Malta Gambling License Cost

7/31/2022 admin

Malta Gambling License Cost Average ratng: 3,5/5 9803 reviews

Online gambling licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority are highly valued by operators, but getting one is easier dreamed of than done. The world-renowned license gives online gambling platforms a nearly unrivaled level of legitimacy, but navigating bureaucratic processes is never smooth sailing. Read about how Slotegrator’s jurisdictional and business advisory services can clear the way for your casino to get one of the industry’s most widely-recognized licenses.

Any person in possession of a licence issued by the MGA shall pay the Authority the appropriate non-refundable fixed annual licence fee. Licensees shall also pay the compliance contribution depending on the type of approval issued by the Authority. B2C Type 1 Gaming Services - Minimum. €15,000; Maximum €375,000. The MGA offers both B2C licenses for organizing gambling activities and B2B licenses for providing gambling materials. The B2C licenses are divided into 4 classes of license depending on the form of gambling the operator wants to provide. Malta’s licensing and regulatory framework was revised in 2018 with the introduction of the Gaming Act 2018.

Online gambling licensing and regulation in Malta

Malta became the first EU member state to fully embrace online gambling by passing the Remote Gaming Regulations in 2004, and the Lotteries and Gaming Authority — changed to the Malta Gaming Authority in 2015 — quickly built up a reputation as a leading licensor and regulator in the online gambling industry. With a hospitable government and thriving technology and business sectors, Malta has established itself as an international axis of iGaming.

The MGA offers both B2C licenses for organizing gambling activities and B2B licenses for providing gambling materials. The B2C licenses are divided into 4 classes of license depending on the form of gambling the operator wants to provide.

Malta’s licensing and regulatory framework was revised in 2018 with the introduction of the Gaming Act 2018. As of the regulatory reconfiguration, operators do not need to submit a new application for separate licenses. Instead, they can add to the class of games they offer without going through the licensing process again. Also, the validity of the license was extended from five years to ten.

Why should you get a license in Malta in 2020?

The iGaming industry accounts for a massive portion of the Maltese economy. Malta’s iGaming sector generated over €1.5 billion in 2019, accounting for 13% of the country’s GDP, representing an increase of nearly 10% compared to the previous year. Moreover, it also represents the critical role that gaming plays in Malta — in fact, it is the third-biggest private sector industry in the country.

Perhaps out of recognition of the industry’s value, the Maltese government is one of the world’s most gambling-friendly. The 2018 regulatory restructuring simplified the licensing regime and streamlined the tax system to avoid double taxation, eliminating the gaming tax. But easing up on taxes has by no means hurt the Maltese government; in 2019, the gaming industry generated €80 million in compliance contributions, license fees, levies, and consumption taxes. Simply put, the Maltese government’s hospitality towards the iGaming industry has created a satisfying win-win for both businesses and authorities.

Despite the number of giants who’ve set up shop on the tiny Mediterranean island, there’s still plenty of room to go around. The MGA’s pro-business stance extends from the heights of the industry down to tough-nosed entrepreneurs — the monthly Compliance Contribution, which varies depending on revenue, is waived for start-ups’ first twelve months of licensed operation, provided the company meets certain criteria like being less than five years old and making under €10 million in revenues.

Malta is also home to SiGMA, one of the global iGaming industry’s biggest and most important annual events. The combination of industry-leading speakers, an expo that gets bigger every year, and networking events where you can get face time with potential new partners brings together thousands of delegates and affiliates every year.

Along with the companies and conferences, there’s a highly-trained workforce available. The prospect of meaningful employment has attracted plenty of qualified professionals, making Malta the perfect iGaming environment. Employment opportunities directly related to the gaming industry accounted for over 7000 full-time jobs in 2019, and when accounting for all jobs related to the iGaming industry the number rises to 11,000 — over 4.5% of the country’s workforce. Simply put, if iGaming has a native country, it’s Malta.

The MGA’s international reputation goes beyond just the legitimacy it has in the eyes of players (though that alone is reason enough for some operators). For example, the MGA is on the United Kingdom Gambling Commission’s “Whitelist,” allowing MGA license holders to advertise in the UK market. The MGA also has bilateral agreements with a number of other regulators, which vary from case to case but often feature cooperation in areas like information sharing.

A Growing Industry
Home to highly-trained
professionals
Golden Reputation
Regulations enable the
industry to flourish
Unbeatable Location

How do you get a license in Malta?

The MGA is thorough when it comes to deciding which applicants meet its licensing criteria. The vetting process is credited with inspiring faith in players across the globe — the MGA’s word that an operator can be trusted is as good as gold.

There are several stages an application moves through.

Fit and proper check

In the first stage, the MGA assesses all information on the client regarding the finance and management of their business. MGA conducts investigations with international regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies. The backgrounds of shareholders and key persons are investigated and verified.

Business planning check

Once the application has cleared the fit and proper check, the MGA does a detailed and thorough examination of the applicant’s business plan, including things like marketing, human resources, forecast of operation, and financial prospects.

Operational and statutory requirements check

Once the credibility of the applicant and the feasibility of the business are established, the MGA examines incorporation documents, verticals, terms and conditions, policies and procedures, etc.

The MGA checks the applicant’s financial reserves. The necessary amount of paid-up share capital depends on license type:

Type 1 — €100,000
Type 2 — €100,000
Type 3 — €40,000
Type 4 — €40,000

Licensees are liable for share capital per license, capped at €240,000.

System review

After the first three stages are complete, the applicant is notified that their application is approved and they are invited to “implement the operation onto a technical environment” and a qualified system auditor, pre-approved by the MGA and chosen by the operator, will carry out a system audit which will check whether the casino operates as it was proposed to do in the application. The casino should operate nearly identically to the outlined business plan, and if it does not the applicant will have to re-submit their application. Once the processes are certified, the applicant is granted a 10-year license.

Compliance review

Within 90 days of going live, the operator must have a compliance auditor recognized by the MGA review the project.

We offer consultancy services and complete package solutions for gambling license acquisition that include:

Gambling jurisdiction and business advisory
Gambling business corporate structure incorporation
Opening bank accounts
Gambling license application

The price of a Maltese license

Applicants are responsible for a number of administrative fees when it comes to applying for or renewing a license.

Fee	Cost	Due
Application fee for a new license	Paid upon application for a gaming license
€5000
Key function certificate	Paid upon application for a Key Function Certificate
€1500
Application fee	Paid upon application for a Material supply Certificate
€500

There are also yearly licensing fees.

License Type	Non-Refundable Fixed Annual License Fee
License Types 1, 2, 3
License Type 4

MGA licensees are responsible for making an annual compliance contribution which is calculated based on what type of license they hold. For the purposes of calculating Compliance Contributions, the MGA determines Gaming Revenue via the following equation:

(A+B) - (B+C) = Gaming Revenue

Where

A = total amount of real money wagers

B = the total amount of bonus wagers and other player incentives

C = the total amount of withdrawable player winnings.

There are also fees associated with the B2B license. Below is a chart outlining the annual fees that critical gaming supply license holders are responsible for.

Table of license fees for supplying and managing the material elements of a game

License fees on annual revenue	Fee
€25,000
If annual revenue is greater than €5,000,000 but less than €10,000,000
If annual revenue is greater than €10,000,000
License fee for providers solely offering services for license type 4

License fee for the supply and management of software

License fees on annual revenuee	Fee
Where annual revenue does not exceed €1,000,000
Where annual revenue exceeds €10,000,000

If there is a downside to getting licensed in Malta, it’s the expense. Licensing fees and taxes are high when compared to, for example, Curacao. For this reason, the MGA license is a more common choice among more established operators with substantial financial backing. But aside from that, it’s hard to find a downside to getting a license from one of the world’s most established and reputable jurisdictions.

Still, there’s more than one licensing jurisdiction in the global iGaming industry, each with their own requirements, restrictions, and prices. The Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea between the UK and Ireland, also offers online gambling licenses. The chart below gives an idea of how Malta and the Isle of Man compare.

How does the Malta online gambling license* compare to the Isle of Man?

*for B2C licensees

What are the risks of skipping the online gambling license?

Some operators flinch at the thought of coughing up the costs of a gambling license and go without, hoping to fly under authorities’ radar. However, operating without a license is one of the worst ideas an aspiring operator can have. And this is why:

Many game developers and payment service providers won’t cooperate with unlicensed operators, meaning your unlicensed casino will have a limited range of gaming products and payment methods.
Players find unlicensed casinos to be untrustworthy. Players are very quick to take to forums and discuss casinos they find to be disreputable, and once you have a bad reputation, it is very hard to get rid of.
Unlicensed casinos can be subject to large fines if they are based in a jurisdiction that regulates gambling. In Malta, first-time offenders face fines ranging from €10,000 to €500,000.
Casinos can be shut down by the authorities if they do not comply with the regulations of the jurisdiction where the company is based.
Providing unlicensed gambling services is considered a criminal offense in Malta with prison terms of up to five years, and penalties worsening for repeat offenders. And this is a rule not only for the jurisdiction of Malta. For example, in the UK, offering unlicensed gambling activities is punishable by a fine or up to 51 weeks behind bars. Similarly, in Germany, offering gambling activities without a license can be punished by a fine or up to two years in prison, and unlicensed operators can also face tax evasion charges. In Russia, fines range from RUB 800,000 to RUB 1,500,000 and prison terms can last up to two years.

The price of a license may be high, but the cost of skipping it is probably higher. Operators who have their websites shut down or find themselves stuck in prison will probably have a hard time trying to turn a profit.

Malta online gambling license FAQs

What’s the total cost of an MGA license?

The combined cost of the initial application fee, license fee, and systems and compliance audit is €36,000.

Why do players trust the MGA license?

Due to the MGA’s stringent due diligence checks, a Maltese license has earned a worldwide reputation as a mark of distinction and become an instantly recognizable sign that a casino is trustworthy.

What’s the licensing process?

Applicants submit their application and pay the application fee. Once both are accepted, the MGA checks that the applicant is fit and proper to conduct gambling activities, that the applicant has prepared a proper strategy, and that the applicant meets operational and statutory requirements. Finally, technical systems and compliance are reviewed as the platform goes live.

How long does it take?

Once the application and all relevant information has been submitted, it normally takes from 12 to 16 weeks for approval.

What kind of license do I need?

The kind of license you need depends on what kind of gaming activity you want to offer. There are four types of license, covering RNG-based games, sports betting, peer-to-peer games, and controlled skill games. Operators don’t need to apply for a separate license for each type of game. Licensed operators who wish to expand their services only need to apply for approval.

What else do you need for a successful online casino business?

1. A branded platform

Starting from scratch has never been easier. Our Turnkey solution provides everything you need to get an online casino up and running in the blink of an eye. With custom design, client management systems, financial infrastructure, and more, our Turnkey Casino solution will jump-start your online casino business in only 1-3 months.

2. World-class games

An online casino’s top priority is consistently providing the exciting gaming experience that players expect. Providing an array of slots and other games is a tried-and-true strategy for keeping players coming back time and time again. Our game integration solution can integrate over 5000 games from more than 50 of the world’s best game developers in a single integration session — saving you time and money and letting you cut the ribbon on your new online casino sooner rather than later.

3. Reliable payment processing systems

It goes without saying that your players will need to make deposits and withdrawals. As an online casino business, you’re likely to have an international player base wagering with a variety of currencies - not to mention cryptocurrencies. Our payment system API will enable you to accept payments in over 100 different currencies from 20 of the world’s leading payment providers.

4. Don’t forget the sportsbook

Casino players may be the bread and butter of your business, but sports bettors have a lot to offer as well — they love to put their money where their mouth is, and they have a lot to say. So don’t stop at slots — offer a range of sports disciplines and events to bet on, as well as plenty of data feeds to keep punters up to speed.

How can Slotegrator help you get licensed in Malta and get your business started?

Many operators choose to save themselves time, money, strain, and wasted effort by outsourcing the complicated licensing process, relying on the expertise and professionalism of companies that are well-practiced at navigating the bureaucratic ins and outs of license application processes.

Slotegrator’s jurisdictional and business advisory services will help you through every step of the licensing process, saving you time, money, and hassle and getting your project going fast. Save yourself a headache and leave it to us to get your licensing done while you turn your attention elsewhere, like focusing on marketing efforts to build up your player base.

The Malta gaming license is the industry gold standard. Renowned throughout the world, a platform operating under the supervision of the Malta Gaming Authority will find many doors opened to them. They will also find it easier to open bank accounts, enter third party agreements, and to offer services to international clients.

But all of these benefits come at a price. The license application process for Malta online gambling license is lengthy, costly, and complex. To acquire the license, the applicant will have to submit a lot of paperwork, be patient, and even attend in-person meetings with the regulators. But, if you are a big gaming company or a well-established brand looking for an EU home, it’s worth it.

Fast Offshore doesn’t usually recommend the Malta online gaming license to startups for entrepreneurs. The reason for this is due to the high cost, stringent requirements, and the length of time needed to complete the process. We usually assist clients who are already well established and profitable but that want to expand into more markets and benefit from additional payment options.

Benefits of the Malta Gaming License

The Malta online license comes with a whole host of benefits. Getting a gambling license there is not easy or low-cost, but it’s worth it for some operators. Here are some of the benefits of holding the iGaming industries gold-standard license.

Prestige

The Malta gambling license is widely considered as the most respected in the world. Holding this license is a vote of confidence that the operator is transparent, fair, honest, and operating within EU rules. If an operator has been granted the Malta gambling license, it’s assumed and understood they’ve satisfied several intensive, tough, and thorough checks and balances.

Gaming Friendly

As iGaming has been such an integral part of its economy, the local workforce is highly skilled and experienced in the gambling sector. There is a large talent pool of Maltese and European English-speaking workers (with knowledge of other key European languages). Malta is also home to a vast number of ancillary gaming service providers including software, hardware, affiliate, marketing, data, and advertising.

Player Trust

Displaying the Malta gambling license on your platform will bring a great deal of player trust and confidence. In a competitive market, gaining and retaining the trust of customers is extremely important. Trust in the Malta gambling license is driven by high levels of player protection and rigorous control mechanisms that are enforced by the Malta Gaming Authority. Moreover, high anti-money laundering standards are maintained and it’s in full compliance with all applicable EU legislation.

Tax Benefits

The corporate tax rate in Malta is set at 35% but there is a full tax imputation system in place. This means that shareholders are entitled to a tax credit that’s equal to the tax paid on the profits that the dividends were paid for. The most common tax credit is the 6/7ths which can mean an effective tax rate of just 5% depending on the circumstances.

There is also a gaming tax that is levied against gaming revenue generated from players based within Malta. This rate is set at 5% and is determined based on whether the player is a resident of Malta.

Stable

Malta has been a fully-fledged member of the EU since 2004 and it’s also a member of the British Commonwealth. It is a highly stable society both socially and politically. Economically, Malta has emerged with a consistently strong economy driven by technology, financial services, and innovation. The Maltese government are also known for being welcoming to businesses with an adaptable regulatory environment for technology-related companies.

Double Taxation Treaties

The Maltese government is a party to more than 70 different double taxation treaties with different jurisdictions around the world. They are also actively seeking to sign more for the mutual benefit of citizens of those countries. This means that an operator with a Maltese online gambling license is not obliged to pay tax in their country of origin too.

Access to More Markets

Any operator holding a Malta online gaming license is free to offer their services in a range of jurisdictions. They are however banned from offering gambling to customers in FATF blacklisted countries and jurisdictionswhere online gambling is illegal or a locally issued license is required. Operators are expected to comply with these rules and they are monitored to ensure that they do.

Malta Gaming License Requirements

The process for applying for a Malta gaming license is more stringent and in-depth than in most other jurisdictions. This is because the license is considered highly prestigious, therefore proper checks and processes have to be conducted. In this section we will provide information on the Malta online gaming license requirements, but be aware, the Malta Gaming Authority may ask for more in-depth information on a case-by-case basis.

In 2018, the Malta Gaming Authority significantly streamlined the application process. This was done through doing away with the multiple license types and offering just a B2B license and a B2C license. There is now no need to apply for different licenses depending on what kind of games and services you want to offer. You have the freedom to expand your service portfolio as you go forward, without having to apply for an additional license. In addition to this, the term of the license has been extended from five to ten years. As someone wanting to offer online gambling, you will need to apply for a B2C license.

Basic Requirements for a Malta Gambling License:

Here are the standard requirements that any applicant will have to meet. Each and everyofficer, authorized person, shareholder, director, beneficial owner or ultimate beneficial owner must provide the following documents:

A police good conduct certificate dated no older than three months for each company owner and applicant
Passing a “Fit and Proper Test”
The ability to fill various key function roles within the company. If you are unable to do so at the time of application, Fast Offshore can provide team members to carry out these duties
Original bank references of all owners/applicants dated no older than three months
Notarized copies of passports of all owners/applicants
A detailed business plan
A compliance and software audit
Details of all gaming software used and third party agreements
All operations and gaming servers must be within Malta.

Malta Gaming License Application Process

If you are confident you can satisfy the requirements, then the next step is to start the application process. But getting a gambling license in Malta is not easy; the process has many steps and requires a lot of paperwork and expert guidance.

The entire process takes between 30-50 weeks to acquire as long as all documents are in order and all meetings are conducted on time.

The first step of the process is to pass through a pre-application process with an officer from the Malta Gaming Authority. Once this has been completed satisfactorily and all information and documents have been gathered, the authority will evaluate them and decide whether the process can continue. They will seek to establish whether the potential applicant is prepared and able to conduct an online gambling business in line with their standards and expectations.

Fit and Proper Test

Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they’re capable of operating an online gambling company and adhering to the requirements of the Malta gaming license. To satisfy this requirement, the Malta Gaming Authority has created a ‘Fit and Proper Test’ which evaluates the applicant and owners of the corporate entity. The test assesses whether they’re able to operate a business of this kind and if they have the necessary strategy in place.

Part of this process is a face-to-face interview as well as a full evaluation of each individual’s career, qualifications and experience. Enhanced due diligence is also carried out at this stage. The authorities will then ascertain whether each individual has the operational and statutory requirements as laid out in Maltese gaming law and policy. There are also various probity investigations carried out at this stage with national and international law enforcement agencies and various regulatory bodies.

Financial and Business Evaluation

The Malta Gaming Authority will also conduct an in-depth financial analysis of the business plan that was provided as a part of the application process. To gain a Malta gaming license, the Authority wants to be sure that all financials are in order and that the plan is financially viable in the short and long term. They will evaluate all aspects of the plan including marketing, HR, growth, distribution, and various other performance indicators and targets. Which games will be offered, business processes, policies, rules, and all technical documentation will also be scrutinized at this stage of the process.

The business plan must also include specifications of all gaming software and details of where data and software will be hosted. All hosting and servers must be in Malta to be in line with the Malta online gaming license requirements.

The corporate entity filing the application must have a minimum issued and paid-up share capital of between EUR 40,000 and EUR 240,000 depending on the circumstances of the applicant. To find out more about this and what the requirements relating to you are, contact Fast Offshore for more detailed information.

Due Diligence

Each individual involved in the application process or who is considered an applicant must pass due diligence checks. They are required to submit documents relating to their identity, address, and source of funds. Fast Offshore will provide more information on required due diligence below.

Registered Office and Company Representatives

A company incorporated in Malta to obtain a Malta gaming license must have a registered office in the country. The entity must have one director and a company secretary, both of whom are subject to the MGA’s Fit and Proper Test. Other important positions need to be filled within the entity. These include Key Compliance, Money Laundering Reporting, Network and Information Security, and others.

System Review and Compliance Audit

Before a Malta gaming company is allowed to ‘go live’ they must complete a system review and compliance audit in a technical environment. As a part of the application process, they will be invited to ‘go live’ in this controlled environment and will have 60 days to complete it.

During these 60 days, the applicant must request an external System Review which will conduct an audit of the live environment and compare it with what was proposed in the business plan and application. If the live version differs significantly from what was initially proposed, the entire application process must start from the beginning.

In addition to this, a compliance audit must be carried out on the online gambling platform and entity. The criteria for this audit is specified by the MGA and local law. Compliance will be observed at the time of the audit, periodically, and upon the request of the MGA for the duration of the licensing period.

Issuance of License

Once all of these steps have been completed satisfactorily, the Malta Gaming Authority can issue the Malta gaming license. Before issuance, all fees and costs must be paid in full to the MGA and the entity that assisted with the application process. Going forward, the continuation of the license is also dependent on the payment of renewal fees and the satisfaction of ongoing obligations.

Malta Gaming License Cost

Like other EU gambling licenses, the Malta gambling license cost is higher than other offshore licenses. In general, the license is more suited to large, established operators who have the experience and the funds to go through the application process. There are however some startups with a larger budget and specific EU target markets that do opt for the license and feel that it is the best option for them. Fast Offshore will be able to advise you whether the Malta gaming license is the best option for you, or whether it’s better to go for a different license for the time being.

You should be prepared to budget more than this to get the license, set up your company, and take care of other corporate services matters. Other costs include incorporation fees, compiling documents, opening bank accounts, setting up payment providers, paying professional service fees, and costs associated with audits.

Each company has different needs, obligations, structures, and visions. As such, we are highly flexible and can create a tailor-made solution that provides you with exactly what you need, within your budget. We will never give you advice that won’t benefit you and we will always search for the most cost-effective and comprehensive way to meet your needs. No matter what kind of online gambling company you want to set up, or where you want to operate from, we can help.

Not only do we offer assistance in the application and licensing process, but we can also incorporate a company and open a corporate account for you. Beyond that, we can assist with all other stages of the set-up process including planning, software, and negotiations with third-party providers. Contact us today to discuss your vision and requirements, and let Fast Offshore help you go live.

Malta Gaming License Turnkey Package

For over 22 years, Fast Offshore has been assisting businesses operating in online gambling. We have also been working with clients to obtain the Malta gaming license since the beginning. This means we have a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience and know what to expect throughout the whole setup process. Based on this, Fast Offshore has created a Complete Turnkey Malta Gaming License Package for business operators includes everything you need to get your business up and running. It covers administration, applications, licensing, compliance, corporate, and fiscal matters.

The process of applying for a Malta online gambling license is a complex one and can take six weeks or more. Remember, the Malta Gaming Authority requires face-to-face meetings with applications and may request additional documentation that can further protract the process.

If you feel that the Malta gaming license is for you, why not schedule a free 30-minute consultationwith Fast Offshore to discuss your plans? We will be able to advise if the Malta license is for you as well as helping you to better understand the process. Together, we will be able to find the perfect plan for your business.

What does the Malta Gaming License Turnkey Package Include?

Fast Offshore’s Turn-key Malta Gaming License Package includes:

Maltese Company
Registered Office, Agent and Secretary.
Business Plan preparation and submission
Collecting, collating application requirements
Documentation preparation and submission (Gaming & Control system based on MGA requirements)
Application for B2C or B2B Malta Online Gaming License
Assistance establishing a corporate account for the business
Support establishing payment processing account(s) for acceptance of Visa & Master Card for the online gaming business
Personalized Advice: Enjoy peace of mind knowing you have our experienced assistance for the coming 12 months.

Ongoing Maintenance for your Malta Gambling License

But getting the Malta online gambling license is not the end of the process. Ongoing maintenance and ensuring continual compliance is essential to keeping your standing in good shape with the MGA. You also need to consider your corporate and fiscal responsibilities, alongside general accounting and operational matters. Maintenance is both necessary and time-consuming, so why not hand it over to Fast Offshore?

We focus on forging strong relationships with our clients– ones that are built on trust, transparency, and responsiveness. Because of this, they entrust us with the ongoing running and maintenance of their corporate, business, and licensing matters.

Fast Offshore offers a cost-efficient and comprehensive maintenance package for clients, based on all of the obligations and requirements that need to be considered on an ongoing basis.

Taxes

Any Malta-based company is subject to a 35% corporate tax rate. Malta operates a full imputation system which means that the effective rate of tax can be as low as 5%, depending on the situation.

The 35% tax rate is paid on all corporate revenue. After this, the dividends that are distributed to shareholders are entitled to a tax credit which is equal to the tax on the profits that the dividends are paid out of. The most common tax credit rate is 6/7ths which can make the amount paid, around 5%. At this rate, Malta is one of the jurisdictions with the lowest rate of corporate tax in the European Union.

Each case is different and an exact figure can only be given after a careful evaluation of the business. Fast Offshore can provide you with the information you need plus estimates on the effective rate of tax you could pay on revenue from your Malta online gaming company.

Also, the Maltese government imposes a gaming tax on revenue derived from players based in Malta. This rate is set at 5% and is paid by B2C licensees only. Revenue generated by players outside of Malta is not subject to this tax. Contact Fast Offshore for a no-fuss explanation and tailor-made advice for your situation.

The Malta Gaming Authority

The Malta Gaming Authority is the regulatory body thatoversees online gamingin Malta. It also issues, renews, and cancels licenses. They were established in 2001 and regulate online gambling including B2C and B2B operations and land-based gambling such as casinos, amusements, lotteries, and slot machines.

The MGA was one of the first legislators in the world to create a legal framework to regulate gambling. They created an environment of security and surety for stakeholders. Since their formation in 2001, the industry has grown exponentially and the MGA now supervises a market that accounts for 12% of the Maltese GDP.

Over the years, they have worked hard to adapt to the changes and developments in the industry. They have also adapted their rules and processes to support new technologies including mobiles, live gaming, eSports, and most recently, cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Malta recently became the first jurisdiction in the world to legislate in support of crypto and blockchain. The MGA is now accepting crypto casinoapplications for consideration. Furthermore, the MGA has created a Sandbox Framework Initiative which will explore how cryptocurrency and crypto-assets can be used on MGA licensed platforms.

They have been leading figures in enforcing fair play, the protection of minors and vulnerable people,responsible gaming policies, and protection to players. They were one of the first regulators to legislate for a duty of care for operators meaning license holders must monitor gamers habits, look for signs of problematic behaviour, and intervene.

The Malta Gaming Authority has cracked down on money laundering and the evolving threat of terrorist financing. As members of the EU, they are bound by the EU Directives on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing and are obliged to enforce each directive.

Known for their no-nonsense approach, the MGA have suspended licenses and even removed them completely in some cases. In terms of the application process, they do not hesitate to refuse applications at any stage. This could be the Fit and Proper Test, or later on if the applicants do not meet their criteria. The Authority collaborates with other regulators and law enforcement abroad to ensure that those applying and in possession of a Malta gaming license are worthy.

With their license enjoying such a solid reputation, it’s obvious why their rules are so stringent. Having a Malta online gambling license gives the operator proof that they operate fairly,transparently and legally. It also means that players have a level of protection from the MGA, should something go wrong.

Why is Malta Great for Well Established Operators?

The Malta gaming license provides the operatorwith far more options for payment providers, merchants, and bank accounts. This, combined with access to more markets and more potential clients makes the investment in a Malta online gambling license a smart, business savvy move.

As we have said before, the Malta gaming license is costly, complex, and takes a lot of time, paperwork, and effort. But for big names and well-established businesses, it’s the ultimate license.

Once a gambling company has established itself elsewhere under a different license, a Malta gaming license is a smart move. It provides better protection for players and operators, more partnership opportunities, and the chance to expand into new markets. It also allows the company to enjoy more payment methods, open different payment and settlement accounts, and to benefit from better advertising possibilities.

A Malta online gambling license enables the holder to offer online casino, online poker, eSport, bingo, lottery, raffle, sports betting, and potentially crypto gambling in many EU and international markets.

Switching jurisdictions is less hassle than you think, especially if you partner with an experienced and dedicated corporate service provider. We’ve helped many clients acquire a Malta gaming license and transfer their operations just a couple of years after starting. Contact Fast Offshore today take your business to the next level.

Contact Fast Offshore to Get Your Malta Gaming License

Fast Offshore is well-established in Malta and has a vast network of trusted partners and contacts. We have a good working relationship with the Malta Gaming Authority and can take you through the process, overcoming any obstacles along the way. To get your company licensed in Malta, let us help you in meeting all the requirements and criteria. Contact us today to find out how.

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