Malta: MGA-regulated open licensing under the Gaming Act (Cap. 583) with B2C gaming service and B2B critical gaming supply licences.
Licensing model
Open Licensing
Online regulated since
01 Aug 2018
Minimum age
18
Currency
EUR
Official language
English, Maltese
Licence types
5
On this page
Key points for operators and suppliers
1
B2B suppliers of critical gaming supplies (games, RNG, platforms handling essential regulatory records) need their own MGA licence
2
Licences run for ten years and the licensee must be established in the EU/EEA; key technical setup must sit in Malta or the EU/EEA unless the MGA allows otherwise
3
Gaming tax (5% now; 15% Type 1 and 10% Types 2-4 from 2026-10-01) applies only to revenue from players in Malta, plus a tiered compliance contribution on gaming revenue
4
B2C licensees must offer deposit or wagering limits, one-click self-exclusion, reality checks and an EU/EEA ADR entity
5
AML CDD is triggered when a player deposits EUR 2000 or more, under the FIAU Implementing Procedures for remote gaming
What Malta asks of a licensee
The four questions that decide whether a market is worth entering.
RequiredSeparate B2B supplier licence1 supplier licence type
Not requiredLocally incorporated entity
Not requiredServers or data held locally
Not statedLocal domain or landing page
Online gambling in Malta is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) under the Gaming Act (Cap. 583), whose current framework came into force on 1 August 2018. Anyone providing a gaming service or a critical gaming supply from Malta, to a person in Malta or through a Maltese legal entity needs an MGA licence: a B2C Gaming Service licence for operators and a B2B Critical Gaming Supply licence for game and platform suppliers, both issued for ten years to entities established in the EU/EEA. Products are grouped into four game types (house-banked chance games, fixed-odds betting, peer-to-peer and commission-based games, and controlled skill games) that drive the compliance contribution and capital requirements. Gaming tax applies only to revenue from players in Malta and currently stands at 5% of gaming revenue; Legal Notice 84 of 2026 replaces this with 15% for Type 1 and 10% for Types 2-4 from 1 October 2026.
Which verticals are legal in Malta
Status is the position for a licensed operator, not for offshore supply.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Licensed
Fantasy sports are a controlled skill game (Type 4) under MGA Directive 6 of 2018.
Esports Betting
Licensed
Offered as betting under the B2C licence; the MGA lists esports market integrity among its 2026 supervisory priorities.
Horse Racing / Pool Betting
Licensed
Pool betting, including betting exchanges, is a Type 3 gaming service.
Land-based Casino
Licensed
Land-based casinos operate under a Government concession and an MGA land-based casino licence.
Online Bingo
Licensed
Peer-to-peer bingo is a Type 3 gaming service.
Online Casino
Licensed
Type 1 gaming service (casino incl. live casino, roulette, blackjack, baccarat) under the B2C licence.
Online Lottery
Licensed
Lotteries and secondary lotteries are Type 1; the National Lottery is a separate licence.
Online Poker
Licensed
Poker against the house is Type 1; peer-to-peer poker is Type 3.
Online Sports Betting
Licensed
Type 2 fixed-odds betting, including live betting.
Retail Betting
Licensed
Gaming devices in gaming premises and controlled gaming premises may offer Type 1-4 services, taxed separately.
Skill Games
Licensed
Controlled skill games are Type 4 and carry a reduced EUR 10000 fixed annual fee.
Social / Sweepstakes Casino
Not stated
Malta licence types and what they cost5
Fees are the published headline figures. Tiered and revenue-banded amounts
are set out in the notes under each licence.
Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B) - Game Providers and Back Office
B2B Supplier
Suppliers providing a critical gaming supply (software processing essential regulatory records, the control system, or material elements of a game) from Malta, to a Maltese person or through a Maltese legal entity.
Application
EUR 5,000
Annual
EUR 10,000
Term
10 years
Processing
—
Application fee EUR 5000. Annual fee by annual revenue: EUR 25000 up to EUR 5m, EUR 30000 up to EUR 10m, EUR 35000 above EUR 10m; EUR 10000 for providers supplying solely Type 4 gaming supplies.
Conditions to satisfy
Entity established in EU/EEA
Paid-up share capital EUR 40000
System documentation per MGA checklist
System audit
Live studio audit where applicable
Online CasinoOnline Sports BettingOnline PokerOnline BingoOnline LotteryHorse Racing / Pool BettingSkill Games
Critical Gaming Software Supply Licence (B2B) - Back Office
Platform / Technical
Businesses supplying and managing software that generates, captures, controls or processes essential regulatory records, and the control system on which it resides, without supplying games.
Application
EUR 5,000
Annual
EUR 3,000
Term
10 years
Processing
—
Application fee EUR 5000. Annual fee EUR 3000 where annual revenue does not exceed EUR 1m; EUR 5000 above EUR 1m.
Conditions to satisfy
Entity established in EU/EEA
System documentation per MGA checklist
System audit
Gaming Service Licence (B2C)
B2C Operator
Any EU/EEA entity offering a gaming service from Malta, to a person in Malta or through a Maltese legal entity.
Application
EUR 5,000
Annual
EUR 10,000
Term
10 years
Processing
—
One-time non-refundable application fee EUR 5000. Fixed annual licence fee EUR 25000, or EUR 10000 where only Type 4 (controlled skill games) is offered. Compliance contribution per game type on top (see taxes).
Conditions to satisfy
Entity established in EU/EEA
Paid-up share capital EUR 100000 (Type 1/2) or EUR 40000 (Type 3/4)
Key technical setup in Malta or EU/EEA
Live mirror server for essential regulatory data
External system audit before go-live
ADR entity engaged before going live
MLRO registered with FIAU
Go live within 90 days of licence
Online CasinoOnline Sports BettingOnline PokerOnline BingoOnline LotteryDaily Fantasy SportsEsports BettingHorse Racing / Pool BettingSkill Games
Key Function Certificate of Approval
Key Person / Management
Natural persons performing a key function (e.g. MLRO/key AML function, compliance) for an MGA licensee.
Application
EUR 50
Annual
—
Term
3 years
Processing
—
EUR 50 per role.
Conditions to satisfy
Personal declaration form
Fit and proper assessment
Recognition Notice
Ancillary / Other
Entities offering licensable games in or from Malta under an authorisation from another EU/EEA state, or a state the MGA deems to offer largely equivalent safeguards, instead of an MGA licence.
Application
—
Annual
EUR 5,000
Term
—
Processing
—
Annual fee for Recognition Notice certificates EUR 5000, paid yearly in advance.
Conditions to satisfy
Valid licence from EU/EEA or equivalent jurisdiction
Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B) - Game Providers and Back Office
B2B Supplier
Suppliers providing a critical gaming supply (software processing essential regulatory records, the control system, or material elements of a game) from Malta, to a Maltese person or through a Maltese legal entity.
Application
EUR 5,000
Annual
EUR 10,000
Term
10 years
Processing
—
Application fee EUR 5000. Annual fee by annual revenue: EUR 25000 up to EUR 5m, EUR 30000 up to EUR 10m, EUR 35000 above EUR 10m; EUR 10000 for providers supplying solely Type 4 gaming supplies.
Conditions to satisfy
Entity established in EU/EEA
Paid-up share capital EUR 40000
System documentation per MGA checklist
System audit
Live studio audit where applicable
Online CasinoOnline Sports BettingOnline PokerOnline BingoOnline LotteryHorse Racing / Pool BettingSkill Games
Critical Gaming Software Supply Licence (B2B) - Back Office
Platform / Technical
Businesses supplying and managing software that generates, captures, controls or processes essential regulatory records, and the control system on which it resides, without supplying games.
Application
EUR 5,000
Annual
EUR 3,000
Term
10 years
Processing
—
Application fee EUR 5000. Annual fee EUR 3000 where annual revenue does not exceed EUR 1m; EUR 5000 above EUR 1m.
Conditions to satisfy
Entity established in EU/EEA
System documentation per MGA checklist
System audit
Gaming Service Licence (B2C)
B2C Operator
Any EU/EEA entity offering a gaming service from Malta, to a person in Malta or through a Maltese legal entity.
Application
EUR 5,000
Annual
EUR 10,000
Term
10 years
Processing
—
One-time non-refundable application fee EUR 5000. Fixed annual licence fee EUR 25000, or EUR 10000 where only Type 4 (controlled skill games) is offered. Compliance contribution per game type on top (see taxes).
Conditions to satisfy
Entity established in EU/EEA
Paid-up share capital EUR 100000 (Type 1/2) or EUR 40000 (Type 3/4)
Key technical setup in Malta or EU/EEA
Live mirror server for essential regulatory data
External system audit before go-live
ADR entity engaged before going live
MLRO registered with FIAU
Go live within 90 days of licence
Online CasinoOnline Sports BettingOnline PokerOnline BingoOnline LotteryDaily Fantasy SportsEsports BettingHorse Racing / Pool BettingSkill Games
Key Function Certificate of Approval
Key Person / Management
Natural persons performing a key function (e.g. MLRO/key AML function, compliance) for an MGA licensee.
Application
EUR 50
Annual
—
Term
3 years
Processing
—
EUR 50 per role.
Conditions to satisfy
Personal declaration form
Fit and proper assessment
Recognition Notice
Ancillary / Other
Entities offering licensable games in or from Malta under an authorisation from another EU/EEA state, or a state the MGA deems to offer largely equivalent safeguards, instead of an MGA licence.
Application
—
Annual
EUR 5,000
Term
—
Processing
—
Annual fee for Recognition Notice certificates EUR 5000, paid yearly in advance.
Conditions to satisfy
Valid licence from EU/EEA or equivalent jurisdiction
Gaming tax and regulatory charges
Everything a licensee pays in Malta on top of the licence fee.
Charge
Rate
Charged on
Paid by
Gaming TaxGGR Tax
5%5% of gaming revenue from gaming services provided to players in Malta (from 2026-10-01: 15% Type 1; 10% Types 2-4; 5% controlled gaming premises and junkets)
Gaming revenue (stakes less winnings; commission/charges for Type 3 and 4) from players physically present in, or for remote play established/resident in, Malta
Tiered per game type on gaming revenue: Type 1 1.25% down to 0.40% (min EUR 15000, max EUR 375000); Type 2 4.00% down to 0.40% (min EUR 25000, max EUR 600000); Type 3 4.00% down to 0.40% (min EUR 25000, max EUR 500000); Type 4 0.50% rising to 2.00% (min EUR 5000, max EUR 500000)
EUR 500 fixed levy per 12 months for authorised persons using premises as a studio to film or broadcast a gaming service or critical gaming supply (EUR 3000 Studio Broadcasting Levy from 2026-10-01)
Remote gaming licensees must complete customer due diligence once a player deposits EUR 2000 or more (single or cumulative); no withdrawals until CDD is done, and the relationship must be ended if documents are not provided within 30 days.EUR 2000 depositsSource
MLRO and risk assessmentB2C Operator
B2C licensees offering Type 1-3 games must run a business risk assessment, apply a risk-based approach and appoint an MLRO registered with the FIAU and approved by the MGA as a key function.Source
Responsible Gambling requirements
Deposit or wagering limitsB2C Operator
After registration and before the first deposit, online B2C licensees must ask players whether they want to set deposit or wagering limits; tighter limits apply immediately, looser ones after 24 hours.24 hours cooling-off for relaxing limitsSource
Minimum ageB2C Operator
Operators must not permit or induce minors (under 18) to gamble and must have controls to block underage players, voiding their winnings and refunding stakes.18Source
Reality checksB2C Operator
For repetitive RNG games against the house offered remotely, players must be able to set time-interval pop-up alerts that pause play and show time spent, amounts wagered and net result.Source
Self-exclusionB2C Operator
B2C licensees must offer definite and indefinite self-exclusion, reachable no more than one click from the responsible gaming page, and block excluded players while still allowing withdrawals.One click from RG pageSource
Technical & Certification requirements
Game and RNG approvalB2C Operator
Games using a random number generator or game engine not yet approved by the MGA need prior written approval; games from an approved RNG/engine only require notification within five days.5 days notificationSource
Data & Hosting requirements
Key technical setup locationAll Licensees
The key technical setup must be located in Malta or another EU/EEA state unless the MGA approves an equivalent location, and a live or real-time mirror server of essential regulatory data must be accessible to the MGA.Source
Player Funds requirements
Segregation of player fundsAll Licensees
Player funds must be held segregated from company funds, form a distinct patrimony owned by the player and are protected from the licensee creditors on insolvency.Source
Payments requirements
No credit to playersAll Licensees
Licensees must not offer credit to players or arrange or knowingly facilitate credit in connection with gaming.Source
Withdrawal timingB2C Operator
On request, licensees must pay out account balances within five working days where practicable, preferably to the source of the deposit.5 working daysSource
Game Design requirements
Demo game RTPAll Licensees
Free-play or demo versions of games must use the same technical conditions and RTP as the corresponding real-money games.Source
Advertising & Marketing requirements
Mandatory ad contentAll Licensees
All commercial communications must carry responsible gaming messaging and a responsible gaming web address, and (except sponsorship) show the minimum age sign for their full duration.Source
Public place advertisingAll Licensees
Gaming advertising is banned in public places and on public transport in Malta, save for exemptions such as tourist locations, gaming events, operator premises and newspapers.Source
Self-excluded playersAll Licensees
Marketing must not target players known to be self-excluded, starting no later than 24 hours after the exclusion.24 hoursSource
Unsolicited marketingAll Licensees
Licensees may not send unsolicited commercial communications, and must honour opt-out requests within three days.3 daysSource
Other requirements
Complaints and ADRB2C Operator
Operators must reply to player complaints within 10 days (extendable by 10) and, before going live, contract an EU/EEA ADR entity whose decisions bind both parties.10 daysSource
Financial reportingAll Licensees
Licensees must file Annual and Interim Financial Reports through the Licensee Portal within two months of each period end, alongside audited financial statements.2 monthsSource
Share capital and go-liveAll Licensees
Licensees must hold minimum paid-up share capital (B2C EUR 100000 for Type 1/2, EUR 40000 for Type 3/4; B2B EUR 40000) and go live within 90 days of the licence date.B2C EUR 40000-100000; B2B EUR 40000Source
Recent regulatory changes
Newest first. Each entry links to the notice it came from.
Guidance
MGA launches voluntary AI Gaming Charter
The MGA and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority launched the AI Gaming Charter, a voluntary principles-based framework for responsible use of AI in gaming operations. It complements the EU AI Act and followed a targeted consultation opened in May 2026.
The MGA opened a targeted consultation on changes to the Recognition Notice framework, aimed at stronger authorisation-stage checks and more structured ongoing monitoring in line with Malta's National Risk Assessment and AML/CFT Strategy.
New gaming tax rates for play in Malta from October 2026
Legal Notice 84 of 2026 amends the Gaming Tax Regulations: gaming tax on revenue from players in Malta becomes 15% for Type 1 and 10% for Types 2-4, 5% for controlled gaming premises and junkets. The gaming device levy is folded in and a EUR 3000 studio broadcasting levy is introduced.
The MGA published its 2026 supervisory engagement plan covering compliance, player protection and sports betting integrity. Focus areas include cash and crypto-asset controls, athlete and esports integrity risks, and quality of monthly ADR reporting.
The MGA repealed Article 13 of Directive 5 of 2018, which required B2C licensees to link to the EU Online Dispute Resolution platform, following the platform's discontinuation. Licensees must remove ODR references from their terms.
The MGA introduced Annual and Interim Financial Reports submitted via the Licensee Portal within two months of each period end, replacing interim financial statements, from 2025.
Published decisions against licensees — the clearest signal of what
the regulator actually polices.
Date
Licensee
Action
Amount
Reason
14 Jul 2025
Oddsfly Limited
Licence Revocation
—
MGA cancelled B2C licence MGA/B2C/260/2014 after the company did not answer a notice of cancellation over unpaid annual licence fees and compliance contribution; it was ordered to settle EUR 104814.52 in outstanding fees.Source
21 May 2025
Dimsacon Limited
Licence Revocation
—
MGA revoked Recognition Notice RN/225/2021 on fit-and-proper and discretionary grounds under the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations.Source
13 Mar 2025
Goldwin Ltd
Licence Revocation
—
MGA cancelled B2C licence MGA/B2C/533/2018 for failing regulatory obligations, failing to discharge financial commitments and failing to pay amounts due to the Authority.Source
20 Nov 2024
GameSoft Limited
Licence Revocation
—
MGA cancelled B2B licence MGA/B2B/848/2020 for failing regulatory obligations, failing to discharge financial commitments and failing to pay amounts due to the Authority.Source
01 Oct 2024
Goldwin Ltd
Licence Suspension
—
MGA suspended B2C licence MGA/B2C/533/2018 with effect from 2024-09-25, citing an imminent threat of serious prejudice to players and failure to meet commitments to players; players had to retain account access and be refunded.Source
Suppliers licensed by the MGA
Companies on Gamitas holding a licence from this regulator.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates gaming under the Gaming Act (Cap. 583). It licenses operators and suppliers, supervises compliance and publishes an enforcement register. The MGA also acts as agent of the FIAU for AML supervision of gaming licensees.
Do B2B game and platform suppliers need an MGA licence?
Yes. Providing a critical gaming supply from Malta, to a Maltese person or through a Maltese legal entity requires a B2B Critical Gaming Supply licence. This covers supply of games or software that processes essential regulatory records and the control system; a back-office-only software supply licence exists with lower fees.
How much does an MGA licence cost?
Application costs EUR 5000. B2C licensees pay a fixed annual fee of EUR 25000 (EUR 10000 for skill games only) plus a tiered compliance contribution; B2B game suppliers pay EUR 25000-35000 a year depending on revenue, and back-office software suppliers EUR 3000-5000.
What is the gaming tax rate in Malta?
Gaming tax is currently 5% of gaming revenue, and only on revenue from players in Malta. From 1 October 2026, Legal Notice 84 of 2026 sets 15% for Type 1 games and 10% for Types 2-4, with 5% for controlled gaming premises and junkets.
How long is an MGA licence valid and who can hold one?
Licences are granted for ten years. The licensee must be established in the EU/EEA, meet minimum share capital (EUR 100000 for B2C Type 1/2, EUR 40000 for Type 3/4 and for B2B) and go live within 90 days of the licence date.
What is the minimum gambling age in Malta?
The Gaming Act treats anyone under 18 as a minor, and licensees must prevent minors from gambling. Concession-based land-based casinos may not admit Maltese citizens under 25.
Where must the gaming system be hosted?
The key technical setup must be located in Malta or another EU/EEA state, unless the MGA approves an equivalent location case by case. Licensees must also keep a live or real-time mirror server of essential regulatory data accessible to the MGA.
When must a Maltese licensee verify a player for AML purposes?
Under the FIAU Implementing Procedures for remote gaming, customer due diligence must be completed once a player deposits EUR 2000 or more. Withdrawals are blocked until CDD is complete, and the relationship must be terminated if documents are not supplied within 30 days.
Primary legislation and instruments
The statutes, regulations and technical standards this page is built from.
Adds article 56A to the Gaming Act: as public policy, actions against MGA licence holders that undermine the legality of MGA-licensed gaming services are barred and Maltese courts must refuse recognition/enforcement of such foreign judgments.
Imposes gaming tax on gaming revenue from players in Malta, the levy on gaming devices, monthly returns and payment by the 20th of the following month.
Rules on gaming advertising, sponsorship, unsolicited communications, protection of minors and vulnerable persons, and restrictions on advertising in public places in Malta.
MGA binding instrument detailing B2C player protection duties: terms and conditions, responsible gaming information, self-exclusion, limits, reality checks, player funds and withdrawals.
Compiled from official regulator and government sources, most recently on 26 Sept 2026. It is a starting point for commercial research, not legal advice — confirm the current position with the MGA or local counsel before you act on it.
