Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) Licensed Casinos
The Malta Gaming Authority has licensed remote operators since 2004 under an EU legal framework — segregated player funds, independently tested games, and a complaints route that ends in a binding decision.
On this page
| Regulator | Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) |
|---|---|
| Licensed since | 2004 (current framework: Gaming Act 2018) |
| Main licence | B2C (4 game-type verticals) + B2B for suppliers |
| Jurisdiction | EU member state |
Regulator history
- 2004: Malta becomes one of the first EU jurisdictions to license online gambling operators.
- 2018: the Gaming Act rebuilds the framework — a single B2C licence now covers casino/RNG, fixed-odds betting, peer-to-peer and skill games.
- MGA operators sit inside the EU legal system: courts, appeals and GDPR data-protection law all apply.
- The MGA leaves country-by-country geo-blocking to each operator as more states (UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain) stand up their own regimes.
Player protections
- Player funds held in a segregated, separately identifiable account, apart from operating funds.
- RNGs and RTPs independently tested by approved labs before launch.
- Mandatory deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks and self-exclusion via Malta's national register.
- AML/KYC checks under EU anti-money-laundering law.
Restricted countries
- An MGA licence alone is not enough in markets with their own regime — UK (UKGC), Germany (GGL), Italy, France (ANJ), Spain and others require a local licence too.
- Operators must geo-block where local law demands a domestic licence.
Complaints process
- Raise the dispute with the operator's player-support team first — licensees must publish a clear complaints procedure.
- Escalate to a registered Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) entity — its decision is binding on both player and operator.
- Refer the matter to the MGA's own Player Support Unit, which can investigate the licensee's conduct.
Read the full Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence guide
See the full regulator directory and licence tracker in our open data section.
Frequently asked questions
Is an MGA licence the safest casino licence?
It's one of the strongest widely-used licences — segregated funds, independent testing and a binding ADR complaints route — though it's a floor, not a guarantee; still check the operator's own track record.
Can an MGA-licensed casino accept players anywhere?
No. Countries with their own regulator (UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and others) generally require a local licence too — an MGA seal alone doesn't clear those markets.
What's the difference between an MGA B2C and B2B licence?
A B2C licence covers operators taking bets directly from players — the one that protects you. A B2B licence covers the game studios and platform suppliers behind the scenes.