MGA Casinos List 2025 Online Casinos Licensed by MGA

The FDJ–Unibet case in Malta – in which a Malta-based subsidiary was tied to Unibet, a business implicated in multiple lawsuits over operations in unlicensed markets – underscored the risk of historical licensing issues creating significant legal exposure for the purchaser. Operationally, integration of acquired studios raises difficulties in unifying corporate culture, technology platforms and regulatory frameworks while maintaining the continuity of live gaming services. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was the first within the EU to regulate online gambling. This was way back in 2001 and since then the MGA has earned a strong reputation as a highly respected regulator, with over 300 online casino licenses in its books. According to the MGA, Article 56A does not create a blanket prohibition on the enforcement of European judgments against Malta-licensed gaming operators, nor does it provide immunity from legal proceedings initiated in other EU jurisdictions.

Licensing and Regulation

A player could ban themselves from an online casino only to have many other MGA-licensed operators to choose from. McArthur noted that the UKGC took the majority of its disciplinary actions against Malta-based operators—some of whom also hold UK licenses. He noted that these operators did a poor job with anti-money laundering measures and social responsibility. Unlike some regulatory bodies, the MGA can refer crooked operators to the local police.

The qualifications to be deemed a start-up have recently been amended as per Legal Notice 266 of 2019, wherein an undertaking must not have generated more than EUR10 million of revenue in the 36 months prior to the application. At EM Group, we stand as a strategic partner, transforming compliance from a challenge into a competitive advantage. Our comprehensive approach ensures operators not only meet but exceed regulatory expectations.

Malta, an island country in Southern Europe, has earned a reputation as one of the top destinations for online betting. It provides an attractive hub for betting companies, thanks to favourable regulatory standards and tax benefits. The MGA remained vigilant about potential money laundering and terrorism financing violations and asked the FIAU to conduct a total of 43 AML/CFT compliance examinations. At the same time, it completed 60 examinations and issued 11 closure letters to operators that took remediation measures or had committed minor violations. In the meantime, the MGA issued numerous permits for singular low-risk events, including 1,812 permits for non-profit tombolas, 19 permits for non-profit lottery and 84 certificates for commercial communication games. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 2024, providing an overview of Malta’s gaming sector.

Information security incident reporting

The MGA added that the FIAU imposed remediation measures on 6 companies and issued penalties amounting to EUR 185K. You can play at the average MGA internet casino with a high level of confidence. This licensing jurisdiction features multiple channels for resolving player-operator disputes and can rely on the Malta Police Force when necessary. The Malta Gaming Authority used to be one of the world’s strongest regulatory bodies. With overall standards improving in recent times, though, the MGA has slipped behind some competitors. Operators can now choose from a list of approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services.

The fixed odds licence includes the right to provide sports pregame betting markets and live markets. With the pool betting licence, operators can provide all sorts of games where players play against each other. Games of skill are distinguished in their own right and do not fall under the category of casino games. This basically involves wagering on outcomes that are predominantly determined by skill and knowledge rather than chance. Malta’s public policy in the gaming sector is shaped by, and grounded in, these same principles.

• The new, and more flexible, Remote Gaming Regulations offered greater support and protection to players, while providing a more comprehensive set of rules to remote gaming companies.
• A player could ban themselves from an online casino only to have many other MGA-licensed operators to choose from.
• Therefore, in contrast to the previous regime (where a blanket exemption was applicable to all gaming activities), VAT will apply under the current framework, unless the particular gaming activity is specifically exempt.
• Because of the thorough process that companies must go through in order to obtain a gambling license, an MGA license is highly perceived by players and operators alike, which is why the MGA has become one of the standard licences for casino operators to acquire.
• Developers use generative AI for dialogue, level design and real-time visual generation, while machine learning optimises gameplay and player engagement.
• These guidelines became effective on 1 January 2018 and provide a specific list of exemptions applicable to particular gaming activities.

Lottery games were legalised in 1922 and in 1948 the Malta National Lottery was launched. The state lottery garnered plenty of domestic and international attention, as more players from abroad took part. Malta’s Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) signed in 2012 a Memorandum of Understanding to encourage collaboration in regards to remote gambling regulation.

These enhancements are aimed at strengthening its supervision of the online gaming sector while promoting transparency with stakeholders. We seek to protect players’ rights while ensuring that Malta retains its position as a reputable jurisdiction worldwide. The MGA is committed to keeping gaming free from criminals and criminal activity and seeks to consolidate all regulatory functions relating to gaming activities. Looking ahead, the gaming industry is poised for continued transformation as innovation, regulation and sustainability converge.

Yet, maintaining compliance, data security and player trust remains essential as regulators push for clearer rules on transparency, accountability, and financial integrity within the context of gaming innovation. Blockchain and GameFi models enable new forms of player ownership through non-fungible tokens (NFTs), tokens and decentralised economies, allowing in-game assets to be traded across platforms. They create novel monetisation and governance systems, but also blur the line between gaming and finance. Compliance challenges include securities regulation, AML/KYC obligations, and exposure to token volatility and smart contract vulnerabilities. Regulators are applying the FATF Travel Rule to token transfers, increasing reporting and due diligence requirements for developers and exchanges. Two sets of guidelines have been published by the Maltese government in relation to the previous gambling VAT exemption.

These activities must be licensed and approved by the MGA and are not subject to any prescribed limitation in their number, although their physical location is subject to several rules. Any person renting out or allowing another person to use the premises as a gambling premises must ensure that the lessee is in possession of a valid approval or licence. Gaming premises operators are expected to make the possibility of self-exclusion readily available to every person and must provide assistance and guidance to any person who wishes to exclude themselves. More stringent regulations apply in relation to the self-exclusion of pathological gamblers. Casino licences are issued by the MGA but the issuance is dependent on the applicant holding a concession from the government for such operation. Allowing such restrictions ultimately hinders the proper functioning of the internal market and limits the ability of companies established in Malta and other Member States to offer their services freely.

If you see their stamp of approval on a website, you know that it is a fully legitimate and safe establishment to join. Operators go under frequent and rigorous tests, ensuring their content continuously meets industry standards. This preserves the honour-bound mission of the jurisdiction and gives players full assurance of quality service. They need to meet the requirements of Shared Capital and the annual Financial Statements, that reports data.

Operators found in breach of regulatory requirements may face significant financial and legal consequences. Operators who approach reporting requirements as a strategic asset can differentiate themselves, build unparalleled trust with regulators, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to responsible gaming practices. To be clear, the Malta Gaming Authority does require operators to supply self-exclusion tools. There is also a register with which players can self-exclude themselves from all sites that are licensed under the Malta Gaming Authority, but this needs to be done with the authority, not the operator. The Malta Gaming Authority is curacao casino license recognised in 180 jurisdictions around the world, but there are some notable omissions. There may also be licensed providers that can be accessed in certain jurisdictions but are not recognised by the laws of that jurisdiction.

Today, hundreds of gaming operators are based on the island, making it a global centre for the iGaming industry. In fact, the gaming industry contributed just under 7% of the gross value added of the Maltese economy in 2024. This consistent performance since 2022 highlights the industry’s continued strategic relevance for the Maltese economy. Any gaming service subject to the requirement of a licence, carried out from Malta or by any person in Malta, is subject to a gaming tax calculated at the rate of 5% on the gross gaming revenue (GGR) generated from said gaming services during the relevant tax period.

“Gaming” is defined as “an activity consisting in participating in a game, offering a gaming service, or making a gaming supply”. In addition to existing minimum share capital requirements, which remain unchanged, the Policy introduces a new obligation for licensees to maintain a positive equity position. Where a negative equity position arises, licensees will be required to restore compliance promptly. This mechanism is designed to act as an early warning tool, allowing the MGA to intervene at an early stage and address potential financial instability. The MGA maintains a robust enforcement framework with penalties designed to ensure strict compliance and deter regulatory infractions.

In terms of lottery ticket and sale venues, a valid permit is required to sell tickets for the national lottery. There are currently approximately 240 “Maltco Lottery” points of sale across the Maltese islands. The MGA’s player protection reporting requirements represent a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard player interests, promote responsible gaming, and prevent potential harm. As the single regulatory body responsible for the governance of all gaming activities in Malta, it is considered by many to be the preferred global remote gaming regulator.