The contents of this page are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise.
Browse this page for all Malta Gaming Authority licensed casinos (MGA casinos). If the number of casinos to choose from feels overwhelming, you can use the search function. Make sure you take advantage of the exclusive bonuses available only through Mr. Gamble.
🤔 What Is the Malta Gaming Authority?
The Malta Gaming Authority, the entity responsible for granting this licence, was founded in 2001, marking a pivotal moment in the online casino industry's growth. The MGA went by a different moniker, namely the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA), but this has since been changed in 2015.
The MGA is the governing body that regulates all forms of gambling in Malta as well as in numerous other jurisdictions and is known to be one of the most prestigious licences in the industry.
The MGA Malta offers six different licence types for gambling operators:
B2B Licence: This MGA licence is available to companies that provide gaming services to other businesses.
B2C Licence: This licence is issued to MGA casinos that offer their services to players.
Critical Gaming Supply Licence: This licence is provided to businesses that supply critical gaming supplies to other businesses.
Gaming Service Licence: This licence is issued to businesses that provide their gaming services to other companies.
Intermediate Licence: This licence is issued to businesses that act as intermediaries between players and operators.
Key Employee Licence: This licence is issued to persons who hold key positions within a gaming company.
The MGA generates most of its revenue via compliance contributions and levels, licence fees and application fees amongst others.
Malta Gaming Authority Contact Details
If you are looking to reach out to the MGA or simply want to verify the Malta casino licence of a specific gambling site, you can follow the below contact details.
Player Protection, Protection of Minors and Responsible Gaming
Parent department
Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses
Website
https://www.mga.org.mt
Malta Gaming Authority Casinos – A Short History
The Malta Gaming Authority Is the main gaming control board of Malta, which was established in 2001 to regulate many forms of gambling, that include both land-based casino entertainment as well as online gambling services for B2B and B2C.
The MGA was one of the first regulations to offer legislation that regulates the activities of online gambling companies in a bid to create a fair and safe gaming atmosphere for players.
The list of activities that MGA regulates includes video slots and all other casino games and gambling forms such as poker tournaments, virtual sports, and even B2B and B2C services.
The online gambling industry in Malta has been growing exponentially since 2001, with the gambling industry generating more than 12% of the country’s GDP.
Player Protection in the Malta Gaming Authority Casinos
The MGA is fully committed to ensuring that all MGA casinos are promoting responsible gambling and safeguarding the rights of players. As part of the MGA casino licensing agreement, all MGA licensed casinos must abide by various legislation regulations and directives as stipulated in the Lotteries and Other Games Act 2001 and Chapters 438 and 400 of the Laws of Malta.
The MGA’s main objective is to ensure that players can gamble safely and securely at MGA-licensed casinos whilst reducing the risks of gambling problems. As a result, the MGA has implemented various measures to ensure player protection, including:
Player Protection: The MGA has issued a Player Protection Directive that details the minimum requirements that Malta license casino sites must adhere to protect their players. The directive includes various measures such as self-exclusion, deposit, loss and wager limits as well as giving players access to their gaming history.
Dispute Resolution: The MGA has established a Player Support Unit to handle various player complaints and disputes. Players can file a complaint with the MGA if they think that an MGA online casino has violated their rights or treated them unfairly. The MGA will then investigate all complaints and take the necessary steps.
Monitoring and Enforcement: The MGA also monitors all the activities of Malta-licensed casinos to check that they are complying with the stipulated regulations. The Authority will impose sanctions on any casino MGA license site that violates the regulations.
How to Check a Casino for a MGA Casino License
Just because an online casino has an MGA licence in its footer, it does not mean they are necessarily licensed by the MGA. Some rogue casinos claim to have a valid gambling licence when they don’t. You can follow the below steps on how to check if a casino is licensed or simply choose a casino from our list of verified platforms.
Check for the logo. Scroll down and check for the regulator logo in the footer
Verify the logo. You should be able to click on this logo which in turn should take you to the MGA website.
Cross-check information. You can now check and verify the licensing information of your chosen MGA license casino by inputting the licence number.
Find New MGA Casinos 2024
New MGA casinos are continually emerging. Thanks to the attractiveness of the online casino Malta license, many casino operators are opting for this licence to welcome players from various territories. If you are looking for new operators, check out the below new MGA casinos 2024.
Casino Rules and Regulations by the MGA
Like top casinos in Europe, MGA online casinos must abide by a wide range of rules and regulations. Here are some of the regulations:
Licensing requirements: It issues a casino MGA license to operators in various gaming activities, including casino, sports betting and poker. License applicants undergo rigorous testing.
Player protection: The MGA ensures that the best MGA casino sites apply various player protection measures, which include responsible gambling tools, such as self-exclusion.
Anti-Money Laundering: The best MGA casinos must have solid anti-money laundering policies and procedures in place. They do this by verifying the identity of players via KYC procedures.
Fair play: Online casino MGA sites must be fair and transparent, by getting their gaming software tested and certified. This means that the game results are not manipulated.
Dispute resolution: The MGA has a mechanism in place to address any issues that may arise between players and a casino MGA.
Data protection: All established and new MGA casino sites must comply with data protection laws to protect players’ data-sensitive information.
Payment Methods Supported by the MGA Licence Casinos
Malta licensed casinos offer multiple payment options to meet the needs of casino players in their valid jurisdictions, including debit cards like Mastercard and Visa, e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and Trustly, as well as cryptocurrencies.
Players can also make deposits with bank transfers at most casinos that hold the MGA license. However, some more innovative payment options, such as eChecks, are still yet to be included as payment options for MGA casinos.
Casino Bonuses at MGA Casinos
Casino online MGA sites offer a good array of casino bonuses and promotions, that are designed for both new players as well as existing ones. All of the below casino bonuses can be offered to players on Malta licensed casinos. Here are some of the most common MGA casino bonus types available at the best casinos in Malta:
Welcome bonuses: MGA casino sites are able to provide lucrative welcome bonuses in a bid to attract new players to their sites. These bonuses can come either as a match deposit bonus, free spins or a mish-mash of both.
No deposit bonuses: While rare, a no deposit bonus is designed to reward players with a freebie when they sign up for an account. No deposit bonuses can come in the form of bonus funds or free spins.
Reload bonuses: Reload bonuses have been created with the aim of keeping existing players happy when they make deposits. These bonuses are usually percentage bonuses and are available on a weekly or monthly basis. There may also be exclusive reload bonuses that are one-offs.
Free spins: MGA casino sites can provide slots fans with an array of free spins promotions.
Cashback: MGA casino sites can also run cashback promotions, where players receive a percentage of their losses back as a bonus.
How to Choose a Casino Licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority
With so many online casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming authority, it’s hard to pick one! Follow the below steps to make an informed decision.
1
Select a casino
Choose a casino you’d like to play at.
2
Read reviews
Take time to check reviews from players and casino experts to gain insights into the MGA casino's reputation, user experience, and more.
3
Review the terms
Thoroughly review the terms and conditions on the website to know your rights and obligations.
4
Sign up
Complete the registration, create an account, and make your first deposit.
5
Start playing
That’s it! You can now proceed to register for an account and start playing.
Advantages & Disadvantages of the MGA License
Many casino players trust top online casinos that hold the MGA licence, and for good reasons. Online casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority are some of the safest in the industry. Yet still, there are some cons to consider.
✔️ Pros
❌ Cons
It is recognised by numerous jurisdictions in the world.
An MGA licence can be quite costly, both to acquire and to maintain.
Many casinos to choose from.
Strict regulations can be a challenge for operators, such as the high maintenance fees and stringent compliance.
Stringent standards when it comes to safety and data protection.
Corporate tax on gaming revenue can be a disadvantage for operators.
Can offer a great selectionof games and onboard software game developers who also have an MGA licence.
Can offer a variety of casino bonuses for players that are not available on other licence types.
Adds a strong element of trustworthy and reliability, which in turn attracts players
Why You Should Get a MGA Licence in 2024
If you are thinking of opening a new Malta casino with an MGA license, several benefits can have a good effect on your success.
Global recognition: The MGA is recognised as a leading regulatory authority in the online gambling landscape. Having such a licence adds a layer of credibility to your brand.
Strict regulatory framework: Since the MGA is known for its strict regulations, it will enhance the integrity of your MGA casino site.
Player protection: Thanks to solid player protection measures, it will provide a safe and transparent gaming environment for your players.
Multiple markets: Having an MGA licence will provide you with easy access to several international markets.
Marketing: Having an MGA logo on your platform, will serve as a powerful marketing tool and attract players who prefer playing on licensed platforms.
Continuous support: The MGA continues to provide support and guidance to its licence holders.
MGA License Requirements
Malta’s gaming license is widely seen as the world’s safest licence because of its demanding requirements. To get the license, applicants for Malta’s gaming licence must first give a detailed account of their business practices to Malta’s Gaming Authority.
During the application process, the applicant must also provide an estimation of costs and profits for the casino that they are founding. They must also present Malta’s Gaming Authority with their fully detailed business plan.
The basic requirements to get the MGA licence are the following:
Documents to prove that owners of the company don’t have a criminal background
Anti-money laundering and player protection measures
Financial stability and capital requirements
Technical standards and security measures
Notarised copies of passport(s)
Bank references from owners
Notarized copies of utility bills
Fully detailed business plan
Details of gaming software platforms and systems used
How to Get a Gambling Licence From the MGA
Obtaining a gambling license from the MGA entails a structured application process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Preliminary assessment: Before you can start the application process, you must first conduct a preliminary assessment to ensure that your casino aligns with MGA’s eligibility criteria. This comprises a solid business structure, financial stability and operational plans.
Legal counsel: You must then engage legal professionals with expertise in online gambling regulations. They should be able to assist you with documentation and compliance with MGA requirements.
Business plan: Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your operational strategy, risk management, player protection measures and financial projections.
Application Form: Complete and submit the application form with all essential information.
Financial information: Submit financial statements and present Anti-Money Laundering policies and procedures.
Technical system: Ensure that your gaming software and technical systems meet the MGA’s standards.
Application Fees: Pay the required application fee. The MGA will then conduct a site inspection and issue a gambling licence if approved.
Malta Gaming Authority Licence Cost
Here is a summary of the fees and costs associated with obtaining a license for an MGA casino:
Fee
Description
Application fee
There is a non-refundable one-time fee of €5,000
Gaming licence fee
There is an annual fee that is required to be paid before the casino licence is issued. There is an annual gaming licence fee of €25,000. If you are after a Gaming Service Licence (B2C), there is a cost of €10,000, or €25,000 if you opt for a B2B licence.
Gaming licence fee
There is also a non-refundable fixed annual licence fee of €10,000.
Fixed annual licence fee
There is a contribution fee that is required to be paid monthly based on the gaming revenue accrued every month.
FAQ
How to find the best MGA casino?
If you are looking to sign up for an account at an MGA casino, you only need to scroll to the top of the page. These casinos have been rigorously tested and verified by our team.
Are MGA online casinos safe?
Yes. Due to the strict rules and regulations stipulated by the MGA, you can expect a safe and fair gaming session.
How many Malta Gaming Authority casinos are there?
There are hundreds of MGA casino sites available on the market with many new ones cropping up weekly.
How long does it take to obtain the MGA licence?
It can take up to 12 weeks from the date of submission to acquire an MGA licence.
Is crypto allowed with the Malta Gaming Authority licence?
The MGA has recently started allowing cryptocurrencies as a payment method for licensed MGA casino sites.
Are MGA casinos legal for UK players?
UK players are only allowed to play at MGA casino sites that also have a valid gambling licence issued from the UK Gambling Commission.
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