The iGaming industry offers incredible prospects, but for operators to reach this potential, one significant decision stands in their way – obtaining a valid gaming license. If you want to set up your online casino or gaming platform within a secure and regulated framework, obtaining a Malta iGaming license from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) should be on your list. Consider utilizing a iGaming License Service to help you navigate the licensing process.
This guide walks you through the basics of applying for a Malta gaming license, the benefits, the process, and why Malta is still the best place for iGaming businesses in 2025.
Why Malta?
Licensing with the MGA opens many doors:
- World Class Reputation: The MGA has a global reputation for regulatory excellence. An MGA license guarantees players and stakeholders of the authenticity of your brand.
- European and Global Markets: Malta is an EU member state, and thus the MGA license is applicable to most of the European community as well, opening new regions to access potential clients.
- Solid Regulatory Environment: The MGA provides a strong and transparent business environment, facilitating operators to operate their business more conveniently while ensuring fair play and protection of players.
- White Label Solutions: For operators seeking quicker access to markets, Malta also offers the implementation of White Label solutions, with a pre-prepared platform and MGA-compliant tools.
How to Apply for a Malta Gaming License
1. Initial Application
The first step in the process is to submit an application to the Malta Gaming Authority. This includes completing all of the required forms and paying a non-refundable application fee, usually around €5,000.
2. Fit and Proper Test
The other significant hurdle is the fit and proper test, one of the requirements that the applicant must meet in order to receive the MGA'sapproval. The MGA will be assessing the applicant's credibility, financial stability, and business capability.
3. Business and Technical Ability Assessment
The MGA will review the operational model, business plan, and the technical setup of the applicant. This ensures that the operator is in accordance with all regulatory requirements, such as transparency, fair play, and secure transactions.
4. Systems and Compliance Review
Your systems, from player registration and payment through to data protection, will be audited by independent auditors to be sure that they are up to the standards required.
5. Regular Compliance Checks
Following your grant of the license, the MGA performs annual audits to check for continued compliance with the regulator's requirements.
Fees Associated with Obtaining a Malta iGaming License
Obtaining an MGA gaming license entails various fees. While the application fee is only paid once, operators are also required to pay an annual license fee and gaming tax on turnover.
- Application Fee: €5,000 (non-refundable)
- Annual License Fee: It differs according to the category of the license, ranging from €10,000 to €25,000
- Gaming Taxes: These vary according to the type of license as well as the level of revenue earned from Maltese players.
Types of Malta Gambling Licenses
With the MGA license, gambling providers can provide their gaming services online to the world. The approach of Malta is to encourage providers rather than restrict them.
The MGA offers two types of licenses:
1. Gaming License Service (B2C): This is for operators that provide services directly to consumers, including casinos, sports books, and poker rooms.
2. Critical Gaming Supply License (B2B): This license is for businesses offering game software or platform services to other businesses.
Sub-types of each of these licenses are based on the kind of gaming service:
- Type 1: Issued to online casinos that offer specifically RNG games of chance like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, lotteries, and virtual sports.
- Type 2: For operators offering games of chance involving the occurrence of an event (e.g., betting on sport) and odds within the operator's control.
- Type 3: For gambling exchanges, bingo clubs, and poker rooms to earn income from commission on stakes or winnings.
- Type 4: Issued to gambling software companies and controlled skill games, e.g., fantasy sports.
Gambling Law Advantages
Malta's gaming law provides a perfect environment for iGaming businesses. The key benefits include:
- Appealing tax options for businesses, including low taxes on employee wages.
- Having the ability to conduct business across the whole EU, benefiting from the free movement policies of the EU.
- Anti-money laundering safeguard and rigorous regulatory requirements.
The MGA licensing process is challenging but well worth the trouble for operators who wish to gain long-term success in the iGaming industry.
Acquiring a Malta iGaming license is a business decision that can lead to many opportunities for your online gaming business. With its strong regulatory framework, entry into large European markets, and stature of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), you can have a safe and respectable platform for your business and your players. While the process of applying is intensive and requires careful attention to detail, the dividends are worth the trouble. From an operator providing gaming services to end-users to a developer of fundamental gaming software, Malta remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions for iGaming businesses in 2025 and beyond.
