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Malta

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) ↗Regulatedsince 2018verified 2026-08

The Gaming Act 2018 (Chapter 583) consolidated Malta's earlier multi-licence framework into a single, technology-neutral, risk-based regime with two licence classes — B2C (Gaming Service) and B2B (Critical Gaming Supply) — each spanning game Types 1 to 4. As an EU/EEA regulator the MGA is widely recognised, though many EU states now require their own domestic licences, so an MGA licence alone can mean grey-market exposure in those markets. Operators pay a 5% gaming tax on Malta-player revenue only, plus a fixed annual licence fee and a variable compliance contribution tied to gaming revenue.

Tax

Gaming revenue (GGR) from Malta-based players only

5% gaming tax

The 5% applies only to revenue from players established, resident or usually located in Malta; revenue from foreign players is outside the Malta gaming tax (though within Malta corporate tax, subject to refund mechanisms). Separate from the compliance contribution and licence fees.

Key facts
Licence term10 years
Regime since2018
Key-person licencesNo standalone personal licence, but 'key function' roles (e.g. CEO, compliance, AML/MLRO, responsible gaming, KYC, IT, finance) must each be approved by the MGA
Licence term10 yearsextended from 5 years under the 2018 Act
Gaming tax5% on Malta-player revenue onlyrevenue from non-Malta players is not subject to the gaming tax
Key functionsMGA-approved key-function holders requiredeach key role vetted for fit-and-proper
Player fundsplayer-funds protection requiredsegregation / safeguarding of customer funds obligations
EU standingEU/EEA regulatorrecognised widely, but many EU states now require a local licence
Licence types
B2C Gaming Service licence (Types 1-4)B2B Critical Gaming Supply licenceType 1 – casino / RNG gamesType 2 – fixed-odds bettingType 3 – P2P / betting exchange / poker / bingoType 4 – skill games / fantasy
Fees
Application fee (new licence)€5,000one-off, payable to the MGA
Fixed annual licence fee (B2C)€25,000€10,000 for a Type 4 (skill-games) licence
Compliance contribution (variable, by game type)min €5,000 – max €600,000% of GGR within bands; Type 1 €15k-€375k, Type 2 €25k-€600k, Type 3 €25k-€500k, Type 4 €5k-€500k
Change-watch
2023

Bill 55 (Gaming Act amendment) shields MGA licensees from enforcement in Malta of certain foreign judgments contrary to Malta's regime — controversial with other EU states

2024-2025

MGA continued tightening AML and player-protection technical/reporting requirements amid ongoing EU pressure over cross-border licensing

Not legal or tax advice. This is a teaching summary; confirm every figure against the primary regulator (Malta Gaming Authority) before relying on it.