DecentrAtty
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) Licence - EU
EU's most recognised iGaming licence — tier-1 regulatory credibility, full EU market access, and the gold standard for operators targeting top payment providers, affiliates, and institutional investors
Quick facts
Regulator / authority
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Coverage
Casino · Sports · Poker · Bingo · Live · Lotteries · Controlled Skill Games
Best for
License type: B2C (Gaming Service Licence) & B2B (Critical Gaming Supply Licence) — issued separately
Local presence
Physical office in Malta required; at least one Malta-resident director; MLRO & Compliance Officer based locally
Substance level
Top restricted player markets: Market-specific (operators must comply with laws of each target jurisdiction; additional local licences required for Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, etc.)
Banking friendliness
High (accepted by all major card networks, tier-1 PSPs, and affiliate networks)
Who this is for
Best fit
Established or well-funded operators targeting EU and global Tier 1 markets
Businesses that need access to premium payment providers, card networks, and top affiliates
Operators who require the most credible licence available for investor due diligence or exit readiness
iGaming companies planning to raise institutional capital or pursue strategic partnerships
B2B software and platform providers supplying licensed operators across the EU
Operators already running an offshore licence and ready to upgrade to a full EU regulatory framework
Brands for whom player trust and regulatory reputation are key conversion drivers
What you can do (scope)
Online casino — RNG slots, table games, jackpots
Live dealer casino
Fixed-odds sports betting
Pool betting
Poker rooms
Bingo
Lotteries
Controlled skill games
Requirements overview
Company & presence
Malta-incorporated company (Ltd) required; physical office in Malta with sufficient operational staff; minimum share capital EUR 100,000 recommended; player funds must be held in a segregated account
Key persons / governance
Full KYC for UBOs, directors, and key roles: certified passport, CV, proof of address, PEP/sanctions screening, source of wealth; Malta-resident director required; MLRO and Compliance Officer must be MGA-approved, locally based, with iGaming experience
AML/CTF baseline expectations
AML programme under Malta PMLA; MLRO reporting to MGA; enhanced due diligence (PEPs/high-risk); ongoing monitoring; annual AML audit; mandatory responsible gaming tools
Reporting / audits
Annual audited financial statements (IFRS); monthly/quarterly compliance reports to MGA; immediate suspicious transaction reporting; annual MLRO report to board and MGA; data breach notifications to MGA and IDPC within 72 hours; ongoing software change notifications
Process (end-to-end steps)
Step 1: Eligibility check + scope mapping
Confirm business model, shareholder and UBO structure, target markets, and MGA readiness; assess substance requirements and budget for Malta setup
Step 2: Entity setup / restructuring (if needed)
Incorporate a Malta limited company; secure Malta office space; appoint or hire Malta-resident director; onboard MLRO and Compliance Officer; open Malta bank account
Step 3: Documentation pack
Compile full KYC/AML dossier, 3-year business plan with financial projections, gaming platform technical file, RNG and game certification, responsible gaming policy, MLRO appointment documentation
Step 4: Application submission
Submit application to MGA with non-refundable application fee; pay first-year annual licence fee on approval
Step 5: Regulator review + queries
Respond to MGA RFIs (requests for information); formal review period 12–16 weeks; updates to documents or clarifications requested by MGA case officer must be addressed promptly
Step 6: Licence issuance + go-live
Receive MGA licence certificate and Software Approval; activate B2C operations; ensure all key functions (MLRO, Compliance Officer) are operational; initiate MGA compliance reporting cycle
What's included in our support
Core package
- Eligibility assessment and MGA readiness review
- Malta company incorporation and registered office
- Bank account opening advisory
- Key function recruitment or outsourcing (MLRO, Compliance Officer)
- Full MGA application documentation package (business plan, financial projections, technical file)
- Application filing and MGA liaison throughout review
Optional add-ons
- Ongoing compliance retainer (MLRO as a Service)
- Platform and RNG certification management
- Data protection / DPO service
- Annual audit preparation support
- Market-entry advisory for specific EU jurisdictions (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden)
Ready made
MGA Licence · From EUR 180,000
FAQ
How long does it take to get an MGA gaming licence?+
The MGA's formal review takes 12–16 weeks. Including Malta company setup, staff hiring, and documentation preparation, most applicants should plan for 6–9 months from start to licence issuance
How much does the MGA gaming licence cost per year?+
The fixed annual licence fee is EUR 25,000 for B2C operators and EUR 10,000 for B2B. In addition, a compliance contribution is payable on GGR — minimum EUR 15,000, up to EUR 600,000 for high-revenue operators. New operators benefit from a 12-month moratorium on compliance contributions
Does an MGA licence allow me to operate in all EU countries?+
Not automatically. The MGA licence is your EU regulatory base, but many EU member states require additional local authorisation. Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, and others require separate national registrations. The MGA licence opens access to the market infrastructure; national licences authorise player-facing operations in specific countries
Do I need a physical office in Malta to hold an MGA licence?+
Yes. The MGA requires genuine local substance: a real operational office, at least one Malta-resident director, and key compliance functions (MLRO and Compliance Officer) employed or contracted locally. Virtual offices do not satisfy MGA requirements
What is the compliance contribution and how is it calculated?+
The compliance contribution is a GGR-based annual levy paid to the MGA — separate from gaming tax. For casino operators (Type 1), the rate is 1.25% on the first EUR 3M of GGR, with a minimum of EUR 15,000 and a maximum of EUR 375,000. For betting operators (Types 2 & 3), the rate is 4%, with a minimum of EUR 25,000 and a maximum of EUR 500,000–EUR 600,000
Can one MGA licence cover both B2C and B2B operations?+
No. The MGA issues separate licence types: the Gaming Service Licence (B2C) for operators providing services directly to players, and the Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B) for software, platform, and payment providers. Each has its own application process, requirements, and annual fees
Who is the MGA gaming licence best suited for?+
The MGA licence is best suited for established or well-funded operators targeting Tier 1 EU and global markets — businesses that need top-tier payment provider access, premium affiliate partnerships, investor-grade regulatory credibility, or a competitive advantage in player trust markets. It is rarely the right choice for early-stage startups
Can MGA-licensed operators accept cryptocurrency?+
The MGA does not prohibit cryptocurrency, and many MGA licensees do accept crypto payments. Operators must apply full AML/CTF controls, follow MGA's virtual asset guidance, and ensure their payment processing arrangements meet MGA compliance standards. There is no separate crypto licence track — crypto is handled within the standard MGA framework
Ready to get started?
Discuss licensing from scratch or explore a ready-made route — we'll get back to you within 24 hours.