How to Get a Malta iGaming License?

Malta iGaming License is one of the most popular licenses among operators. But, obtaining it can be a challenge. This guide walks you through the process of getting a Malta gaming license and more. Stay tuned!  

Malta is one of the biggest iGaming-friendly jurisdictions in the world.  

This makes it a popular choice among operators to start the iGaming platform.  

However, nothing can be done without obtaining a Malta gaming license. This is where operators face a ‘real struggle.’  

It’s true.  

But nothing to worry about.  

Whether you’re a startup or planning to venture into the iGaming industry, in this guide, we will walk you through the complete process of obtaining Malta online gaming license, its benefits, and more.  

Malta Gambling Industry: The Gold Standard In iGaming  

Malta is a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Nobody ever wondered that one day this small sea could become a mecca for iGaming businesses. 

Since the 2000s, the iGaming industry in Malta has witnessed exceptional growth in terms of revenue.  

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was established in 2001, was the first EU regulator to offer licenses to online gambling. This move positioned Malta as a pioneer in the iGaming landscape.  

Then, in 2004, Malta became a fully-fledged member of the EU, allowing operators to serve the EU markets as well.  

According to the Malta Gaming Authority, in 2024, there were around 300 active MGA-licensed gaming companies, including B2B and B2C operators.  

With this reputation, online casino and sports betting regulations in Malta continued to attract top-tier casino and sportsbook operators due to its streamlined tax, and strong compliance reputation.  

Why Getting a Malta iGaming License Is Important? 

When it comes to the iGaming industry, Malta is known to be the most respected jurisdiction for operators of all types.  

Thanks to its robust regulatory framework, EU membership, and global recognition.  

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) offers a transparent and structured licensing process that ensures trust among players, partners, payment providers and game providers.  

With a stable political environment, favorable tax rates, and access to the entire EU 

 market, operators licensed in Malta can scale their businesses with confidence.  

Additionally, the MGA’s international reputation is so widespread that it has gilded its name in the United Kingdom Gambling Commission’s ‘Whitelist,’ enabling operators to target the UK audience as well.  

Apart from this, the country also gives full support for compliance, responsible gaming, and innovation.  This is an ideal choice for startups and established operators alike.  

Types Of Malta Gaming Licenses  

The Malta Gaming Authority offers two primary types of licenses. This includes: 

1. B2B (Business to Business) 
2. B2C (Business to Consumer) 

Let’s discuss each of these licenses in detail below: 

Business To Business (B2B): Gaming Supplier License  

The B2B license is for businesses, specifically designed for game and software creators.  

This license is important for entities supplying gaming products and services to other licensed operators.  

To obtain this license, the gaming creators will have to pay:  

1. An annual licensing fee of €10,000 
2. The license fee varies depending on annual income, such as: 

• Up to €5,000,000 – €25,000 
• Up to €5,000,000 but less than €10,000,000 – €30,000 
• More than €10,000,000 – €35,000 

Software developers will pay:  

1. An annual licensing fee of €10,000 
2. Based on annual income: 

• Up to €1,000,000 – €3,000 
• More than €1,000,000 – €5,000 

Business To Consumer (B2C): Gaming Service License  

If you want to start an online casino and offer iGaming services directly to players, the B2C license is for you.  

Whether you operate an online casino, poker or sportsbook platform, a B2C license is what you will need.  

Under B2C, there are different types of licenses offered based on the games operators want to offer. The types of licenses include:  

Type 1: License For RNG Games  

This license covers RNG-based games, which include Casinos, Lotteries, Slot Machines, blackjack, and virtual sports games.  

Type 2: License For Games with Events (Sportsbook) 

This license covers sports betting and other events where outcomes are determined externally. For instance, horse racing, eSports betting, etc.  

Type 3: Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Games  

As the name suggests, this license is for games where players compete against each other, like poker, bingo, lotteries, and betting exchanges.  

Type 4: Controlled Skill Games   

If you want to offer a controlled skill where results are determined by the collection of statistics. For instance, fantasy sports.  

Step-By-Step Application Process  

MGA’s licensing process is a thorough multi-step process that requires operators to meet the criteria. The process is broken down into multiple steps as below: 

1. Fit and Proper Check 

In the initial stage, the MGA conducts a thorough background check regarding the finances and management of the applicant’s business.  

The investigation is conducted via international regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies.  

2. Examine The Business Plan 

After that, MGA verifies the applicant’s business plan, the game offered, technical setup, and the rules and terms of service.  

This is done to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to MGA regulations.  

3. Operational Requirements Check 

Once the business plan of an applicant is checked, the MGA goes on to examine important documents, terms and conditions, policies, procedures, etc.  

Further, the regulatory body checks the applicant’s financial stability.  

4. System Review  

Now, the, MGA will audit the live environment of the applicant. The gaming and control systems are checked, which include player registration, game logs, account control, and payment integration.  

In this step, the applicant is granted a 10-year license.  

5. Compliance Review  

Once the license is issued and 90 days after going live, the casino operator should have a compliance auditor to ensure everything is compliant with MGA regulations.  

Malta Gaming License Fees & Taxes  

Whether an applicant is applying for a new license or renewing it, they have to pay associated administrative fees.  

The license fee is charged on an annual basis and changes over time.  

Refer to the table below to check the license fees. 

Gaming Taxes 

Apart from application and annual fees, operators are required to pay gaming taxes based on their license type.  

Check out the table below. 

Compared to other regions, Malta’s gaming taxes stand out to be competitive. This attracts both startups and established iGaming operators.  

Additionally, Malta Gaming Authority also charges 5% gaming tax. This tax is applied to gaming revenue generated from players based in Malta.  

Note To Remember  Operators are suggested to check other tax implications also when operating under a Malta iGaming License. It might be possible that an additional tax requirement may also apply to certain EU countries.

Choosing the Right License for Your iGaming Business 

The iGaming industry is vast, and so are the types of businesses involved in it.  

As an operator, deciding which license to choose to run a business depends on the iGaming activities.  

It is clear to you that a B2B license is for those offering gaming products and services to other licensed operators.  

While a B2C license suits those who directly offer gaming services to end-to-end players.  

But companies involved in both activities may require both licenses.  

Final Thoughts 

In the final note, we can say that getting a Malta gaming license is a matter of prestige. Since the license can be used in any country where online casinos are legal.  

Having a Malta gambling license opens doors of opportunities to expand into other EU markets. Operators can enjoy tax benefits, build more partnerships, and benefit from better advertising possibilities.  

All in all, Malta iGaming license is your GREEN card, giving an edge to access international markets and the EU markets.  

So, apply for it today!  

FAQs

• How much is a Malta Gaming Authority license?

  The cost varies depending on the license type but generally includes a €5,000 application fee. The annual licensing fee starts at €25,000, and compliance contributions are based on personal revenue.

• In which countries can a Malta gaming license be used?

  The Malta gaming license is widely recognized and a universal license. It is accepted across many EU and international markets, making it easier to operate legally in multiple regulated jurisdictions.

• How much does Malta jurisdiction charge as tax from operators?

  Operators must pay a gaming tax of 5% based on the revenue generated from players located in Malta.

• Can the Malta Gaming Authority suspend or withdraw a license?

  Yes, MGA has the power and legal rights to suspend or cancel a license if the operator fails to comply with legal obligations or law of Malta.

• How long does it take to get a license?

  Since it is a legal process, it might take around 12-16 weeks to procure Malta gambling license. However, it also depends upon the completeness of your application and the speed of regulatory reviews.