If you’re familiar with the online gaming industry, then you know how popular the Malta gaming licence really is. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is responsible for issuing 2 different types of gambling licences, one of which has 4 subtypes. We’ll cover them in this article, including how MGA licenses work and how you can use them to legally operate as an online casino, sportsbook, or B2B provider.
You can acquire a Malta gaming licence issued by the MGA and freely offer your gambling services under the 2018 Gaming Act. We should note that the MGA is a premium European iGaming jurisdiction with a strong reputation and long history in the iGaming industry.
But its strict rules and higher preparation standards don’t allow a fast and cheap entry into targeted markets. An automatic entrance in certain regulated markets, including some in the EU, is also not plausible. Many countries now require their own licenses, which is why we urge you to read their laws and requirements before making an expansion.
We at Ace Alliance discovered that the Malta iGaming licence is suitable only for specific types of companies that want to operate in the gambling industry.
Consider an MGA licence if you’re an experienced operator who wants to increase credibility and trust among players, banks, and software developers.
The Maltese gaming licence can help you attract MGA-licensed casinos and sportsbooks that might want to offer products and services developed by your company.
You may want to acquire a different gambling permit, like an Anjouan licence, if you’re a fairly young operator that might struggle with the costs and compliance requirements.
There are several Malta gaming licence requirements that are crucial for you to know before applying for a Malta gambling permit in 2026.
Applying for a Malta gaming business licence can be difficult for some individuals or companies, which is why we constructed a simple step-by-step guide.
Here are the main Malta gaming licensing fees and taxes that you must cover before launching your gaming activities:
There are several other non-regulatory costs that you need to cover to become an MGA-licensed iGaming operator. Just a couple of them are the prices paid for acquiring products, corporate and legal fees, payment processing costs, and expenses for technical infrastructure and operations.
Just because you get to offer gaming services legally doesn’t mean that you have finished all responsibility towards the MGA. You still need to fulfil several ongoing regulatory obligations to maintain your licensed status.
You must submit financial documents that show your monthly income and tax records, while also including corporate and operational metrics and player activity information.
The regulator needs to know what protection mechanism you use to keep players’ funds safe and secure on your online gambling platform.
Notify the MGA every time you make a major business change, like signing big financial agreements, changing key persons, or including new shareholders.
The MGA will regularly check your financial and technical status by conducting compliance audits to see if you adhere to the regulatory policies.
Before concluding this Ace Alliance blog article, we’ll point out the most common mistakes to avoid during your MGA application. One major error to avoid is making a weak business plan or providing unclear UBO/source-of-funds evidence, as it can delay your gaming licence process. Underdeveloped AML controls and incomplete technical documents can also increase the licence approval waiting period.
The application processing time can vary, so don’t make the mistake of setting unrealistic launch timelines, as it may increase your costs. Some operators and suppliers endure losses because they employed unqualified and incompetent individuals in key positions. Another blunder to avoid is not complying with the responsible gaming policies, which may result in a licence revocation.
We believe that owning a Malta gaming licence can provide numerous advantages, but only if it aligns with your business model and objectives. It’s best suited for gambling operators and B2B suppliers that want credibility, trusted payments, and long-term growth. Try looking for a different licence, such as a Curaçao or Anjouan gaming licence, if you want a different route to market with separate costs, timelines, and regulatory requirements. For more guidance, follow Ace Alliance’s expert analyses on iGaming licensing, compliance, and B2B growth.
The full Malta gambling licence application processing time usually takes from 6 to 12 months. It all depends on your documentation, business complexity, licence type, and audits.
The MGA licence doesn’t give you permission to operate in all countries featured in the European Economic Area (EEA). You need to apply for local gaming licences when working in certain countries, like Sweden, Spain, and Italy.
You have to set up a server in Malta if you want to acquire and use an MGA gambling licence.
With the Business-to-Customer (B2C) Malta licence, you can offer your gambling services to players. The Business-to-Business (B2B) licence allows you to supply gambling-related products to operators.
