1) Malta Online Gaming Licence (B2C): Business-to-Consumer Operators

In general, this licence applies to operators offering games directly to players.

What it covers

• Online casinos (slots, table games, live casino)

• Sports betting & eSports

• Poker & bingo

• Lotteries & instant games

• Skill games & fantasy sports

Who needs it

• iGaming brands accepting player registrations

• Platforms managing player funds and wallets

Key notes

• One licence can include multiple game types

• Player protection, AML/KYC, and RG controls are mandatory

2) B2B Licence Business to Business

For companies supplying gaming products or critical services to B2C operators.

What it covers

• Game developers & studios

• Platform and PAM providers

• Sportsbook engines

• RNG and live dealer providers

• Critical backend or hosting services (where applicable)

Who needs it

• Tech suppliers whose products materially affect game outcome, fairness, or player data

Game Types Covered by the Malta Online Gaming Licence

Instead of separate licences per activity, the MGA recognises game types that are endorsed within your licence:

• Firstly, Type 1 covers casino-style games, including RNG-based and live casino products. For this category, the minimum required share capital is €40,000.

• Secondly, Type 2 applies to fixed-odds betting activities. Here again, the minimum share capital requirement is €40,000.

• Thirdly, Type 3 relates to peer-to-peer games such as poker. Due to their structure, these activities require a higher minimum share capital of €100,000.

• Finally, Type 4 includes controlled skill games and fantasy sports. In this case, the minimum share capital requirement is €40,000.

👉 Importantly, operators can expand their offering later by adding additional game types without reapplying for an entirely new licence.

Ancillary Authorisations Linked to a Malta Online Gaming Licence

Some activities may require approvals or notifications, such as:

• Corporate changes (shareholding, UBOs, key persons)

• New markets or major system changes

• White-label or skins (subject to structure)

Licensing Requirements

To obtain a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), applicants must meet legal, financial, operational, and compliance requirements. These apply to both B2C (operator) and B2B (supplier) licences, with scope adjusted to the business model.

1) Company and Legal Structure Requirements for a Malta Online Gaming Licence

• Incorporated entity in Malta or another EU/EEA jurisdiction

• In addition, the company must have a clear and transparent ownership structure, with all Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) fully disclosed.

• Furthermore, the application must include constitutional documents such as Articles of Association, statutory registers, and valid certificates of good standing.

• At the same time, the company must demonstrate substance appropriate to its licensed activities, including effective management, compliance oversight, and decision-making functions.

2) Fit & Proper (Personal Due Diligence)

Applies to:

• Shareholders / UBOs

• Directors

• Key persons (CEO, Compliance Officer, MLRO, CTO, etc.)

Required

• Specifically, all relevant individuals must provide clean criminal record certificates.

• Moreover, detailed evidence of source of wealth and source of funds must be submitted and verified.

• Equally important, professional CVs must demonstrate relevant experience within the iGaming or regulated-services sector.

• Overall, the MGA assesses integrity, professional competence, and financial soundness as part of its fit and proper evaluation.

3) Business Plan & Operational Model

• Detailed business plan covering products, target markets, and revenues

• Risk assessment (AML, fraud, player protection)

• Additionally, an organisational chart and clearly defined governance framework must be provided.

• Outsourcing agreements (if any)

4) Technical & IT Requirements

• Full description of gaming platform, RNGs, and integrations

• Hosting and data security setup (ISO-aligned controls)

• Player account management, wallet segregation

• Change management and incident response procedures

• Systems must meet MGA technical standards before launch.

5) AML / KYC & Responsible Gaming

Mandatory policies and procedures:

• AML/CTF policy aligned with EU directives

• Player KYC & verification procedures

• Ongoing monitoring and transaction screening

• Responsible gaming tools (limits, self-exclusion, reality checks)

• Suspicious transaction reporting framework

6) Financial Requirements

• Minimum share capital (varies by licence and scope)

• Proof of financial sustainability and liquidity

• Player funds segregation (B2C)

• Forecasts and financial projections

7) Application Fees & Ongoing Costs

• Non-refundable application fee

• Annual licence fee (depends on B2C/B2B and revenue bands)

• Compliance contribution based on gaming revenue

• Annual audits and reporting obligations

8) System Audit Requirements for a Malta Online Gaming Licence

• Independent third-party system audit

• Confirms technical compliance and live readiness

• Must be completed before full operations begin

9) Ongoing Compliance Obligations Under a Malta Online Gaming Licence

• Annual audited accounts

• Regulatory reporting to the MGA

• Notification/approval for ownership or key-person changes

• Continuous AML, RG, and technical compliance

• Periodic inspections and reviews by the Authority

Typical Timeline

6–12 months, depending on:

• Application completeness

• Complexity of systems

• Responsiveness during due diligence

Quick Checklist

You must have:
✔ EU/EEA company
✔ Clean UBOs & key persons
✔ Solid business & compliance framework
✔ MGA-compliant IT systems
✔ Adequate capital & financial controls

Company Requirements

To obtain and maintain an online gaming licence, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) requires the applicant company to meet strict corporate, governance, substance, and compliance standards. These apply to both B2C (operators) and B2B (suppliers), with proportionality based on risk and scale.

1) Incorporation & Legal Status

• EU/EEA-incorporated company (Malta-registered preferred)

• Valid Memorandum & Articles of Association

• Company in good standing with the registry

• Clear beneficial ownership (UBO) disclosure

Non-EU companies must restructure through an EU/EEA entity.

2) Ownership & Shareholding

• Transparent ownership structure (no bearer shares)

• Identified shareholders and UBOs (typically ≥10%)

• Source of wealth and source of funds evidence for UBOs

• Any corporate shareholders must be fully traceable

3) Management & Key Functions

The MGA requires clearly appointed key persons, typically including:

• Director(s) with iGaming or regulated industry experience

• Compliance Officer

• MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer)

• CEO / Managing Director (for B2C operators)

• CTO / IT Responsible (where applicable)

Key persons must pass fit & proper checks.

4) Substance & Presence

• Local management access and decision-making capability

• Outsourcing permitted, but accountability remains with the licensee

• Remote teams allowed if governance and control are proven

5) Corporate Governance

• Defined organisational structure and reporting lines

• Internal controls and risk management framework

• Board oversight and documented decision-making

• Policies for conflicts of interest and internal audits

6) Financial Standing

• Minimum share capital (as applicable per game type)

• Sufficient liquidity to support operations

• Segregation of player funds (B2C)

• Audited financial statements and financial projections

7) Compliance Framework

Mandatory internal policies:

• AML/CTF Policy

• KYC & customer due diligence procedures

• Responsible Gaming Policy

• Data protection & GDPR compliance

• Record-keeping and reporting procedures

8) Technical & Operational Readiness

• MGA-compliant gaming systems

• Secure hosting and data storage

• Approved payment methods and PSP agreements

• Change-management and incident-response plans

9) Outsourcing & Third Parties

• Written agreements with suppliers and PSPs

• Due diligence on outsourced service providers

• Clear allocation of responsibilities

• MGA notification or approval where required

10) Ongoing Corporate Obligations

• Annual audited accounts

• Ongoing regulatory reporting

• Prior approval for changes in ownership or key roles

• Regular compliance reviews and inspections

Benefits

A licence issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is widely regarded as one of the most credible and commercially valuable in the global iGaming industry. Below are the key advantages operators and suppliers gain.

1) Top-Tier Regulatory Credibility

• Recognised as a gold-standard EU regulator

• Strong trust from players, banks, PSPs, and investors

• Signals high standards in fairness, AML/KYC, and player protection

2) EU Legal Framework Supporting the Malta Online Gaming Licence

• Licensed in a stable EU jurisdiction

• Clear legal framework under the Gaming Act

• Predictable regulatory environment with consistent enforcement

3) Access to International Markets

• Enables operations in many non-ring-fenced markets worldwide

• Frequently used as a core licence alongside local licences (UK, Spain, Italy, etc.)

• Ideal for multi-jurisdiction expansion strategies

4) Flexible Licensing Structure

• Single B2C or B2B licence covering multiple game types

• Easy to add new game categories as the business grows

• Suitable for casinos, sportsbooks, poker, fantasy, and suppliers

5) Banking & Payment Provider Acceptance

• Higher approval rates with:

  • EU and international banks

  • Tier-1 PSPs and card schemes

  • Crypto-friendly payment providers (where compliant)

• Smoother merchant onboarding compared to offshore licences

6) Strong Player Trust & Brand Value

• MGA logo is a powerful conversion and retention tool

• Enhances brand perception in competitive markets

• Helps reduce chargebacks and disputes

7) Tax Advantages of Operating Under a Malta Online Gaming Licence

• Access to Malta’s imputation tax system

• Potential effective corporate tax reduction when structured correctly

• No gaming tax on most non-Malta-facing revenue

8) Clear Rules for Outsourcing & Scale

• Permits outsourcing of IT, support, and operations

• Allows remote teams with proper governance

• Scalable for startups and large operators alike

9) Long-Term Sustainability of a Malta Online Gaming Licence

• Designed for serious, compliant operators

• Lower regulatory risk compared to lightly regulated jurisdictions

• Attractive for exit strategies, M&A, and investor funding