The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) stands as a global benchmark of credibility in online gambling. Holding a Malta gambling licence means more than simply meeting regulations. It represents integrity, strict oversight, and genuine player protection.
This page explains why the MGA licence holds such strong influence. It outlines Malta’s rigorous standards, the process operators follow to qualify, and how this framework ensures safer and more transparent gaming for players.
Online Casinos with Maltese Gambling Licence - Updated October 2025
We maintain a regularly updated list of online casinos that hold a valid Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence. Each platform has met strict requirements for fairness, security, and responsible gaming, giving players confidence that they are playing in a regulated environment.
Explore the full list of MGA-licensed online casinos below, read the detailed reviews, and find out which brands meet your expectations for safety and transparency.
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The contents of this page are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise.
Browse this page for all Malta Gaming Authority licensed casinos. If the number of options feels overwhelming, use the search and filter tools to narrow your results and find casinos that fit your preferences.
What Is the Malta Gaming Authority?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the regulatory body responsible for issuing and overseeing gambling licences in Malta. Established in 2001 under the name Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA), it was rebranded as the MGA in 2015 to reflect its broader regulatory scope and growing international reputation.
The MGA regulates all forms of gambling in Malta and is recognised globally as one of the most respected licensing authorities in the industry. It maintains high standards for player protection, fair play, and operational transparency.
Types of MGA Licences
The MGA issues several types of licences for different activities within the gaming industry:
B2B Licence: For companies that provide gaming products or services to other businesses.
B2C Licence: For operators offering casino and betting services directly to players.
Critical Gaming Supply Licence: For companies providing essential gaming systems or components.
Gaming Service Licence: For entities delivering gaming services under contract to licensed operators.
Intermediate Licence: For companies facilitating gaming transactions between players and operators.
Key Employee Licence: For individuals holding key managerial or operational roles within licensed companies.
The MGA generates its revenue primarily through application and licence fees, compliance contributions, and other regulatory charges.
Malta Gaming Authority Contact Details
If you wish to contact the Malta Gaming Authority or verify the licence status of a specific online casino, you can use the details below.
Player Protection, Protection of Minors and Responsible Gaming
Parent department
Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses
Website
https://www.mga.org.mt
A Short History of the Malta Gaming Authority
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was established in 2001 as the national regulator overseeing all forms of gambling in Malta, including land-based casinos and online gaming services for both B2B and B2C operators.
Malta was one of the first European countries to introduce comprehensive online gambling legislation, setting a benchmark for fair and secure gaming practices. This early leadership positioned Malta as a model for responsible regulation across Europe, and MGA-licensed European casino sites remain among the most respected in the industry.
The country’s forward-looking approach attracted a large number of international gaming companies, transforming Malta into a global centre for iGaming. Today, many online casinos operating under a Malta licence serve players worldwide, supported by a strong regulatory framework and reliable infrastructure.
The gambling sector continues to play a key role in Malta’s economy, generating over 12% of national GDP and employing around 16,000 people, which is roughly 5% of the local workforce.
Player Protection in MGA-Licensed Casinos
The Malta Gaming Authority requires all licensed operators to promote responsible gambling and uphold strict player protection standards. These rules extend beyond player behaviour and cover financial security, data protection, and fair play. Every MGA-licensed casino must comply with the Lotteries and Other Games Act (2001) and Chapters 438 and 400 of the Laws of Malta, which define the legal framework for safe and transparent gambling.
The MGA’s main objective is to ensure that players can gamble safely and that operators minimise the risks associated with problem gambling. To achieve this, the Authority enforces several key measures:
Player Protection Directive: Establishes the required responsible gaming tools, including self-exclusion, deposit and loss limits, and access to gaming history.
Dispute Resolution: The Player Support Unit handles complaints from players who believe an MGA-licensed casino has acted unfairly or breached regulations.
Monitoring and Enforcement: The MGA continually audits and monitors licence holders and imposes sanctions on operators that fail to meet compliance standards.
What Makes MGA-Licensed Casinos Safe
In addition to responsible gambling measures, the Malta Gaming Authority enforces strict technical and financial safeguards to protect players. Casinos operating under the MGA follow a structured framework designed to keep player funds secure and all gaming activity fair. The MGA ensures that licence holders separate player balances from operational funds, protecting deposits and winnings even if a company faces financial issues.
All MGA casinos use certified game software that is independently tested for randomness and integrity. The regulator also enforces data protection rules that align with GDPR, requiring encryption of all personal and payment information.
Every licensed operator must also maintain clear complaint and dispute procedures available to players. These can be escalated directly to the MGA’s Player Support Unit if an issue is not resolved internally, giving players a trusted channel for help.
Casino Rules and Regulations by the MGA
Casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority must comply with strict rules designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and player safety. These regulations form the foundation of Malta’s reputation as a leading iGaming jurisdiction.
Key MGA regulatory areas include:
Licensing requirements: Operators applying for a Malta gaming licence undergo detailed financial and technical audits before approval.
Player protection: All MGA casinos must provide responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
Anti-money laundering: Licensed casinos are required to follow rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and maintain AML compliance.
Fair play: Gaming software must be independently tested and certified to guarantee random, untampered results.
Dispute resolution: The MGA maintains a process for handling player complaints and ensuring fair outcomes.
Data protection: Licence holders must comply with GDPR and local data protection laws to secure player information.
How to Check an MGA Casino Licence
Not every footer logo is genuine. Before you sign up, verify the licence status on the Malta Gaming Authority website and make sure the details match the operator you intend to use.
Quick checklist
Find the seal: Scroll to the footer and locate the MGA logo or “licence” link.
Click to verify: A legitimate seal should open an MGA page for that operator.
Match details: Confirm company name, URL, and licence number match the casino’s footer and terms.
Check status: Ensure the licence is active and note the authorised products.
⚠️ If no link: Use the MGA licensee register to search by company name and confirm the same details.
Payment Methods Supported by MGA-Licensed Casinos
Malta licensed casinos offer multiple payment options to meet the needs of casino players in their valid jurisdictions, including Casinos operating under a Malta Gaming Authority licence are required to use payment providers that comply with strict financial and anti–money laundering regulations. This ensures secure transactions and transparent handling of player funds.
Most MGA-licensed casinos support widely used options such as Visa and Mastercard debit cards, as well as e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. Bank transfers remain a common choice for larger withdrawals, while instant banking solutions such as Trustly are increasingly popular for their speed and reliability.
Pay n Play casinos licensed by the MGA are also growing in number, allowing players to register and deposit instantly through supported banks. However, some newer fintech or regional payment services may still fall outside the MGA’s approved framework.
Casino Bonuses Under the MGA Licence
MGA-licensed casinos can offer a variety of bonuses and promotions, but all such offers must comply with strict transparency and fairness rules set by the Malta Gaming Authority. These regulations ensure that players clearly understand the terms of any bonus before accepting it.
Common bonus types permitted under the MGA framework include:
Welcome bonuses: Deposit matches or free spins that must display wagering and expiry terms in full.
No deposit bonuses: Small trial offers, often used to let players test games before making a deposit.
Reload and cashback offers: Ongoing promotions available to existing players, subject to published conditions.
Casinos licensed in Malta must avoid misleading advertising and must publish complete bonus terms in plain language. All bonus-related disputes fall under the MGA’s Player Support Unit.
How to Choose a Casino Licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority
With so many online casinos licensed by the MGA, it can be difficult to know which ones truly stand out. The following steps will help you make an informed, safe choice before you start playing.
1
Select a casino
Choose a casino that interests you from the list of licensed operators.
2
Read reviews
Check player and expert reviews to get a better understanding of the casino’s reputation, bonus fairness, and overall experience.
3
Verify the licence
Scroll to the casino’s footer and confirm that the MGA logo links directly to the regulator’s official website.
4
Sign up
Register for an account by completing the form and confirming your details.
5
Start playing
Once your account is verified and your deposit is complete, you’re ready to enjoy licensed, secure gameplay.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the MGA Licence
The Malta Gaming Authority licence is one of the most respected certifications in the global iGaming industry. It guarantees transparency, fair play, and player protection, but also comes with demanding compliance standards that not every operator can meet.
✔️ Pros
❌ Cons
Recognised and respected in most major gambling jurisdictions.
High licensing and maintenance costs for operators.
Strict player protection and data security standards.
Complex compliance procedures and regular audits.
Transparent regulation that builds player trust.
Corporate tax obligations can reduce profit margins.
Enables partnerships with top-tier software providers also licensed under the MGA.
Licence approval can take several months to complete.
Consistent enforcement ensures a fair and safe gambling environment.
The Malta Gaming Authority licence is one of the most respected certifications in the global iGaming industry. It guarantees transparency, fair play, and player protection, helping to establish Malta as a major hub for regulated online gaming and some of the best Malta casinos operating today.
Game Providers Licensed by the MGA
The Malta Gaming Authority also licenses many of the industry’s leading casino software providers. Having an MGA-licensed game supplier means that every slot, table game, and live dealer title must meet strict standards for fairness, transparency, and technical integrity.
Well-known developers such as Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Swintt operate under MGA regulation, supplying games to hundreds of approved operators worldwide. The country is also home to established casino brand owners in Malta is Videoslots Ltd, which operates successfully under a Maltese gambling licence.
The MGA continuously audits software systems to ensure compliance with responsible gaming and data protection laws. For players, this means every MGA-approved title has been independently tested for fair play and safety.
Why Operators Choose the MGA Licence
The Malta Gaming Authority is widely recognised as one of the most respected regulators in the global online gambling industry. Many operators, including several of the top online casinos in Europe, apply for an MGA licence because it signals credibility, trust, and compliance with strict European standards.
Holding this licence allows casinos to operate legally across multiple markets and demonstrates their commitment to player protection and fair play. The MGA also provides ongoing support and guidance to its licence holders to ensure continued compliance and transparency.
MGA Licence Requirements
The Malta Gaming Authority licence is regarded as one of the most reliable in the world due to its strict application and maintenance standards. To qualify, operators must provide extensive documentation proving financial stability, operational integrity, and player protection measures.
As part of the application process, the MGA requires a detailed business plan, financial projections, and full disclosure of ownership structures. Applicants must also demonstrate compliance with anti–money laundering laws and technical security standards.
Key MGA licence requirements include:
Clean criminal record for company owners and key persons
Proof of financial stability and sufficient capital
Documented anti–money laundering and player protection policies
Tested and approved gaming software and systems
Technical and data security certifications
Notarised identity and address documents for owners (passports, utility bills, bank references)
Comprehensive business plan with revenue and cost forecasts
How Casinos Obtain a Gambling Licence from the MGA
The Malta Gaming Authority follows a structured review process before granting a gambling licence. Each applicant must demonstrate financial stability, technical competence, and commitment to responsible gaming before approval.
The main stages of the MGA application process include:
Preliminary review: The MGA assesses whether the applicant meets eligibility criteria such as ownership structure, funding, and business integrity.
Legal and compliance preparation: Operators work with legal advisors to ensure all documentation and operational policies comply with Maltese regulations.
Business and financial review: A full business plan, financial forecasts, and player protection strategies are submitted for evaluation.
Technical certification: The applicant’s gaming platform and systems are tested to confirm security and fairness standards.
Final approval and licensing: Once all conditions are met and fees are paid, the MGA issues the licence following on-site inspections.
Malta Gaming Authority Licence Costs
Obtaining and maintaining an MGA licence involves several mandatory fees. These vary depending on the casino licence type and scope of operations.
Fee
Description
Application fee
A non-refundable one-time payment of €5,000.
Gaming licence fee
An annual payment due before licence issuance: €10,000 for a B2C licence or €25,000 for a B2B licence.
Fixed annual licence fee
A non-refundable fixed annual charge of €10,000.
Monthly compliance contribution
A variable fee based on monthly gross gaming revenue.
Licence Renewal and Compliance Monitoring
Once granted, an MGA licence is valid for ten years and subject to periodic audits and renewal assessments. Licence holders must maintain up-to-date policies on player protection, AML procedures, and financial reporting. Failure to meet ongoing compliance standards can result in suspension or revocation.
FAQ
What are the steps that need to be taken when applying for a Malta Gaming licence?
To apply for a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence, an operator must set up a registered company in Malta and submit an application to the Authority. The process involves due diligence, compliance checks, and system audits, typically taking four to six months.
Is online gambling taxed in Malta?
Yes, gambling is taxed in Malta, though the rates are relatively low compared to other jurisdictions. Online gaming operators under an MGA licence generally pay a remote gaming tax of 1% to 5% on gross gaming revenue, depending on the type of activity.
Are MGA online casinos safe?
Yes, MGA-licensed online casinos are considered safe because they follow strict rules on fair play, data protection, and responsible gambling, all enforced by the Malta Gaming Authority.
How long does it take to obtain an MGA licence?
It typically takes between four and six months to obtain an MGA licence, depending on how quickly the applicant completes all compliance and technical audits.
How much does the Malta Gaming Authority licence cost?
To get an MGA licence, operators pay an initial €5,000 application fee and an annual €25,000 licence fee. Additional compliance fees apply depending on annual revenue, ranging from €15,000 to €375,000 per year.
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