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Online casino and licensing in Malta
Malta is rightfully considered the world capital of online gambling.
A small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea has become the first in Europe to create an official licensing system for online casinos and turn this direction into a strategic sector of the economy.
Today, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license is a symbol of trust, transparency and reputation in the international iGaming community.
History and formation
Malta began to regulate gambling one of the first in the world.
2001 - The Lotteries and Other Games Act was adopted, which laid the foundations for government oversight.
2004 - the creation of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), a body that regulates all types of gambling.
2018 - the adoption of the Gaming Act (Chapter 583), a modern law that combines all types of licenses and adapts regulation to the digital age.
From that moment on, Malta became the center of the iGaming industry in Europe, and its jurisdiction gained a reputation as the "gold standard" for operators and investors.
Роль Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the main regulatory body responsible for licensing, controlling and protecting players.
MGA functions:- issue and renewal of licenses;
- audit of operators and verification of funding sources;
- software certification;
- control of RTP, honesty of games and payment of winnings;
- oversight of Responsible Gaming and AML (Anti-Money Laundering);
- protecting players' rights and investigating complaints.
MGA actively cooperates with regulators of other countries - Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands - and participates in the creation of common European fair play standards.
MGA License Types
Since 2018, there has been a single licensing structure with four main classes:There are also B2B licenses required by game developers, software and payment solution providers (for example, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Play 'n GO, Relax Gaming).
License Acquisition Process
The licensing process in Malta is considered one of the most reliable and detailed.
Stages:1. Company registration in Malta or EU.
2. Verification of ownership structure and sources of capital.
3. Due Diligence (due diligence of founders, beneficiaries, directors).
4. Technical audit and platform certification (GLI, iTech Labs, eCOGRA).
5. Approval and issuance of the MGA license.
Term: 3-6 months.
Cost:- state duty - from €25,000 to €35,000 per year;
- minimum authorized capital - from €40,000 to €100,000;
- gross profit tax (GGR) - 5%.
Why operators choose Malta
More than 350 companies are licensed by MGA, including world leaders:- Betsson Group, Kindred (Unibet), LeoVegas, Videoslots, Genesis Global, Aspire Global, Play’n GO, Relax Gaming, Push Gaming.
- clear legislation and high reputation in the EU;
- the possibility of legal work in European countries;
- tax incentives and optimization of corporate structures;
- developed infrastructure for iGaming companies (lawyers, auditors, IT experts);
- political stability and the English-speaking environment.
Malta not only licenses casinos, but also develops the ecosystem - it hosts major events such as SiGMA Europe, iGaming NEXT and ICE Malta Summit.
Player control and protection
MGA is considered one of the most stringent user protection fees in the world.
Each licensed operator shall:- Publish RTP and payment terms
- Protect player data (GDPR)
- have a separate account for storing customer funds (segregated account);
- offer tools of self-restraint and self-exclusion;
- connect to international Responsible Gaming systems.
The player can file a complaint against the operator directly through the website [www.mga. org. mt](http://www. mga. org. mt), and the regulator is obliged to consider it within 20 working days.
Economic importance
The gambling industry is one of the key drivers of Malta's economy.
According to the government (2024):- iGaming accounts for more than 12% of the country's GDP;
- the industry's annual revenue exceeds €1.6 billion;
- the industry employs over 10,000 people;
- Malta is the largest iGaming hub in Europe.
Malta has also become a financial hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology companies, offering licensing for crypto-friendly casinos under the Digital Innovation Framework.
Taxation
This flexible system makes Malta attractive to international operators and investors.
Responsible play and AML
MGA is actively implementing Responsible Gaming and AML policy standards.
Since 2022, the Gaming Compliance & Enforcement Directive has been in effect, providing for:- mandatory rate limits;
- self-exclusion tools;
- reports on gaming activity;
- regular audits on AML and KYC.
- responsiblegaming. gov. mt - on the protection and prevention of addiction;
- mga. org. mt/player-hub/- help with disputes and license verification.
Perspectives and innovations
Malta continues to hold the position of global leader of iGaming.
Main directions of development for 2025-2026:- licensing of cryptocasino and Web3 platforms;
- implementation of AI monitoring of transactions and game patterns;
- the development of "Green Gaming" - the concept of sustainable gambling;
- international collaboration with UKGC, Spelinspektionen and DGA;
- high transparency of White Label schemes.
Malta's importance to the global market
Today, more than 60% of Europe's online casinos operate under Malta's licence.
This island has become more than just a jurisdiction - it has become the iGaming ecosystem, uniting operators, providers, payment companies and software developers.
The MGA licence is a mark of quality and trust, confirming that the operator is operating within strict legislation, complying with standards of integrity and guaranteeing the protection of players.
Conclusion:
- Malta is not just a country where gambling is legalised.
- It is a global center for licensing, innovation and regulation of online gambling, setting standards for the entire sector.
- It combines tight control, transparent rules and a favorable business climate, which makes Malta the heart of the global online casino industry.
