Malta Gaming and Gambling License: Complete MGA Licensing Guide
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the single regulatory body overseeing all forms of gaming and gambling in Malta, including remote and online operations. In 2004, the Remote Malta Gaming and Gambling License Regulations came into force, making Malta the first EU Member State to introduce dedicated legislation for internet-based gaming and gambling, a milestone that still shapes the industry today.
A Malta Gaming and Gambling License remains one of the most recognised and trusted authorisations for operators looking to run compliant, EU-regulated businesses across both verticals. The MGA's framework is technology- and game-neutral, accommodating any form of gaming or gambling delivered through distance communication channels, internet, digital TV, mobile technology, and telephony, provided operations are managed securely and in line with MGA Regulations.
What Falls Under "Gaming"
Gaming under the MGA framework refers to skill-based and chance-based games where players engage directly with a platform or against each other. This includes online casino games, slots, table games, poker, and other peer-to-peer formats. A Malta iGaming Licence or Malta Casino Licence is typically the route for operators building platforms in this space, where the operator either manages the game risk directly or facilitates play between users and takes a commission.
What Falls Under "Gambling"
Gambling under the same framework covers wagering activity where outcomes are staked on an event rather than played directly. This includes fixed-odds sports betting, event betting, and other forms of wagering where the operator sets odds and manages risk on the outcome. A Malta Betting Licence or Malta Gambling Licence applies here, and is distinct from casino-style gaming in how risk, payouts, and odds-setting are regulated. Operators running sportsbooks, betting exchanges, or odds-based wagering products fall squarely into this category.
Because both activities are regulated under one authority, a single MGA Licence structure can, depending on the class applied for, support gaming, gambling, or a combined offering, making Malta a practical single jurisdiction for operators who run both casino and betting products.
The Four MGA Licence Classes
Class 1
Operators managing their own risk on repetitive games of chance (online casino, slots) relevant to a Malta Casino Licence.
Class 2
Operators managing their own risk on games based on a matched outcome, primarily fixed-odds sports and event betting relevant to a Malta Betting Licence.
Class 3
Operators taking a commission from promoting or hosting games of chance, such as poker networks and peer-to-peer platforms.
Class 4
Software vendors and platform providers hosting or managing gaming and gambling operations for other licensees (B2B).
This structure lets Malta serve as a single regulatory home for a wide spectrum of businesses, from a standalone Malta Gaming Licence applicant running a casino platform, to a sportsbook operator holding a Malta Gambling Licence, to a B2B software provider supporting multiple licensees.
At Neptune Fiduciaries Group, we assist gaming and gambling operators, investors, and entrepreneurs in understanding and navigating Malta's regulatory landscape, helping businesses establish compliant corporate structures and prepare complete, audit-ready applications for MGA approval, whichever class fits their model.
Key Requirements for a Malta Gaming and Gambling License
Permissible Structures
Companies may be formed or licensed as a limited liability company or, in certain cases, a limited partnership, giving both gaming and gambling operators flexibility in how they structure their business.
Physical Office Requirements
A registered company must maintain a physical office in Malta, ensuring proper regulatory oversight and genuine operational presence within the jurisdiction.
Capital Requirement
Depending on the licence class, gaming or gambling operators must hold paid-up share capital ranging from €40,000 to €100,000, demonstrating financial stability.
Directors & Shareholders
A minimum of two directors and two shareholders is required, with no residency restrictions allowing for flexible, international ownership structures.
Key Infrastructure
Licence holders must keep their key management functions and core servers critical to any online gaming or gambling platform based in Malta for the full duration of the licence.
Why Choose Malta for Your Gaming and Gambling License
Malta Gaming and Gambling Licence's reputation as a mature, EU-regulated jurisdiction makes an MGA Licence one of the most credible market entries available to both gaming and gambling operators, offering regulatory certainty, access to the EU single market, and a well-established compliance ecosystem across casino, betting, and B2B software verticals.
For further details on securing your Malta Gaming and Gambling Licence, contact Neptune Fiduciaries Group via email at info@neptunecorporate.com or sales@neptunecorporate.com, or visit our Contact Us page.
