Obtaining a Gaming License in Malta in 2025
Malta has established itself as a leading hub for casino and gaming operations, recognized for its strong regulatory framework and competitive licensing environment. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) serves as the sole regulatory body overseeing all gaming activities within the jurisdiction. Its primary mandate is to safeguard the integrity of Malta’s gaming sector by implementing a transparent and thorough licensing process while ensuring that operators adhere to strict standards of fairness, security, and regulatory compliance.
In this article, SALVUS Gaming Services Licensing team offers a detailed summary of the main requirements for acquiring a gaming license in Malta, supporting a seamless and effective entry into this dynamic industry. The article further examines the following areas:
1. Why obtain a Gaming License in Malta?
2. What are the types of Gaming Licenses?
3. Gaming Services and Capital Requirements
4. Application Timeframe
5. How SALVUS can support your MGA application?
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1. Why obtain a Gaming License in Malta?
As the first EU Member State to adopt a regulatory framework for online gambling, it has been deeply engaged in evolving the regulatory development of the industry. Securing a gaming license in Malta opens up numerous opportunities for businesses aiming to grow within this dynamic market.
Despite its small size, Malta boasts a strong, stable, and continuously evolving economy. Its advantageous tax system—supported by over 70 double tax agreements, strategic EU location, and robust infrastructure makes it an attractive destination for gaming operators. Notably, Malta’s tax incentive framework effectively lessens the tax rate to as low as 5%, positioning it as a highly favorable jurisdiction for gambling operations.
Malta also stands out for its highly skilled iGaming workforce, which continues to draw companies and professionals. The combination of a solid educational system and targeted training initiatives has created a talent pool with deep expertise in various areas of online gaming. This is because the Maltese government actively gave its support to the gaming industry, including the provision of tax incentives and market access to operators.
2. What are the types of Gaming Licenses?
The MGA grants two fundamental categories of licenses for gaming operators:
1. Critical Gaming Supply License (B2B) is suitable for entities that offer gaming products and services to other licensed operators below:
- Game Providers and Back Office
- Corporate Group License
2. Gaming Service License (B2C) suitable for entities planning to provide remote gaming services directly to consumers or end users, categorized according to the activities offered to the following:
- Type 1
- Type 2
- Type 3
- Type 4
Entities planning to operate in both capacities may need to obtain both B2C and B2B licenses.
Contact us at info@salvusfunds.com if you are interested in obtaining a Gaming License in Malta under the MGA.
3. Gaming Services and Capital Requirements
The table below details the permitted business activities for each type of Gaming Service License (B2C), along with the corresponding minimum initial capital requirement:
| Types of Gaming Services | Business Activities | Minimum Capital Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | - Casino; Random Number Generator (RNG) based casino games (live casino, roulette, blackjack, baccarat) - Lotteries - Secondary lotteries - Poker played against the house - Virtual sports games | 100,000 EUR |
| Type 2 | - Fixed odds betting (including, live betting) | 100,000 EUR |
| Type 3 | - Pool betting (including, betting exchange) - Peer-to-peer poker, bingo and other peer-to-peer games (excluding, pool betting) - Lottery messenger services - Commission based games | 40,000 EUR |
| Type 4 | - Controlled skill games | 40,000 EUR |
As for the Critical Gaming Supply License (B2B), the services and capital requirements are included in the following table:
| Critical Gaming Supply License | Business Activities | Capital Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Game Providers and Back Office | - Supply and management of software, whether as a stand-alone or as part of a system, to generate, capture, control, or otherwise process any essential regulatory record and/or the supply and management of the control system itself on which such software resides. - Provide or carry out a critical gaming supply and management of material elements of a game from Malta to a Maltese person or through a Maltese legal entity. | 40,000 EUR |
| Corporate Group License | - Offer B2C services to its customers (via any type of vertical agreed upon) - Provide its in-house software, platform, and games to its entities within the structure. - Subject to additional requirements. | 40,000 EUR – 240,000 EUR (Subject to additional requirements) |
4. Application Timeframe
The overall timeframe for completing the application process from the applicant’s first engagement with the MGA to the commencement of operations primarily depends on the selected license type and the nature of the iGaming services and products to be offered. In most cases, the process is concluded within 4 to 6 months. However, factors such as the complexity of the business model and how prepared the applicant is to meet the MGA’s regulatory requirements can greatly influence the duration.
5. How SALVUS can support your licensing application
At SALVUS Gaming Services Licensing team adopts a customized project management strategy, recognizing that each licensing project has its distinct requirements. By gaining a clear understanding of your business goals and vision, we offer a thoughtfully selected range of license types that align with your overall business plan.
Our specialists collaborate closely with clients and their teams to prepare a comprehensive and well-structured application package, guiding all interactions with the regulator.
We ensure that your application to the MGA is thoroughly prepared and fully compliant with all regulatory requirements, setting the stage for a successful launch. With our deep expertise in Malta’s financial regulatory landscape, we are a trusted partner for companies seeking to achieve regulatory compliance.
If you are interested in obtaining a Gaming License in Malta or any other jurisdiction, reach out to us at info@salvusfunds.com—we’re ready to answer your questions and help turn your plans into a compliant and successful reality.
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The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only. You should always seek professional advice suitable to your needs.