Malta is one of the key jurisdictions for the iGaming business in Europe. The Malta gaming licence issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is internationally recognized and used by operators of online casinos, betting platforms, poker rooms, and other gaming services targeting regulated markets.
The query “gaming license in Malta” typically arises at the stage of business scaling or entry into the European market. At this point, it becomes critical not only to obtain a license, but also to understand the requirements behind the formal procedure, the obligations imposed on the operator, and how to structure the infrastructure to comply with regulatory standards.
This guide examines the process of obtaining a gaming license in Malta from a practical perspective: from license types and company requirements to technical infrastructure, timelines, and key risks. The material is based on current MGA requirements and regulatory practice relevant for 2026.
What is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license
The Malta Gaming Authority is the government regulator responsible for licensing and supervising gaming activities in Malta. MGA regulates both B2C operators that work directly with players and B2B providers that supply gaming platforms, software, and infrastructure.
An MGA license allows operators to legally provide gaming services within the European regulatory framework, provided they comply with requirements related to compliance, player protection, financial transparency, and the technical reliability of the platform.
A key characteristic of the MGA license is that it involves ongoing regulatory oversight rather than a one-time approval. After the license is granted, the operator must continuously demonstrate compliance, undergo audits, and submit regular reports.
Why Malta remains a popular iGaming jurisdiction
Despite increasing competition from other jurisdictions, Malta continues to be one of the most stable and predictable regulatory centers for the iGaming industry.
The main reasons companies choose Malta include:
- international recognition of the license
- a transparent and formalized licensing procedure
- a well-developed ecosystem of iGaming providers and consultants
- clear requirements for IT infrastructure and operational processes
- long-term regulatory stability
At the same time, an MGA license requires a high level of operational discipline and readiness for ongoing interaction with the regulator, which makes it particularly suitable for mature iGaming projects.
Types of Gaming Licenses in Malta (MGA)
The Malta Gaming Authority uses a structured licensing model that divides gaming licenses into B2C and B2B categories based on the company’s role within the gaming ecosystem. Understanding this distinction is critical, as the requirements, obligations, and licensing costs differ significantly.
B2C Gaming License (Game Service Licence)
A B2C license is intended for operators that provide gaming services directly to end users. This includes online casinos, betting platforms, poker rooms, and other player-facing services.
A B2C license covers several types of activities, including:
- games based on a random number generator (RNG)
- betting and sportsbook services
- peer-to-peer games (such as poker)
- skill-based games
An operator holding a B2C license bears full responsibility for compliance with player protection requirements, anti-money laundering obligations, risk management, and ensuring the fairness of games.
B2B Gaming License (Critical Gaming Supply Licence)
A B2B license is required for companies that do not interact directly with players but provide critical gaming components. These may include gaming platforms, software providers, aggregators, payment modules, and other technological solutions.
A B2B license applies to:
- gaming platforms and backend systems
- game engines and RNG solutions
- account and transaction management systems
- integration and infrastructure solutions
Companies holding an MGA B2B license must ensure the technical reliability of their products and compliance with regulatory requirements, as their solutions are used by licensed operators.
Key differences between B2C and B2B licenses
The main difference between B2C and B2B licenses lies in the scope of responsibility. A B2C operator is responsible for player interactions and financial operations, while a B2B provider is responsible for the stability and security of the technological components.
When choosing the type of license, it is important to consider:
- whether the company will work directly with players
- its role within the gaming service value chain
- whether licensing is required for the entire platform or for specific components
Selecting the wrong license type may result in an application rejection or the need to repeat the licensing process.
Core requirements for obtaining an MGA license
Obtaining a gaming license in Malta does not start with submitting an application, but with preparing the company for regulatory scrutiny. MGA assesses not only formal documentation compliance, but also the company’s actual ability to carry out licensed activities on an ongoing basis.
Corporate structure and beneficial owners
The applicant company must have a transparent corporate structure. MGA thoroughly reviews all beneficial owners, directors, and key persons involved in managing the business.
The regulator focuses on:
- ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs)
- directors and shareholders
- sources of capital
- business reputation and previous experience in regulated industries
All key individuals undergo a fit and proper assessment, which evaluates their financial standing, absence of criminal records, and experience in business management.
Key functions and personnel requirements
MGA requires licensees to appoint responsible individuals for critical functions. These roles are not merely formal and must be fulfilled by qualified professionals.
Key functions include:
- Compliance Officer
- Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
- Risk Manager
- Responsible Gaming Officer
Some functions may be outsourced; however, regulatory responsibility remains with the licensee. MGA assesses the qualifications, experience, and actual involvement of these individuals in day-to-day operations.
Financial and operational requirements
The company must demonstrate that it has sufficient financial resources to launch and sustain gaming operations. MGA evaluates the business model, financial forecasts, and sources of funding.
Key areas of assessment include:
- minimum capital and liquidity
- business plan and financial projections
- sustainability of the operating model
- readiness to cover operational and regulatory costs
Insufficient financial preparation is one of the most common reasons for license application rejection.
IT infrastructure and platform requirements
Technical infrastructure is a separate focus for the regulator. MGA views the platform not as an abstract product, but as a critical component of the licensed activity.
The regulator assesses:
- the architecture of the gaming platform
- data and transaction security
- reliability of the server infrastructure
- backup and disaster recovery processes
- access control and logging mechanisms
Before a license is issued, the platform must undergo technical review and certification to confirm compliance with MGA requirements.
MGA licensing process: stages and timelines
Licensing with the Malta Gaming Authority is a phased process that involves sequential assessment of the company, its beneficial owners, business model, and technical platform. It is important to understand that MGA reviews applications holistically: a weakness at any stage can delay the process or result in rejection.
Stage 1. Preliminary preparation and application submission
Before formally submitting an application, the company must prepare its corporate structure, appoint key functions, and compile a complete documentation package. This stage establishes the legal and operational foundation of the project.
The application typically includes:
- corporate documents of the company
- information on beneficial owners and directors
- a description of the business model and types of games
- financial forecasts
- a description of the IT infrastructure
In practice, most mistakes occur at the preparation stage, as companies often underestimate the depth of regulatory review.
Stage 2. Fit and Proper Test
After the application is submitted, MGA conducts a review of the company’s key individuals. This stage focuses on assessing the integrity, financial stability, and business reputation of the beneficial owners and management.
The review includes:
- analysis of sources of funds
- background and business history checks
- evaluation of experience in regulated industries
- screening against international databases
This stage can take a significant amount of time, especially in cases involving complex corporate structures or international beneficial owners.
Stage 3. Business and operational assessment
At this stage, MGA evaluates whether the declared business model complies with regulatory requirements. The regulator reviews the logic of the product, player interaction processes, financial flows, and user protection measures.
MGA pays particular attention to:
- KYC and AML processes
- responsible gaming policies
- risk management
- financial operations and reporting
Companies must demonstrate not just the formal existence of policies, but their actual readiness to apply them in practice.
Stage 4. Technical review and platform certification
Technical audit is one of the key stages of the licensing process. The platform must undergo independent certification confirming correct operation, security, and compliance with MGA standards.
The review covers:
- accuracy of gaming algorithms
- security of data and transactions
- infrastructure resilience
- backup and disaster recovery processes
Without successful completion of the technical review, a license will not be granted.
Stage 5. License issuance and launch of operations
After all assessments are successfully completed, MGA issues the license and authorizes the start of operational activities. However, regulatory interaction does not end at this point.
After launch, the operator must:
- comply with license conditions
- submit regular reports
- undergo periodic audits
- notify the regulator of any material changes
MGA license timelines
On average, the licensing process takes 4 to 6 months, provided there is thorough preparation and no complicating factors. More complex structures or additional platform development may extend the timeline.
It is important to allow extra time for revisions and communication with the regulator, as MGA actively requests clarifications at all stages of the process.
MGA license costs and mandatory fees
Obtaining and maintaining a gaming license in Malta involves both one-time and ongoing costs. It is important to consider not only the cost of the license itself, but also the associated expenses incurred during the launch phase and throughout ongoing operations.
The main cost items include:
- a one-time application fee
- an annual license fee
- compliance and audit costs
- gaming platform certification
- operational and legal expenses
The level of fees depends on the license type (B2C or B2B) and the scale of operations. For B2C operators, costs are generally higher due to increased requirements for compliance, reporting, and player protection.
Ongoing costs for maintaining the license must also be taken into account, including regular audits, policy updates, interaction with the regulator, and ongoing support of the IT infrastructure. These expenses are mandatory and do not depend on business activity levels.
Taxation and financial obligations
Malta offers a clear and structured tax framework for iGaming companies; however, it requires proper structuring and strict compliance with applicable rules.
Key considerations include:
- corporate income tax
- gaming duties depending on the type of activity
- financial reporting requirements
- segregation of player funds and operational funds
Errors in financial structure or reporting may lead to regulatory risks and additional scrutiny from MGA.
Common mistakes when applying for an MGA license
In practice, most delays and rejections are not caused by formal requirements, but by insufficient preparation for regulatory review.
The most common mistakes include:
- non-transparent beneficial ownership structures
- unprepared or purely formal IT infrastructure
- weak AML and KYC frameworks
- absence of genuinely appointed key function holders
- underestimation of timelines and the scope of regulatory review
The regulator assesses not only documentation, but also the company’s actual readiness to conduct licensed activities.
Checklist before submitting an MGA license application
Before submitting an application to the Malta Gaming Authority, it is essential to ensure that the company is prepared for licensing not only formally, but also operationally. This checklist helps identify potential gaps before regulatory review begins.
Before applying, the company should have:
- a transparent corporate structure with disclosed beneficial owners
- appointed and actively functioning key roles (Compliance, MLRO, Risk, Responsible Gaming)
- verified sources of funding and sufficient capital
- a well-developed business plan and financial forecasts
- a ready or near-ready gaming platform
- implemented KYC, AML, and responsible gaming processes
- a documented and tested IT infrastructure
- a clear understanding of ongoing regulatory obligations after licensing
If even one of these elements is addressed only formally, this almost always leads to delays or additional information requests from MGA.
What to consider before choosing a Malta gaming license
A gaming license in Malta remains one of the most authoritative and well-structured options in the iGaming industry. It provides clear operating rules, a high level of trust, and access to the European regulatory environment.
However, an MGA license requires thorough preparation, financial resources, and strong operational discipline. Successful licensing depends not so much on the formal submission of documents, but on the company’s real ability to meet regulatory requirements on an ongoing basis.
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