Malta Gaming Authority

The Malta Gaming Authority issues two main authorisation streams for remote gambling: business-to-consumer (B2C) gaming service licences and business-to-business (B2B) critical gaming supply licences. Licences are granted to entities incorporated in Malta or EU/EEA jurisdictions and remain valid for a term of 10 years. The authority maintains publicly accessible registers of active licensees, alongside issuing recognition notice certificates for operators licensed in other EU and EEA member states.

Gaming operations are categorised into four distinct game types. Type 1 covers casino games, live dealer studios, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, casino poker, lotteries, and virtual sports. Type 2 includes fixed odds betting and live in-play wagering. Type 3 encompasses pool betting, betting exchanges, peer-to-peer poker, and peer-to-peer bingo. Type 4 covers controlled skill games. On the B2B side, suppliers may obtain licences either for providing and managing material elements of a game or specifically for hosting and supplying back-office control software.

The one-time non-refundable application fee for a new licence or renewal is €5,000. Operators holding a B2C licence pay a fixed annual licence fee of €25,000 (€10,000 if offering solely Type 4 games), while B2B annual fees range from €25,000 to €35,000 based on revenue. Gaming revenue generated from players physically present in Malta is subject to a 5% gaming tax (with a 10% rate for Type 2 betting from 1 October 2026). Licensees also pay a monthly contribution based on gaming revenue, which for Type 1 ranges from 1.25% down to 0.40%, capped at €375,000 per financial year with a €15,000 minimum.

Applicants must demonstrate minimum paid-up share capital of €100,000 for Type 1 and Type 2 services, or €40,000 for Type 3, Type 4, and B2B licences, capped cumulatively at €240,000 for multi-type operations. Licensees must maintain a positive equity position and ensure that all directors, ultimate beneficial owners, and key function holders undergo fitness and propriety assessments, with each key function role requiring a €50 approval fee. Operations must undergo a technical system audit by an approved audit provider prior to going live, initiate live operations within 90 days of licensing, and submit regular financial reports.