MGA B2B Gaming Licence: Fees, Process & Timing (2026)

Getting an MGA B2B gaming license feels like a big step for any iGaming supplier who wants to build real trust in places where rules are tight. In Malta, they handle this through something called the Critical Gaming Supply License, which is for companies that provide tech or games that help run online gaming or keep track of everything for regulators. Its not some easy approval process either. The Malta Gaming Authority, or MGA, wants applicants to show they are fit to do this, have solid money behind them, and run things properly. They also check if the tech setup matches what you say in your papers.

What the MGA B2B Gaming License Covers

The license covers supplying critical stuff for gaming, like from one business to another, not directly to players. So game studios that make RNG content, or platforms for back-office work, or even control systems that support licensed operations, those kinds of things fall under it. The MGA says you can offer different gaming areas under one license, but each one needs their okay first to make sure it follows the rules. Type 1 is casino games and lotteries, Type 2 is fixed odds betting, Type 3 has pool betting and peer to peer, and Type 4 is skill based games that are controlled.

Who Needs an MGA B2B License

Who really needs this B2B license anyway. Not every vendor in the industry, like if youre just doing payments or marketing or basic hosting, that might not count as critical, depending on what youre doing exactly. But if your product is part of the game itself, affects results, handles key records, or is in the control setup, the MGA will probably see it that way unless you prove different. They organize everything around those four types to check risks and set up controls, and it all ties into EU laws on gambling online, especially when looking at Court of Justice of the European Union rulings like CJEU online gambling jurisdiction explained.

Eligibility Requirements for an MGA B2B Gaming License

For eligibility, any company from the EU or EEA can apply, but you need to meet capital and reporting stuff. A lot of B2B folks set up a company in Malta to make things easier with the regulator and local help, often following a guide like Malta company formation process and fees. The minimum share capital is 40,000 euros, issued and paid up, and that includes some reserves too. The MGA has a policy from 2025 that spells this out, and you have to keep it that way the whole time the license lasts. If youre in a group with multiple companies, one can cover it or they can split it, not necessarily equal.

MGA B2B License Fees Explained

Fees are something people always ask about. The application is 5,000 euros one time, non refundable. Then annual fees depend on your revenue for critical supply, like 25,000 if under 5 million, 30,000 up to 10 million, 35,000 over that. For back office only, its lower, 3,000 under a million, 5,000 over. And if youre just doing Type 4, its 10,000 a year. These are just the MGA fees, not counting audits or lawyers or all that other stuff you need.

Compliance Contribution for B2B Operators

I think the compliance contribution is confusing for some, because its more for B2C where you make revenue from players. For pure B2B, you skip that and just do the license fees and audits. But if you mix in player facing stuff, then it changes your budget big time, so keep your scope clear.

MGA B2B Application Process

The application process starts with submitting everything online through their portal, and they have a checklist for system docs you should look at first. If its incomplete, you get 60 days to fix it or they close it out. They do fit and proper checks on owners, ultimate beneficial owners, key people, even talking to other regulators. Funding review looks at where money comes from and if its legit, especially for UBOs wealth.

Then business plan, they dig into your operations, forecasts, marketing ideas, growth plans, and policies. For B2B, explain what you supply, how you handle risks, onboard customers, update software, keep records. Technical review comes after, you submit docs on your systems, then have 60 days to set it up in a test environment and get an external audit from their approved list. The audit checks if it matches what you said. If not, delays happen, like rewriting things or retesting.

License Duration and Timeframes

Once approved, the license is good for 10 years, which helps with long term deals, but you still have to stay compliant and report. Timeframes, well, the fixed parts are those 60 day windows, but overall it can take months. Desk reviews maybe 12 to 16 weeks if everything is solid, longer if not. If youre ready with docs and tech, faster, but if youre still figuring ownership or building, expect more time.

Required Documents for MGA B2B License

Documents wise, expect corporate papers, declarations from people involved, business plan with numbers, AML policies, tech architecture, security controls, incident plans, data stuff, and oversight for any outsources. Its heavy because B2B can affect a whole chain of operators, so if your system fails, it spreads.

Tips to Avoid Delays in the MGA B2B Licensing Process

To avoid stalling, be clear on scope from the start, define what gaming types you cover, match policies and tech to that. Dont try to license everything at once if not ready, do core first then add. Real costs go beyond fees, include audits, advice, internal work, engineering to make it audit ready. Its like a maturity check for your product.

Final Thoughts on the MGA B2B Gaming License

In the end, to get it smoother, treat it as a project with good prep. Fees are predictable, process is structured if you follow it, and with solid docs and tech, you can get through. Malta is key for B2B in iGaming globally, I suppose, and tools like the Malta Gaming Authority tool can help you understand regulatory expectations better.

FAQ

What is an MGA B2B gaming licence?

An MGA B2B gaming licence is called the Critical Gaming Supply Licence. It authorises a business to provide or carry out critical gaming supplies for the iGaming sector. This operates under Malta’s regulatory framework.

What is the MGA application fee for a B2B licence?

The MGA charges a one-time, non-refundable €5,000 application fee for gaming licence applications.

What are the annual MGA licence fees for B2B critical gaming supply?

The MGA’s official guidance sets annual licence fees based on revenue. The fee is €25,000 if annual revenue does not exceed €5,000,000. It rises to €30,000 when revenue exceeds €5,000,000 but stays below €10,000,000. If revenue exceeds €10,000,000, the fee is €35,000.

Is there a different fee for B2B back-office providers?

Yes. The MGA guidance lists an annual licence fee of €3,000 where annual revenue does not exceed €1,000,000, and €5,000 where annual revenue exceeds €1,000,000 for B2B back-office.

What is the minimum share capital for an MGA B2B licence?

The MGA requires €40,000 minimum issued and paid-up share capital for the Critical Gaming Supply Licence, and it also confirms this in its Capital Requirements Policy.

How long does an MGA B2B licence application take?

The MGA provides fixed timing anchors such as a 60-day window to remedy incomplete applications. It also sets a 60-day window to implement the technical environment and trigger the external system audit. In practice, overall timelines depend heavily on application quality and audit readiness. Desk-based review phases often take several months when submissions are consistent.

How long is an MGA licence valid?

The MGA states that once approved, the gaming licence issued is valid for 10 years.