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Introduction
If you're considering a serious endeavour into the global iGaming market, getting licensed in Malta is still one of the best things you can do.
With more than 300 licensed iGaming companies located under its jurisdiction, and over 10% of the world's online casinos regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Malta is not only a sunny island but also a regulatory titan trusted by players, investors, and platforms.
But the licensing process for the MGA sometimes seems daunting, particularly for business owners navigating their first license or for operators changing from white-label platforms.
In this guide, we will be clarifying facilitation of the process, the relevance of Malta iGaming license, and how AIS Technolabs would help you navigate this important milestone with confidence and understanding.
An Overview of the MGA and Its Importance
In the world of iGaming regulation, there is no more progressive regulator than the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). They have been leading the charge since 2001.
Not only was Malta the first EU member state to regulate remote gambling (which continued in 2004), but Malta was an immediate start-up and enterprise jurisdiction of choice for online gaming.
In 2018, the MGA introduced the Gaming Act, a regulatory regime that simplified its licensing structure while extending the length of validity of licenses from five to ten years.
Why?
To minimise the burden for compliance, to reinforce the protection of consumers and to minimise the hazards of having to get numerous licenses from individual game types.
When your brand has an MGA license, you are not only complying, but you are also giving a message of trust, integrity, and long-term commitment to your players and partners worldwide.
Types of Malta Gaming Licences
Since the overhaul in 2018, the MGA offers two main categories:
1. Gaming Service Licence (B2C)
For operators offering games directly to players. This includes:
2. Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B)
For providers of software, platforms, or game content to B2C operators.
Each license category applies to four main game types:
This modular structure means you don’t need a separate license for every game you want to offer.
You can scale your portfolio efficiently under one licence, as long as it aligns with MGA guidelines.
The Application Process: Step by Step
Getting an MGA license involves several vetting stages, designed to ensure your operation is secure, legal, and trustworthy.
1. Fit and Proper Test
The MGA reviews the financial background, criminal history, and corporate integrity of all stakeholders involved. This includes directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners.
2. Business Plan Assessment
You’ll submit a comprehensive business plan detailing:
- Revenue projections
- Target markets
- Games offered
- Risk mitigation policies
3. Operational & Technical Review
This stage checks your platform’s:
- Game fairness
- RNG systems
- Data handling
- KYC/AML procedures
4. System Audit
Before going live, an independent auditor verifies your technical setup, player management system, payment integration, and data security.
5. Post-Licence Compliance Audit
Within the first year, the MGA conducts an audit to ensure your operations align with licensing terms. Non-compliance can lead to warnings, penalties, or suspension.
Fees and Taxes: What You’ll Pay
While the licensing process is rigorous, Malta remains competitive in terms of costs and taxes.
Application Fee: €5,000 (non-refundable)
Annual Licence Fees:
Gaming Tax:
5% of gaming revenue generated from players based in Malta.
Additional tax obligations may apply based on where your players reside, especially in the EU.
Malta also offers corporate tax incentives, reducing effective tax rates significantly for qualifying iGaming companies.
It's best to consult a legal or financial advisor for a full view based on your structure.
The Benefits of an MGA iGaming Licence
- Strong International Reputation
The MGA has established a good standing in the industry. Getting an MGA licence will give your brand credibility in regulated jurisdictions in Europe, Latin America, and even Asia.
- Access to Markets
An MGA licence will provide access to dozens of MGA-compliant countries, allowing you to scale your business and circumvent compliance obstacles.
- White Label Flexibility
Operators can work with MGA-licensed white label platforms to provide quicker go-to-market opportunities without taking on the process of having to legally get a license.
- Trust from Players
Malta-licensed casinos must practice responsible gambling, protect player data, and ensure fairness in gaming, which develops trust from customers in the long run.
- Clear Regulatory Framework
MGA provides one of the clearest regulatory frameworks in the iGaming market, with easy-to-follow rules for advertising, player protection, fraud, and reporting.
- Scalable Licensing
You can add games and elements without having to apply for a license - as long as you have the game type you want to add.
MGA Licensing in 2025: What’s New?
As of 2025, the MGA continues its progressive approach to compliance and auditing.
In 2024, the MGA audited (on-site or remote) greater than 65% of licensees, highlighting the MGA's active regulatory stance.
The MGA has also rolled out faster online tools for document uploads, reporting and protection measures involving players.
Malta has a rapidly growing crypto-friendly iGaming ecosystem, which allows many operators to facilitate digital payments under regulated frameworks.
Based on recent reports obtained, Malta's iGaming industry contributes almost 12% of the National GDP, showcasing the importance of iGaming in the country's economy.
Do You Need a Server in Malta?
Yes. For full licensing, your core gaming servers must be physically located in Malta or another approved jurisdiction.
This requirement ensures regulatory oversight, data protection, and technical integrity.
However, cloud solutions are accepted if hosted in compliant jurisdictions—something AIS Technolabs can help configure properly.
White Label or Direct Licensing?
For start-ups or founders who are experimenting with a concept, White Label iGaming solutions (operated by an MGA-licensed provider) provide a quick and low-risk option.
But for those who want to establish a brand with longevity, an MGA license gives you total control, autonomous operations, and higher profit margins.
AIS Technolabs can help with both options and can help when you are ready to transition from White Label to a fully licensed operator.
How AIS Technolabs Can Help You Get Licensed
We are more than just developers; we are strategic partners in the growth of ambitious iGaming entrepreneurs.
Here are some of the ways AIS Technolabs can help your Malta licensing journey:
- Application Preparation: We can assist in assembling business plans, compliance documents, and technical specifications to ensure they meet the prerequisites of the MGA.
- Platform Development: Whether you are launching a casino, sportsbook, or poker site, we can build a fully compliant and scalable iGaming platform from scratch.
- Audit Ready: We can help you be ready for system audits and compliance reviews through clean, traceable systems on the back end.
- Post-Licensing Support: We have solutions for AML monitoring, custom KYC tools, anti-financial crime, as examples, to reduce the compliance burden day-to-day while you continue to grow.
Whether you are looking to build from scratch or smoothly transition from white label to direct operations, we can make this happen for you securely and efficiently.
Concluding Thoughts
You are now aware that getting a Malta iGaming licence is a tactical investment, not a legal obligation.
It gives your brand credibility, enables you to enter global markets, and places you amongst the most recognisable brands in the industry!
But don't do it alone.
As your licensing partner and developer, you get more than a technical development partner; you get a team that understands the business, the regulations, and your goals.
Let's get your iGaming brand up and running!
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. We do not promote or facilitate gambling activities in any country where it is considered illegal. Our content is focused solely on providing knowledge about legal and regulated markets. We only work with operators and platforms that are licensed and comply with the laws of jurisdictions where casino gaming is permitted. We do not operate or endorse any form of gambling in restricted regions. In countries where only skill-based games are allowed, our involvement is strictly limited to those games.
We believe gambling should be an entertaining and responsible activity. Our goal is to ensure that the platforms we review uphold the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and player safety.
FAQs
Ans.
If multiple brands operate under one MGA licence, a self-exclusion request must apply across all of them.
Ans.
Yes. There is no official list from the MGA, but you must follow local laws in each target market. It is your responsibility to ensure that your games are legal wherever your players are located.
Ans.
No. The flexibility in the modern structure is that you can have multiple game types under one license as long as it is in your declared category (Type 1-4).
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