Licensing in
Malta
We provide dedicated assistance with iGaming licensing in Malta, on-going support and access to network of ancillary services.
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European trailblazer
The first EU member to implement iGaming regulation in 2004, Malta is a recognised gaming hub in Europe with a leading reputation.
The jurisdiction boasts top-tier regulation, known for its comprehensive gaming framework covering all gaming verticals.
Malta offers Operators a globally recognised licence, an established gaming sector with a vast network of ancillary services, and stable economic and political landscape.
Key advantages
Global reputation and high credibility
Malta's regulator, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), carries a prestigious reputation, known for its superior standards to promote responsible gambling. They are committed to player protection which boosts customer confidence and trust. Malta's licence also carries a credible global reputation, which enhances the operators credibility and trust with banks and partners.
Access to regulated markets
The MGA licence is recognised and accepted by other markets in the EU which provides operators with a broad customer base in Europe. As a highly regulated licence, it also supports operators seeking to enter other Tier-1 jurisdictions, such as the UK, as it demonstrates the operator is aligned with international AML standards.
Business-friendly landscape
In addition to the jurisdictions well-regulated landscape, Operators in Malta benefit from a stable economic and political environment, ideal for establishing a business. Malta is also regarded for its robust legal environment, flexible corporate vehicles, and efficient fiscal regime offering 5% gaming tax on Malta GGR, gaming tax capped at €600,000/year per licence type. and effective 5% corporate tax.
White-label solutions
The MGA framework permits collaborations with other licenced software providers which enables operators to launch their iGaming operation without having to apply for a MGA licence as they operate under a MGA licenced B2C operator. This is ideal for start-ups and affiliates that may wish to scale quickly and keeps costs to a minimum. The brand also gains the credibility of the MGA licence without holding it directly and it creates a path to obtaining a full licence if they wish.
Malta licences
The Type 1 licence type covers random number generated (RNG) games. These are games played against the house which are based on chance and include casino style games, such as lotteries, slots and more. The licence costs are a €5,000 application fee and €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) annual fee.
The Type 2 licence is for operators providing fixed-odds betting, sch as sports betting. This type of gambling involves an event or competition which is separate from the game itself and the operator will set the odds to the players. The licence costs are a €5,000 application fee and €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) annual fee.
The Type 3 licence is for peer-to-peer games, which involves playing against other players. These type of games include online poker games, betting exchanges and poker networks. The licence costs are a €5,000 application fee and €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) annual fee.
The Type 4 licence covers controlled-skill games, such as fantasy sports. These games are based on the players skills, rather than based on chance. The licence costs are a €5,000 application fee and €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) annual fee.
The B2B licence is suitable for software providers, platform developers and white-label hosts that provide services to other B2B partners. The licence costs are a €5,000 application fee and €10,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) annual fee.
Licence requirements
In order to apply for a licence, all licence holders must fulfill several legal, operational and technical requirements including establishing a Malta company, appointing a registered agent and Director, a registered office, and completing the due-dilligence process. The licence application involves a thorough business plan including operational and financial details, and compliance policies and game certificates.
Gaming Gateway assists clients in meeting all the licence requirements and provides dedicated support throughout the entire process.
Licence Timeframe
Malta provides an efficient licensing process of just 4-6 months from submission (if relevant due-dilligence and documentation is provided). This entails 1-2 months for pre-application preparation, 2-3 months for the licence application processing and 1 month for a systems audit and final clearance.
Prior to the licensing process, we will work closely with you to set up your iGaming entity and prepare your licence application. This typically takes around 4 weeks, however it does also depend on how quickly you can provide us with the information and documentation required for the licence.
How to obtain the Licence
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1. Book a free consultation
Speak with our team to discuss your business model and licence you would like to apply for. We can answer any of your questions and outline the process in further detail.
2. Receive a bespoke fee proposal
After the call, we will share with you a bespoke fee proposal which outlines your requirements, our services and the costs involved.
3. Licence application
Once you accept the fee proposal, we begin the licence application process straight away. We also request clients to complete our due-dilligence process which is utilised in the licence application.
4. Company set-up
Once you have passed our due-dilligence, we establish your company and open your corporate bank account.
5. Apply for licence
Once we have completed your licence application, including creating a comprehensive business plan, we assist with applying for the licence.
6. Go live
Once your licence application has been approved, we assist you with operational aspects, and provide support with on-going compliance and reporting.
Malta FAQs
The operator is required to provide corporate documentation during the due-dilligence process, which includes a certificate of incorporation, memorandum & articles of association, a company structure chart, details of group companies, shareholder register, tax registration documentation.
The operator is required to provide personal documentation during the due-dilligence process, which includes all shareholders, directors and appointed key persons for the gaming entity. These documents include certified copies of identification, proof of address, detailed CV, bank reference letter, criminal record certificate, personal declaration form, and source of funds declaration.
Operators are required to provide a detailed business plan containing; an overview of the games and services offered, target markets, revenue projections (3 years), operational model and staffing plan, marketing strategy, and risk assessment and mitigation plans.
AML/CTF policy and procedures
KYC processes and customer verification protocols
Responsible Gambling (RG) policy
Fraud and risk management plan
Terms and Conditions, including privacy and cookie policies
Dispute resolution policy
GDPR and data protection compliance policy
System architecture and technical setup (hardware/software, hosting, and security)
Game testing certificates (e.g., RNG testing by a certified lab)
Information Security Policy
Internal Control System (ICS) document
Disaster recovery and business continuity plan
Software/platform supplier contracts
Payment provider agreements
Yes, the MGA is a recognised Tier 1 licence, offering strong global recognition, especially in EU/EEA countries, Canada, LATAM, parts of Africa. It's leading reputation supports its relationships with partners, such as banks, payment processors, and PSPs.
Yes, operators in Malta are required to conduct a systems audit which involves assessing RNG fairness, game integration, security protocols, and internal processes.
Operators are permitted to have several brands under one licence, however they must be registered with the MGA and each brand must adhere to the regulatory standards in Malta.
A white-label solution enables the operator to benefit from the B2B licence holders expertise and infrastructure. This keeps costs to a minimum and the operators can focus on growing the business, such as branding and marketing.
The MGA allows a change of ownership, but it must be declared and approved via the proper notification process and new shareholders/directors must pass fit and proper checks.
Your gateway into the game
Our team of professionals hold decades of experience in the iGaming sector. We've assisted some of the largest global brands with their licensing and corporate service needs.
We are experts in regulation, compliance, and corporate governance. Our support is designed to simplify and ease regulatory pressures, allowing you to focus on driving business growth.
As your global iGaming partner, we are committed to exceeding your expectations and ensuring your long-term success.
Ready to licence?
If you have a licence already in mind, complete the form below and our team will be in touch.
If you'd like expert advice on choosing the right licence for your business model, please complete the form or contact our team directly.
Your gateway into the game
Our team of professionals hold decades of experience in the eGaming sector. We've assisted some of the largest global brands with their licensing and corporate service needs.
We are experts in regulation, compliance, and corporate governance. Our support is designed to simplify and ease regulatory pressures, allowing you to focus on driving business growth.
As your global eGaming partner, we are committed to exceeding your expectations and ensuring your long-term success.
