Everything you need to know about iGaming licencing in Malta

Thanks to a robust regulatory framework and simple licencing procedure, Malta holds one of the most trustworthy iGaming licences in the industry. Regulated by the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) since 2001, players value MGA-licensed platforms for their strong reputation and strict regulatory standards.

Additionally, an MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) licence is valid for ten years, higher than other popular iGaming licencing spots, an added benefit to avoid having to reapply frequently.

Malta's combination of regulatory integrity, tax efficiency, and supportive infrastructure makes it an ideal location for iGaming operators seeking a reputable and business-friendly environment. However, if you’re in the market for a iGaming license in Malta, you need to have good knowledge of the types of licences and their cost and time-frames.

What iGaming licences are available in Malta?

In Malta, there are two main types of iGaming licences: Gaming Service Licence (B2C) and Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B). These can be broken down by game type to help you find the right licence for your business.

Gaming Service Licence (B2C)

This gaming service licence allows operators to offer gaming service directly to players. This licence covers four gaming services, which can be broken down into the following four categories.

• Type 1: Games of chance played against the house like slots, roulette, blackjack, and lotteries.

• Type 2: Fixed-odds betting and wagering like sports and event betting.

• Type 3: Peer-to-peer games where participants bet against each other; like poker, Bingo, and betting exchanges.

• Type 4: Controlled skill games, like fantasy sports and other eSport games.

Holding a B2C licence offers great revenue potential through player engagement, but it does come with higher costs and regulatory responsibilities. For example, strict anti-money laundering compliance applies alongside responsible gaming measures and player fund protection, there is also a 5% gaming tax to consider.

Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B)

Contrary to B2C, this licence allows companies to offer their gaming services to iGaming operators, developers, and platform providers. The Critical Gaming Supply Licence offers lower compliance overhead, no gaming tax, and is ideal for tech providers looking to integrate with B2C operators seamlessly under MGA rules. Whilst with this licence you miss out on the direct revenue from players, it does help scale partnerships and extend global reach.

Application time and cost

Typical turnaround for both licences is around 12-16 weeks including pre-application discussions with MGA, system audits (if applicable) and final approval. There isn’t a major difference in time frame between the two, although B2B applications may move slightly faster due to less regulation and compliance complexity.

Taxation and fees

In terms of taxation and fees, these vary based on the types above:

Type 1:

• 1.25% for every € in the first €3 million

• 1% for every € in the next €4.5 million

• 0.80% for every € in the next €5 million

• f0.70% or every € in the next €7.5 million

• 0.55% for every € in the next €10 million

• 0.40% for any remaining € (after the thresholds)

Type 2:

• 4% for every € in the first €3 million

• 3% for every € in the next €4.5 million

• 2% for every € in the next €5 million

• 1% for every € in the next €7.5 million

• 0.80% for every € in the next (first) €10

• 0.60% for every € in the next (following first) €10 million

• 0.40% for any remaining € (after the thresholds)

Type 3:

• 4% for every € in the first €2 million

• 3% for every € in the next €3 million

• 2% for every € in the next (first) €5 million

• 1% for every € in the next (second) €5 million

• 0.80% for every € in the next (following second) €5 million

• 0.60% for every € in the next €10 million

• 0.40% for any remaining € (after the thresholds)

Type 4:

• 0.50% for every € in the first €2 million

• 0.75% for every € in the next €3 million

• 1% For every € in the next (first) €5 million

• 1.25% for every € in the next (second) €5 million

• 1.50% for every € in the next (following second) €5 million

• 1.75% for every € in the next €10 million

• 2% For any remaining € (after the thresholds)

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Interested in Malta?

If you are an iGaming operator seeking to target the regulated markets in Europe, Malta could be the perfect fit for your operations.

Contact our team at hello@gaminggateway.com to discuss Malta iGaming licensing and your business model today.