Horst Wickinghoff
Senior New Business Manager
- Gaming Licence
- Company Formation
Specialised Services
Malta Gaming License (MGA)
Malta is one of the few EU jurisdictions with a mature, internationally recognised regulatory framework for online gambling. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) sets high standards for capital, compliance, and infrastructure. We guide you through the entire licensing journey: from feasibility checks to the issued license and beyond.
Getting an MGA license is not a tick-box exercise. The authority conducts a deep dive into your corporate structure, shareholders, business model, technical platform, and compliance procedures. Underestimating this can cost you months and six-figure sums. With the right guidance, however, you secure a license that serves as a regulatory seal of approval in over 30 countries.
Malta distinguishes between two main license types. The Gaming Service Licence (B2C) is for operators dealing directly with players—whether for online casinos, sports betting, poker, or bingo. The MGA further splits B2C licenses into four types: Type 1 (casino games against the house), Type 2 (fixed-odds betting), Type 3 (peer-to-peer like poker), and Type 4 (skill games and fantasy sports). The Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B) is for companies providing software or platforms to operators. Both are valid for ten years, provided you meet compliance obligations and pay the annual fees.
The requirements are strict but clear: minimum share capital ranges from EUR 40,000 (B2B and Type 3/4) to EUR 100,000 (B2C Type 1/2), capped at EUR 240,000 for multiple types. You also need a detailed business plan, technical certification from accredited labs, robust AML/KYC policies, responsible gaming measures, and a physical office in Malta with qualified staff. The application fee is EUR 5,000, with annual license fees ranging from EUR 10,000 to EUR 35,000 depending on the game type.
Services
- Feasibility & Strategy
- We review your business model, determine the correct license type (B2C Type 1–4 or B2B), and identify regulatory hurdles early—before you commit capital or technical resources.
- Incorporation & Structuring
- If you do not have a Malta entity yet, we set up the appropriate legal form, ensure minimum share capital is in place, and establish corporate governance.
- Application Documentation
- Preparation of the full application package, including business plan, three-year financial forecasts, AML/KYC policies, responsible gaming concepts, and technical system descriptions.
- Due Diligence Prep
- The MGA vets shareholders, directors, and UBOs via a strict 'fit and proper' test. We prepare all stakeholders for this process and collate the necessary personal documentation.
- Technical Compliance
- Coordination with accredited testing labs for the certification of your gaming platform, RNGs, game protocols, and control systems.
- Authority Liaison
- We handle all correspondence with the MGA, answer queries, and manage the timeline throughout the review process.
- Post-Licensing Compliance
- Once licensed, we assist with ongoing reporting, annual compliance audits, AML reporting, and implementing regulatory updates.
- Ancillary Services
- Bank account opening for the licensed entity, work permits for key staff, ongoing accounting, and tax advisory.
Who benefits
- Companies looking to launch an online casino, sports betting platform, or iGaming service within the EU
- Software providers and platform operators wanting to supply licensed operators (B2B license)
- Established operators from other jurisdictions seeking an EU-compliant MGA license as a secondary license
- Investors and holding companies entering the regulated iGaming market via a Malta vehicle
- Providers of lottery, bingo, or skill-game formats looking for a secure regulatory framework
- Existing Malta companies planning to expand their business activities into iGaming
Why DW&P
- Established in Malta since 2013 – with direct lines to authorities, banks, and key service providers in the iGaming ecosystem
- MFSA Class C CSP – the highest level of regulation for Corporate Service Providers in Malta
- International expertise – we understand cross-border corporate structures and bridge the gap between local requirements and international business logic
- End-to-end service – incorporation, licensing, technical coordination, and ongoing compliance under one roof, rather than juggling five different providers
- Honest assessment – if your business model or shareholder structure is not licensable, we tell you upfront. This saves everyone time and significant cost.
- Interdisciplinary team – lawyers, tax advisors, and corporate service specialists working together on your project
Malta Gaming License (MGA) – Our capabilities
Licensing Strategy
B2C or B2B: Defining the right license type for your business model
Incorporation
Setting up your Malta company with the correct structure and share capital
Application Filing
Compiling and submitting the full MGA license application
Due Diligence
Preparing all stakeholders for the MGA's fit-and-proper test
Technical Certification
Coordinating platform audits with accredited testing labs
AML & Compliance
Establishing anti-money laundering and responsible gaming protocols
Authority Liaison
Handling all correspondence with the Malta Gaming Authority
Post-Licensing Support
Annual audits, reporting duties, and regulatory updates
Planning to enter the regulated iGaming market – or need to know if your model works in Malta?
Book an initial consultation – free of charge and without obligation.
- MGA Specialists
- Since 2013
- Full Support
Malta Gaming License (MGA) – How it works
- 01
Free Initial Consultation
We analyse your business model, identify the right license, and give you a realistic estimate of time, costs, and feasibility.
- 02
Structure & Incorporation
Setting up or adjusting your Malta company, securing minimum capital, and establishing corporate governance and a registered office.
- 03
Application Prep
Drafting all documents: business plan, financial forecasts, AML/KYC policies, responsible gaming concepts, and technical specs.
- 04
Due Diligence & Submission
Collating personal documentation for all directors and shareholders, followed by formal submission to the MGA.
- 05
Review & Queries
The MGA reviews the application and may ask for clarifications. We coordinate all responses and keep the process moving.
- 06
Licensing & Go-Live
Once approved, you receive your MGA license. We assist with the go-live phase and set up your ongoing compliance framework.
Malta Gaming License (MGA) – Your contacts
Dr. Kelly Mamo
Junior Partner & Head of Legal
- Gaming Licence
- Legal Advisory
Dr. Rebecca Camilleri
Director & Head of Corporate
- Gaming Licence
- Legal Advisory
FAQ
Which license do I need – B2C or B2B?
It depends on your model. If you offer games directly to players (casino, betting, poker), you need a Gaming Service Licence (B2C). If you supply software or infrastructure to other operators, the Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B) is the one. The distinction is not always black and white—that is what our initial consultation is for.
What is the total cost of an MGA license?
Costs include a one-off EUR 5,000 application fee, annual license fees (EUR 10,000–35,000), and minimum share capital (EUR 40,000–240,000), plus technical certification and advisory fees. A typical B2C project involves a mid-to-high six-figure investment. We provide a realistic breakdown for your specific case during the initial consultation.
How long does the process take?
Expect 4 to 8 months from the moment the full application is submitted. The actual timeline depends on how quickly documents are ready, the speed of the due diligence checks, and any queries from the MGA. Thorough preparation—especially regarding stakeholder documentation—can significantly speed things up.
Does my company need a physical presence in Malta?
Yes. The MGA requires a company registered in Malta (or EU/EEA) with a physical office and qualified key personnel on the ground. Servers must also be in Malta. If you do not have a Malta company yet, we handle the incorporation as part of the project.
What are the ongoing obligations?
Licensed companies must pass annual compliance audits, submit AML reports, document player protection measures, implement regulatory changes promptly, and pay annual fees. The company must also maintain positive equity at all times. We support you with these obligations on a continuous basis.
Can I get an MGA license for crypto gambling?
The MGA has opened up to cryptocurrencies as a payment method. It is possible, but comes with stricter compliance requirements—particularly regarding AML and player protection. We can advise on whether your specific crypto model fits the current regulations.
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