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Gambling License in Malta

How to Obtain an iGaming License in Malta?

Today, Malta is rightfully the flagship in the field of organizing online gambling. It has an effective legal framework, a stable economy, modern banking and IT infrastructure, and all document workflows are conducted entirely in English. The licensing process is concise and well-regulated. The tax refund system allows businesses to develop dynamically. Such favorable conditions make it possible to call Malta the Silicon Valley of Europe in the iGaming industry.

Licensing of the industry is handled by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). There are two key groups of licenses:

  • a license to conduct gambling activities (B2C);
  • a license to supply gaming software (critical gaming supply, B2B).

In turn, B2C licenses are divided into 4 subcategories, depending on the type of games:

  1. Games whose outcome is determined by the generation of random numbers (roulette, blackjack, baccarat, etc.).
  2. Games whose outcome is determined by the result of an event or competition (sports betting).
  3. Games where players play against each other rather than against the house (poker, bingo, betting exchange).
  4. Games whose outcome depends on players' skill and a combination of statistical indicators (other types of gambling).

A license can be obtained by companies registered in Malta or in another EEA member state. To do this, it is necessary to provide the MGA with the company's corporate documents and proof of paid-in share capital (from EUR 40,000), information on the ownership structure and founders, a business plan, a description of the planned activities and software, as well as a number of additional documents. When reviewing the documents, the MGA assesses the extent to which the applicant:

  • is organizationally capable of running a gambling business;
  • is properly prepared in terms of marketing and business strategy;
  • is capable of meeting the regulatory requirements set out in law; and
  • has correctly implemented its product from a technical standpoint prior to its market launch.

The company's structure must include specialists responsible for key functions such as marketing and advertising, player support, responsible gambling, fraud prevention, risk management, and the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.

If the applicant meets all of the above conditions, the MGA will grant it a license for a term of 10 years. The license issuance fee is EUR 5,000. The annual fee ranges from EUR 10,000 to EUR 25,000, depending on the type of games conducted. Annual fees are also charged based on the company's level of income.

Obtaining an iGaming license in Malta is quite a complex process. In order not to waste time unnecessarily, it is better to entrust the preparation of documents and the licensing procedure to qualified lawyers. The Solex Group team provides a full range of services for online gambling operators — from incorporation and licensing to complete legal and accounting support for the platform.

For more detailed information, please contact our specialists.

Keywords: gambling license, Malta, online gaming licensing, iGaming Malta