Malta Gaming Authority - MGA Licensed Casinos 2024
Vienne Garcia| Details about the MGA License | |
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| Supervisory authority: | Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) |
| Address: | Building SCM 02-03, Level 4, SmartCity Malta, Ricasoli SCM1001, Malta SCM 1001 |
| Established: | 2001 |
| Phone number: | +3562546 9000 |
| Website: | mga.org.mt |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Complaints: | Submit online |
| Best Casino: | Lucky Days |
While trust is great, to ensure gambling is safe and fair, proper regulation is essential to make sure that trust is based on fact. And for that, an online gaming license is needed.
For online casinos, there are a number of authorities that they can choose to work with for obtaining a license. But one of the best, recognized as such by both operators and players, is undeniably the Malta Gaming Authority.
Equally well-known by its initials, MGA, with its certification you can be sure that the casino operator is reliable in terms of overall performance, banking terms, and fair play. This includes everything from game round results being determined by an RNG to ensuring true chances of actually winning.
It also shows a commitment to timely and secure payouts amongst other things, as well as safer gaming controls that many appreciate.
The general rule for players is that registering at an online casino without a license is extremely risky - as there's no legal basis that one could rely on for ensuring basic standards are kept.
Choosing an operator with an MGA license mitigates that risk entirely, giving you confidence that you're in good hands.
Best Casinos licensed by the MGA 2024
  
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The History of the Malta Gaming Authority
The Malta Gaming Authority didn't build its stellar reputation in a day. Rather it has been a long and deliberate effort to position itself as one of the most respected licensing jurisdictions in the gaming industry, not only ensuring safer and fairer gambling across verticals, but also raising the standards of the sector internationally.
Although its works originally began under the premise of the Lottery and Gaming Authority (LGA), it has been operating as Malta's official gaming control board under the MGA brand since 2001.
It was in fact, back in the day, one of the first regulators of online gambling, which is part of why it's so deeply associated with the genre. And from day one it has been dedicated to helping to protect players by creating a more secure environment - through dictates of its regulations, overall demands of licensees, and enforcement.
Further backing that, a number of legislations, directives, and acts have been added to the Laws of Malta1, governing its expectations and the activities of operators as the iGaming market evolves, in order to properly address current player needs.
An MGA licensed casino will have details listed in its website footer attesting to such, including the official seal of approval.MoreLess
In addition to helping ensure transparency for players, MGA efforts work to prevent corruption, crime and money laundering, as well as better protect minors and other potentially vulnerable populations.
So emmeshed in the local economy has the online gambling industry become as a result, since 2001 it has grown to generate nearly 13% of the nation's GDP.2 In addition, many locals and expats now work in the iGaming industry, making Malta not only a respected licensor, but also an ideal place to find an immense pool of experienced professionals for the casino operators themselves.
Activities Covered by the Malta Gaming Authority
The Malta Gaming Authority regulates almost every form of gambling imaginable ranging from land-based facilities like casinos, slots machines, lotteries, and betting offices, as well as all verticals in the online gambling realm.
The Authority issues licenses for a couple of main categories.
- Gaming Service license. This is what's also known as a B2C, as in business-to-consumer license. It is issued to operators looking to offer or conduct a gaming service, like an online casino website, which is a business (the B part of the equation) providing gambling services to consumers (C), i.e. you the player.
- Critical Gaming Supply license. This one's a B2B, as in business-to-business license, which applies specifically to entities that supply or manage the software powering games. Essentially, it's meant for the game providers themselves.
Not all games of course have to be licensed. The ones covered by MGA are games of chance, that require real money bets in order to participate, and payout in real cash prizes.
Strict Malta Licensing Requirements
To obtain an MGA license, while many requirements overlap, each vertical has its own specific demands. Verticals, if you're unfamiliar with the term, are product categories like casino, live casino, lotteries, poker, scratch cards, bingo, fixed odds betting, and so forth.
The process is long and complicated enough to make it comprehensive, ensuring licensed operators are of due standing. Once licensing is obtained, agreed upon operational procedures, regulatory directives, and compliance protocols must be maintained.
The licensing process
Casino operators wishing to obtain MGA licensing must submit an application using the official Licensee Portal.3
The entity requesting a license must be established in the EU or what's regarded as the European Economic Area to be eligible. Initial license fees are charged in line with the Gaming Licence Fee Regulations (S.L. 583.03), with annual fees paid upfront upon renewal each year.
As expected, there are many details required of the applicant in the process. These include specifics in terms of:
- Proving it's a legal entity.
- Demonstration of its financial resources.
- Competent key personnel.
- Robust operating platforms and systems.
- RNG certification of games.
- Commitment to responsible gaming.
- A comprehensive business plan.
- Player protection policies and procedures in place.
Since the MGA is a serious regulator, gambling operations can expect that the process will take anywhere from 4-6 months from start to finish, though obviously the exact timeline can fluctuate.
Interestingly, once the license is issued, the operator has only 90 days to go live for it to remain valid, so those who apply should be ready for that, with all the necessary pieces in place well in advance.
Video: How to apply for a MGA Licence
Serving as a regulatory enforcer
Licenses issued are not a free ticket to operate for life. Not only can the MGA choose not renew a casino's eGaming license, it can also revoke it along the way for all sorts of infractions.
EGMIT Elite Limited, GoldMan Gaming, Everleaf Gaming, Mind Games Digital Entertainment Limited, and a list of others have had their gaming license suspended along the way for various reasons.
Benefits of an MGA Casino License
There are a number of reasons why operators opt to go the MGA licensing route. And similarly, reasons why players are happy to see its "stamp of approval" when they visit a casino website. The advantages it offers include:
- Globally recognised. The MGA is a globally recognized regulatory body known for its stringent standards.
- Highly regarded. Overall, the MGA license is held in high esteem across the online gambling industry.
- Added protection. The MGA enforces strict regulations to protect players' interests, including measures for responsible gambling and fair gaming practices.
- Creates a feeling of trust. Its very presence signifies a commitment to fair play, player protections, and responsible gambling, thereby increasing player trust.
- Wide reach. Having this license allows operators to offer their services across the European Union, with a single license. This is with the exception of the UK market, which requires UK Gambling Commission licensing as well.
- Reliable financial security: The MGA requires licensees to maintain strong financial health, ensuring the security of player funds.
- High technical standards: The MGA mandates high technical standards for gaming software and systems, guaranteeing fair and secure gaming experiences.
- Skilled talent pool: Malta has a large pool of experienced professionals in the iGaming industry, making it easier to recruit and retain talent.
- Explicit government support: The licensing body isn't in name only. Rather, the Maltese government actively supports the iGaming industry, providing a favourable regulatory environment and incentives for businesses.
While an MGA license is always a benefit for players, there are conversely reasons why operators may go another route. These mostly have to do with budgetary constraints, or the resources to deal with the registration process.And while Malta offers a competitive tax environment for online gaming businesses, it is not a tax-free deal like some other jurisdictions offer.
How Does the MGA License Compare to Other Gaming Certifications?
From our professional perspective, all of the major licensing authorities are equally good. That is, being licensed by a recognised jurisdiction is enough to pass our basic safety and reliability test.
Of course, there are always going to be small differences between these organisations. But part of why more than one such body exists is the nature of competition; everyone wants a piece of the lucrative iGaming pie. And any variations between these jurisdictions are more matters for the operators themselves to contend with, being subtle enough that you're unlikely to notice.
Malta vs. Curacao casino license
There are a few main reasons why an online casino may choose a Curacao gaming license over one from the MGA. And all have to do with time and money. That is, the Curacao route is generally faster (partially because it's a less complex application process) and less expensive to obtain.
With 2% income tax and 0% VAT, it also offers operators vast savings in the long term, compared to the gaming tax and compliance contribution Malta licensees must pay.
That being said, the MGA is particularly well-regarded across the iGaming industry, with a stellar international reputation for enforcing safe and fair gambling standards. As such, having it is a true brand-enhancer, for those willing to pay the price.
Interestingly, for crypto casinos, they tend to lean heavily towards preferring a Curacao Gaming License from what we've seen.
Malta vs. Anjouan casino license
When it comes to prestige, there's no denying that Malta takes Anjouan's licensing, hands down. This in part is because the MGA has been around far longer - being a pioneer in regulating the remote gaming space. But it also has to do with the level of stringency associated with each. Malta being more stringent on the regulatory front.
On the other hand, Anjouan certification requires significantly lower licensing fees and operational costs, and is a quicker and easier process for operators to complete. This often makes it a preferred jurisdiction for smaller, boutique online casinos, or startup operators.
Malta vs. UK Gambling Commission casino license
A true battle of the titans between two equally worthy competitors, it's impossible to say which is better; the Malta Gaming Authority or UK Gambling Commission?
The one important difference really, is their areas of operation. Whereas UKGC only covers licensing demands for the United Kingdom, an MGA one is valid across Europe, and other countries.
So dedicated are both to safer, better gaming, by the way, that the MGA and UKGC actually collaborate at times4 to raise standards across the industry.
How to File a Complaint with the Malta Authorities
We omitted this in the comparison between jurisdiction above, but this is no doubt an area in which the MGA reigns supreme. That is, it has exceptionally detailed measures in place for receiving and dealing with potential complaints.
In fact, there is a long and detailed section on the MGA website, covering what complaints are dealt with, and how they are handled. In addition, there's a webform that you can fill in to submit a complaint in a click against any MGA-licensed operator should you feel the need.
Just note that the Authority does request that you try to actively resolve the issue with the operator first, prior to turning to them. Also, even if you're really angry about a loss, don't try to make a false or exaggerated complaint, or use threatening or abusive language, as that can land you in trouble instead.Why Choose a Malta Gaming Authority Licensed Casino
By choosing an MGA-licensed casino, you can be rest assured that you are playing in a safe, fair, and regulated environment. It's really as simple as that.
Data protection, secure transactions, player support, and responsible gambling measures are all going to be wrapped in there. Plus, you know that all of the games use certified random number generators (RNGs), and the casino is regularly audited to verify the fairness of its games and the accuracy of its payouts.
Where to Find MGA Licensed Providers
Transparency is a matter of course for the Malta Gaming Authority, a principle that runs consistent through all of its affairs. As such, to keep you in-the-know, on the regulatory authority's own website5, players are shown all the details about its licensed casinos.
LuckyDays is MGA licensed and has a good bonus dealMoreLess
Overall, there are hundreds of MGA licensed casinos out there, some bigger than others (as in it's more likely you've heard of them), like Mr Green or 888 Casino. But there are many more.
A good place to start is our best MGA licensed casinos list above, if that's a criteria in choosing (which is just as good a reason as any).
The Expert Roundup on a Malta eGaming License
At the end of the day, there is no denying that a Malta Gaming Authority license gives us players a strong sense of security.
Renowned as one of the most stringent regulating bodies in the industry, it's an automatic instinct to feel better protected when we see an MGA license in a casino's footers and T&Cs. And rightfully so. This is one of the best in the business, and definitely a green light, that if the rest of the offering - as in welcome bonus, currency options, and even a desire for crypto games meets your needs - it's safe to say that you can gamble at that casino using real cash, with true peace of mind.
References:
[1] https://www.mga.org.mt/our-work/regulatory-framework/
https://kpmg.com/mt/en/home/industries/gaming/igaming.html
[3] https://portal.mga.org.mt/
[4] https://www.mga.org.mt/mga-and-ukgc-strengthen-regulatory-ties-through-mou/
[5] https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/licensee-register/
I've been working in the online casino landscape in Malta for more than 10 years and have seen how the industry works from customer service roles to the backend of the business. While I am lucky enough to call myself a native on the sunny island called Malta, I also enjoy travelling and have travelled across Canada! After wandering through the great white north, I have decided to share my knowledge and now work with Canadian players to compile accurate casino reviews to help players navigate through the hundreds of gaming sites online.