Monday 21 April 2025

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

The Maltese licensing regime has been instrumental in fostering a sustainable iGaming industry. A significant part of this success is due to the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), whose reputation as a reliable and effective regulator grants its licensees a certain degree of credibility. Securing an MGA licence requires adherence to strict standards, which positions companies as trustworthy entities in the eyes of the industry, partners and other regulators. Over the years, the local regulator raised the bar to ensure that through adequate due diligence, compliance and enforcement, it eliminates, and to a certain extent, deters industry players that are not wanted.

The MGA’s role extends well beyond licensing. Regular audits ensure ongoing compliance, with particular attention to player fund segregation and financial solvency. The Authority also monitors commercial communications to ensure alignment with socially responsible standards. Player protection is a key focus, with licensees required to offer responsible gaming tools that help players control their gambling habits, such as setting limits on time and money spent. The MGA conducts routine inspections to identify at-risk players and ensures swift intervention. Additionally, the Authority actively combats match-fixing and malicious sports betting, working closely with the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, Malta’s financial crime watchdog, to prevent money laundering.

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Game Types

The four game types regulated by the MGA are:

Type 1:

Games of chance played against the house, determined by a random number generator (eg casino games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, lotteries, and virtual sports games).

Type 2:

Games of chance based on competition outcomes, where operators manage risk by adjusting the odds offered to players (eg sports betting).

Type 3:

Player-versus-player games where the operator takes a commission rather than being exposed to gaming risk (eg poker, bingo, betting exchanges).

Type 4:

Controlled skill games, such as fantasy sports.