How to Obtain an iGaming License in Malta?
Malta is one of Europe's leading jurisdictions for the online gambling industry. It offers a well-established regulatory framework, a stable economy, developed banking and IT infrastructure, and an English-speaking business environment. Malta's long-standing experience in regulating the iGaming sector has made it a popular jurisdiction for both gambling operators and gaming software providers.
The industry is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The Maltese regulatory framework provides for two main categories of licenses:
B2C licenses are further divided into four game types, depending on the nature of the gaming activities:
A license may be obtained by a company established in Malta or another EU/EEA jurisdiction. As part of the application process, the applicant must provide the MGA with a comprehensive set of corporate and supporting documents, including information on its ownership and management structure, evidence of the required share capital, a detailed business plan, financial projections, and information on the proposed gaming activities and technical setup.
As part of its assessment, the MGA reviews, among other matters, whether the applicant and the persons involved in its ownership and management are fit and proper, whether the proposed business is financially and operationally viable, whether the applicant is capable of complying with the applicable regulatory requirements, and whether its technical environment meets the required standards.
The applicant must also establish an appropriate governance structure covering the key functions required under the MGA regulatory framework. Depending on the nature and scale of the business, these functions include regulatory compliance, legal affairs, player support, responsible gaming, fraud prevention, risk management, information security, and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance.
Subject to successful completion of the application and review process, the MGA may issue a license for a term of ten years. The applicant is required to pay the applicable application, license, compliance, and gaming-related fees and taxes, the amount of which depends on the type and scale of the licensed activities.
Obtaining an iGaming license in Malta is a comprehensive regulatory process that requires careful preparation of the corporate structure, business model, compliance framework, technical documentation, and application package. Proper preparation at the outset can significantly reduce delays and regulatory issues during the application process.
The Solex Group team provides a full range of legal services for online gambling operators and gaming suppliers — from company incorporation and licensing to ongoing legal, regulatory, and corporate support.
For more detailed information on obtaining an MGA license in Malta, please contact our specialists.
Keywords: gambling license, Malta, MGA license, online gaming licensing, iGaming Malta, B2C gaming license, B2B gaming license.
Malta is one of Europe's leading jurisdictions for the online gambling industry. It offers a well-established regulatory framework, a stable economy, developed banking and IT infrastructure, and an English-speaking business environment. Malta's long-standing experience in regulating the iGaming sector has made it a popular jurisdiction for both gambling operators and gaming software providers.
The industry is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The Maltese regulatory framework provides for two main categories of licenses:
- a Gaming Service Licence (B2C), which covers the provision of gaming services to players;
- a Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B), which covers the supply and management of critical gaming solutions.
B2C licenses are further divided into four game types, depending on the nature of the gaming activities:
- Type 1 — games of chance played against the house, the outcome of which is determined by a random number generator, including casino games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.
- Type 2 — games of chance played against the house, the outcome of which is determined by the result of an event or competition, including fixed-odds betting.
- Type 3 — games of chance not played against the house and in which the operator generates revenue by charging a commission or other fee, including certain forms of poker, bingo, and betting exchange.
- Type 4 — controlled skill games, the outcome of which is determined predominantly by the skill or knowledge of the players.
A license may be obtained by a company established in Malta or another EU/EEA jurisdiction. As part of the application process, the applicant must provide the MGA with a comprehensive set of corporate and supporting documents, including information on its ownership and management structure, evidence of the required share capital, a detailed business plan, financial projections, and information on the proposed gaming activities and technical setup.
As part of its assessment, the MGA reviews, among other matters, whether the applicant and the persons involved in its ownership and management are fit and proper, whether the proposed business is financially and operationally viable, whether the applicant is capable of complying with the applicable regulatory requirements, and whether its technical environment meets the required standards.
The applicant must also establish an appropriate governance structure covering the key functions required under the MGA regulatory framework. Depending on the nature and scale of the business, these functions include regulatory compliance, legal affairs, player support, responsible gaming, fraud prevention, risk management, information security, and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance.
Subject to successful completion of the application and review process, the MGA may issue a license for a term of ten years. The applicant is required to pay the applicable application, license, compliance, and gaming-related fees and taxes, the amount of which depends on the type and scale of the licensed activities.
Obtaining an iGaming license in Malta is a comprehensive regulatory process that requires careful preparation of the corporate structure, business model, compliance framework, technical documentation, and application package. Proper preparation at the outset can significantly reduce delays and regulatory issues during the application process.
The Solex Group team provides a full range of legal services for online gambling operators and gaming suppliers — from company incorporation and licensing to ongoing legal, regulatory, and corporate support.
For more detailed information on obtaining an MGA license in Malta, please contact our specialists.
Keywords: gambling license, Malta, MGA license, online gaming licensing, iGaming Malta, B2C gaming license, B2B gaming license.