Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – Complete Licensing Guide
The Malta Gaming Authority is one of Europe’s most respected gambling regulators, licensing hundreds of online casinos and gaming operators. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about MGA licensing, from application processes to currently licensed operators.
MGA Mission Statement: “To regulate competently the various sectors of the gaming industry which fall within the competence of the Malta Gaming Authority. The Authority ensures that licensed gaming operations are fair and transparent to all players, prevent crime, corruption and money laundering, whilst protecting minors and vulnerable players.”
📋 Table of Contents
- MGA License Application & Process
- License Types (1-4) Explained
- Administrative Fees
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Currently Licensed Companies
- Suspended & Canceled Licenses
- Enforcement & Compliance
🏛️ MGA License Application & Process
The Malta Gaming Authority follows a comprehensive multi-stage assessment process for all gaming license applications. Understanding this process is crucial for operators seeking MGA licensing.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit all required information electronically through the MGA’s online portal in one complete submission. The Authority commits to analyzing all information through multiple internal process streams.
Assessment Criteria
During the application stage, the MGA assesses whether an applicant:
- Is fit and proper to conduct gaming business
- Is correctly prepared from a business strategy perspective
- Has operational and statutory requirements to meet legal obligations
- Has correctly implemented what has been applied for in the technical environment before going live
🎯 MGA License Types Explained
The MGA offers four distinct license types, each covering different categories of gaming services. Understanding these classifications is essential for both operators and players.
Type 1 Gaming Services
Casino-style games played against the house where outcomes are determined by random number generators.
Includes:
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Poker played against the house
- Lotteries & secondary lotteries
- Virtual sports games
Type 2 Gaming Services
Sports betting and events where outcomes are determined by real-world events, not random generation.
Characteristics:
- Events or competitions extraneous to games of chance
- Outcomes not randomly generated
- Operator manages risk by managing odds offered
Type 3 Gaming Services
Peer-to-peer gaming where the operator takes commission rather than bearing gaming risk.
Includes:
- Player vs player poker
- Bingo
- Betting exchanges
- Other commission-based games
Type 4 Gaming Services
Controlled skill games as defined by regulation 8 of the Gaming Authorisations Regulations (SL 583.05).
Examples: Fantasy sports, skill-based competitions, and other games where player skill significantly influences outcomes.
💰 MGA Administrative Fees
| Service | Fee (EUR) | Payment Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee for New License | €5,000 | Paid upon application submission |
| Application Fee for License Renewal | €5,000 | Paid upon renewal application |
| Key Function Certificate | €50 | Per role, paid upon application |
| Transfer of Qualifying Interest | €1,500 | Paid upon transfer request |
| Corporate License Conversion/Changes | €1,500 | Paid upon application |
| Annual Recognition Notice Maintenance | €5,000 | Paid yearly in advance |
Note: Additional administrative fees may apply for specific services not listed above.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The MGA addresses numerous common questions about licensing, compliance, and regulatory requirements. Here are key considerations when evaluating MGA licensing:
Key Decision Factors
- Regulatory reputation: Untarnished reputation of the regulatory authority
- License credibility: Credibility and reputability of the license itself
- Legal framework: Legally tried-and-tested licensing framework
- Player confidence: Players have faith in the license
- Reasonable fees: Fair and reasonable licensing process fees
Why Choose Malta?
Setting up a gaming company in Malta offers numerous advantages:
- EU Member State status with full regulatory recognition
- Euro currency adoption for simplified transactions
- Strategic location in the center of the Mediterranean
- Skilled workforce that is highly-skilled and multilingual
- Professional environment with strong work ethic
Common FAQ Topics
- Casino application process for MGA licenses
- Application submission procedures
- Available license types and associated costs
- Permitted game types and gaming tax obligations
- Required key functions and their responsibilities
- Advertising regulations and third-party advertising responsibilities
- Player complaint procedures and fund protection
🏢 Currently Licensed MGA Companies
The MGA licenses hundreds of gaming operators across all license types. Below is the complete list of currently licensed companies as of the latest update:
| Company Name | Registration | License Type(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMGO iGaming Malta Ltd | C 92352 | Type 1, Type 2 | Licensed |
| Aspire Global International Limited | C 42296 | Type 1, Type 2 | Licensed |
| Bayton Limited | C 41970 | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 | Licensed |
| Betway Limited | C 39710 | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 | Licensed |
| bwin Holdings (Malta) Limited | C 59121 | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 | Licensed |
| Genesis Global Limited | C 65325 | Type 1, Type 2 | Licensed |
| LeoVegas Gaming plc | C 59314 | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 | Licensed |
| Mr Green Limited | C 43260 | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 | Licensed |
| NetBet Enterprises Limited | C 39218 | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 | Licensed |
| PPB Counterparty Services Limited | C 40083 | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 | Licensed |
This table shows a sample of major licensed operators. The complete list contains over 200 licensed companies across all gaming categories.
Notable Licensed Operators Include:
- Casino Brands: LeoVegas, Mr Green, Genesis Global
- Sports Betting: Betway, bwin, NetBet
- Multi-Product: PPB Counterparty, Bayton Limited
- Poker Operators: Various Type 3 licensees
- Fantasy Sports: Type 4 license holders
- B2B Providers: Multiple software and service providers
⚠️ Suspended & Canceled Licenses
The MGA maintains strict compliance standards and regularly reviews licensed operators. Companies that fail to meet regulatory requirements face suspension or license cancellation.
Recent Enforcement Actions
| Company Name | Registration | License Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTM Entertainment Group Limited | C 73982 | Type 1, Type 2 | Suspended |
| Global Gaming Entertainment Group Limited | C 86141 | Type 1, Type 2 | Cancelled |
| Knockout Gaming Limited | C 80787 | Type 1, Type 2 | Cancelled |
| Liger Entertainment Limited | C 81829 | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 | Cancelled |
| Personal Exchange International Limited | C 30759 | Type 1, Type 2 | Suspended |
Common Reasons for License Actions
- Compliance failures: Not meeting ongoing regulatory obligations
- Financial irregularities: Issues with player fund segregation or payments
- Operational deficiencies: Failing to maintain required standards
- Regulatory breaches: Violations of MGA rules and regulations
🛡️ Enforcement & Compliance
The MGA maintains robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure licensed operators comply with all regulatory requirements and protect player interests.
Enforcement Register
The MGA publishes a comprehensive enforcement register detailing all regulatory actions, which can be accessed at: https://www.mga.org.mt/mga-enforcement-register/
Player Protection Measures
- Unauthorized URL monitoring: Regular tracking of unlicensed operations
- Compliance audits: Regular reviews of licensed operators
- Financial monitoring: Oversight of player fund protection
- Dispute resolution: Player complaint handling procedures
🎯 Conclusion
The Malta Gaming Authority represents one of the most comprehensive and respected regulatory frameworks in the online gaming industry. With over 200 currently licensed operators across multiple gaming verticals, the MGA continues to set standards for player protection, operational transparency, and regulatory compliance.
For players, choosing MGA-licensed casinos provides assurance of regulatory oversight, fair gaming, and proper fund protection. For operators, MGA licensing offers access to regulated markets with a framework that balances business flexibility with player protection requirements.
Information current as of 2025. For the most up-to-date licensing information, always consult the official MGA website at mga.org.mt