Obtaining a gaming license in Malta

Malta is considered one of the most prestigious and attractive jurisdictions for obtaining a gambling license. Just as Switzerland has become a symbol of stability and prestige in the business environment, Malta has secured its position as a benchmark jurisdiction for the gambling industry. Malta is a pioneer in online gambling regulation, maintaining leadership positions in the global market for over two decades. A license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) symbolizes reliability, transparency, and compliance with the highest international standards.

Although the gambling industry in Malta actively flourishes and is indeed the driving force of gambling in Europe, the requirements for obtaining a gaming license in Malta are quite strict. High license fees and regulatory compliance costs make it a jurisdiction primarily suitable for experienced operators and gambling companies seeking to expand their business boundaries and reach a global level.

Therefore, obtaining a Maltese gambling license is an optimal choice for companies that have already established themselves in the market and are ready to scale in a prestigious European jurisdiction. It's an investment in trust, stability, and brand recognition on the international stage.

• Malta is one of the most authoritative gambling jurisdictions in the world. An MGA license demonstrates operator trust and high service quality.
• Malta's gambling license allows operation within the EU, thanks to its compliance with EU directives such as GDPR and AMLD.
• Malta offers a reduced effective corporate tax rate of 5%, dividend reimbursement, and double taxation avoidance mechanisms.
• The Malta Gaming Authority ensures a high level of control, guaranteeing fairness, security, and transparency for operators and players.
• Malta licenses cover various types of gambling, including online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and software development (B2C and B2B).
• The gaming license is issued for 10 years, allowing operators to plan long-term business development without frequent renewals.
• Malta is often chosen for online casino or physical casino registration due to its stable regulation.

B2C Licenses (Business-to-Consumer)

This type of license is issued to companies providing gaming services directly to end consumers (players). They are divided into several subcategories:

• Class 1: Online Gambling License

This license is for companies wanting to organize online casinos, lotteries, slot machines, and other similar games where the outcome depends on recurring events. The operator must manage gaming risk. To obtain this class license, the company must have a physical presence in Malta and meet MGA's technical and financial requirements. The minimum capital for this class is 100,000 euros.

• Class 2: License for Bookmaking Operators

This license is issued to companies engaged in online sports betting, including fixed-odds betting and spread betting. Capital requirements and technical standards are similar to Class 1, with a minimum capital of 100,000 euros.

• Class 3: License for Peer-to-Peer Games

License for game organizers where players compete against each other, such as poker or bingo, where participant skills play an important role. The operator earns revenue through commission on bets or winnings but bears no gaming risks. The company can be registered in any country but must have a legal address in Malta and meet MGA requirements. The minimum capital for this class is 40,000 euros.

B2B Licenses (Business-to-Business)

This type of license is issued to companies providing software and technical solutions for gambling operators.

• Class 4: License for Software and Technology Providers

This license type applies to companies developing gambling software or providing other technological solutions important for the gambling industry. Software providers can be registered outside Malta but must have a legal entity in Malta and meet MGA's technical and financial requirements. The minimum capital for this class is 40,000 euros.

Malta Gaming License Application Process

The process of obtaining a Maltese gambling license includes the following main stages:

1. Company Registration in Malta

To apply for a license, the company must be registered in Malta or have a business connection with it. This can be either a local company or a foreign company with a legal address in Malta. The legal entity must meet certain MGA requirements, particularly regarding management structure and financial standards.

2. Document Collection and License Application

The license application process includes providing all necessary documents, such as:

• Company information (structure, owners, management, income verification, and reputation)
• Financial activity details and business plan
• Description of services the company intends to provide (game types, software, payment systems)
• List of provided games and their certification (especially important for games with random number generators)
• Documentation regarding operational and technical requirements (including personal data protection, payment system security and reliability, responsible gaming policies, AML)

3. License Fee Payment

When submitting a license application, a license fee must be paid, which varies depending on the license type and class. The fee for obtaining a gaming business license in Malta can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the operation volume and services.

4. Verification Period and License Issuance

The application and document verification process can take several months. The total time for obtaining a Maltese license can take up to 6 months and may vary depending on business complexity, license type, document preparation level, and efficiency of cooperation with the regulatory body.

The MGA thoroughly checks all aspects of the company's activities to ensure compliance with legislation and industry standards. After successful verification, the company receives a 10-year license.

5. Regular Inspections and Reporting

After obtaining the license, the operator must regularly submit reports to the MGA, undergo inspections, and renew the license. This includes technical checks, financial audits, and compliance checks with security standards and player rights protection.

Obtain a Maltese Gaming License with Campio Group Support

For those wanting to successfully obtain a gambling license in Malta and enter the international market with reliable legal support, we recommend seeking support from Campio Group.

Our company will provide professional assistance at each stage of the process - from company registration in Malta to license application and obtaining, as well as providing ongoing legal support for your business. By working with us, you get a reliable partner who will help minimize risks and ensure compliance with all Malta's legislative requirements.