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A Malta MGA license should be understood in the context of the licensed entity, the authorized services, the game categories, and the licensing conditions. A license image or website logo alone does not prove that a particular service is currently subject to valid regulation, nor does it guarantee profitability or the absolute security of funds.
The taxes, capital requirements, fees, and timeframes mentioned on this page should be verified separately; a single tax rate does not represent all corporate taxes, gambling taxes, regulatory fees, and other obligations. The information provided in the original application does not constitute a guarantee of approval or account opening.
During the verification process, it is recommended to record the full legal name, license number, stated license category, and website domain, and to cross-check this information against official MGA records. The brand name may differ from the legal entity’s name; therefore, a correspondence should not be assumed based solely on similar names, license images, or footer logos.
If there are discrepancies in the entity name, registration number, or website information, the discrepancies should be marked as “pending verification,” and the competent authority should be contacted for clarification. A website’s claim that it is licensed does not mean that its statement has been independently verified.
Historical certificates reflect only the information as of the date stated on them. When verifying the current status, you should also review any suspensions, revocations, and other enforcement records published by the competent authority, paying attention to the dates of the decisions, the effective dates, and the legal entities involved.
The absence of a law enforcement notice does not, by itself, prove that a particular website has been authorized. For reference, see MGA Law Enforcement Records, based on a review of the relevant licensing documents.
Licensed entities, authorized services, and licensing conditions must be verified separately; the license granted to a particular entity cannot be interpreted broadly to cover all affiliated companies, brands, or activities.
An MGA license cannot be directly regarded as a global passport. When other regions are involved, it is still necessary to verify the applicable local laws and restrictions; for market access issues that have not yet been confirmed, conclusions should be explicitly reserved, and statements such as “globally legal” should be avoided.
Corporate taxes, gambling-related taxes and fees, regulatory fees, and commercial service quotes are separate items and cannot be summarized as a single percentage of total costs. Registered capital is also not the same as fees paid to regulatory agencies or consultants.
When reviewing a quote, it is recommended that you verify the description, applicable conditions, billing period, and whether third-party fees are included for each line item. Any figures that lack a source, date, or applicable conditions should be verified first and should not be considered a fixed total price or a commitment to approval.
Pay attention to the notices regarding the protection of minors, the self-exclusion portal, risk disclosures, and clear complaint channels. Being licensed does not mean there is no risk of financial loss, and gambling should not be portrayed as a stable source of income.
The MGA guidelines require that new self-exclusion requests or extension requests be implemented immediately; during this period, users may not access gambling services, but they should not be prevented from withdrawing funds. For specific details, see MGA Player Protection Page. In the event of a dispute, we recommend keeping records of transactions and communications.
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Steps for Obtaining a Maltese Gaming License
If you follow the steps below, the licensing process for gaming companies in Malta can be streamlined:
Develop a business plan for the game you intend to develop.
Use ChesaGroup to prepare your application materials
Get your website and game ready
Submit an Application
ChesaGroup will assist you with the five-step application review process.
Apply for a Maltese Gaming License for Your Business
Requirements for Obtaining a Gaming License in Malta
The Malta Gaming Authority is the regulatory body for the gaming industry in Malta. The Authority has established the following standards as prerequisites for successfully applying for a Maltese gaming license:
Companies registered in Malta or the European Economic Area
Conduct a comprehensive background check on participants (resumes, criminal background checks, etc.)
The minimum share capital for Category 3 and Category 4 licenses is 40,000 euros, while the minimum share capital for Category 1 and Category 2 licenses is 100,000 euros.
We provide comprehensive IT solutions for your gaming platform: websites, domain names, software, system management, and the implementation of risk management processes.
Implement Malta’s compliance regulations (KYC, AML, deposit and withdrawal limits, revenue thresholds, etc.) into your business model and systems.
A detailed business plan covering all of the above: business model, stakeholders, IT solutions, and compliance with regulations in Malta.
Activities Permitted Under a Maltese Gaming License
The Maltese gaming license covers virtually all online gaming activities, including the following most common ones:
Casino Games
Poker, Blackjack, and Card Games
Lotteries and Raffles
Roulette
Place a Bet
Sports Betting
Esports
With a Maltese gaming license, you can also offer other games to your customers. Please contact our experts to ensure that the license aligns with your business model.
An MGA license should not be interpreted as a blanket permit to operate in all EU member states or other markets. Cross-border activities are still subject to the relevant local laws, licensing conditions, and specific scope of services; registration in a foreign jurisdiction or the location of servers does not substitute for these requirements.
During the verification process, you should cross-check the website’s claims regarding the legal entity, licensing information, and scope of services against the records held by the competent authority, and verify whether any suspension, revocation, or other regulatory measures are in place. Historical certificates do not reflect the current status, and explanations provided by business consultants cannot replace the records of the competent authority.
Official Reference:MGA Law Enforcement Records and MGA Explanation of the Scope of the Gambling Act Amendments.
A license does not eliminate financial losses or the harms associated with gambling; gambling should not be portrayed as a stable source of income or a solution to financial problems. Minors should not participate, and websites should provide clear information on risks and player support.
The MGA Player Protection Guidelines require the provision of self-exclusion tools. New self-exclusion requests or extensions of the exclusion period must be implemented immediately, and players should not be encouraged to continue participating; players must not be able to access gambling services during the exclusion period, but they should not be prevented from withdrawing funds as a result.
The complaint procedure should be easy to locate and included in the terms and conditions. After internal dispute resolution procedures have been exhausted, players should have the opportunity to refer the dispute to an applicable registered alternative dispute resolution (ADR) organization. The ADR procedure does not limit a player’s right to file a lawsuit in a court of competent jurisdiction.
In the event of a dispute, we recommend keeping records of your account, transactions, and communications, and refrain from placing further bets in an attempt to recoup your losses. Official reference:MGA Player Protection Guidelines and MGA Website Player Protection Information Requirements. This supplementary verification will take place in November 2026.
The following outlines the sequence for verifying publicly available licensing information, which is used to identify discrepancies in data and changes in regulatory status; the stages listed do not represent the timeframes for license applications or approvals.
Record the legal entity names, license numbers, brands, and domain names listed on the website, and look up information from the relevant regulatory authorities. Distinguish between the website’s own statements, consultant explanations, and official records to avoid confusing information about companies with the same name or affiliated companies.
Verification records should include links to source materials, the date of review, and discrepancies to be confirmed; any unconfirmed correspondences should be clearly marked.
Compare the entities covered by the license, the scope of services, and the conditions to verify whether the page exaggerates a limited license as a comprehensive authorization. Also, ensure that information regarding the protection of minors, opt-out options, and complaint procedures is clear and easy to find.
For statements regarding cross-border applicability, a single tax rate, or guarantees of fund security, the basis for each should be verified separately; a license status alone cannot be used to substitute for other assessments.
In the event of a name change for an entity, updates to website information, or regulatory announcements, re-verify the existing audit records. When reviewing announcements regarding suspensions, revocations, or similar actions, confirm the entity involved, the details of the decision, and the effective date to avoid continuing to cite outdated conclusions.
Retain the update date, source, and revision notes. Matters pending clarification by the competent authority should be marked as "pending verification," and historical certificates should not be relied upon as proof of current validity.
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