, and respect.
FAQs
You don’t need separate licences for each game. The MGA allows multiple game types under one licence after portal approval.
Expect four to six months for fit-and-proper checks, audits, document reviews, and system testing.
They pay a €5,000 application fee, then €25,000 or €10,000 yearly depending on the licence type. They also pay monthly compliance contributions, based on revenue tiers.
Players can file disputes through the MGA’s Player Support Unit. The Authority investigates complaints and enforces payouts where fair.
Around 351 licences were active across 341 entities by end of 2021. That number rose slightly to about 358 by end of 2022.
The MGA may issue fines or suspend licence status. Tipbet lost its MGA licence in May 2024 due to compliance failures.
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