Tier-1 EU licence regulated by the MGA
Malta Gaming Licence
A Malta Gaming Authority licence is one of the most respected credentials in online gambling. It offers EU-market credibility, tier-1 banking and a 10-year term in exchange for real substance, gaming tax on Maltese-player revenue (15% / 10% from 1 October 2026, up from 5%) and a 4–6 month process. For operators building a serious, long-term brand. Vantegris runs the whole file.
What is the Malta gaming licence?
A Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence is one of the most respected credentials in online gambling. Malta was the first EU member state to regulate remote gaming, and its licence carries real weight with players, payment providers and tier-1 banks — the practical reason operators accept its cost and substance requirements.
It is a serious, substance-heavy regime. The MGA issues Gaming Service (B2C) licences across four game types and Critical Gaming Supply (B2B) licences, with minimum share capital from €40,000 to €240,000, gaming tax on revenue from players in Malta (15% for Type 1 and 10% for Types 2–4 from 1 October 2026, and 5% before that), and a fixed annual fee plus a progressive compliance contribution. Licences run for ten years. It suits operators building a long-term, bankable brand, though it is neither the cheapest nor the fastest route.
Why operators pick Malta
One of the most respected credentials in online gaming, with strong standing at PSPs and tier-1 banks.
An EU-regulated licence that opens doors a pure offshore permit never will.
Gaming tax applies only to revenue from players in Malta (15% / 10% from 1 Oct 2026, up from 5%), with the rest of your player base outside that base.
Ten-year validity versus the annual re-issue of offshore permits.
The Malta company and substance become the foundation for banking, tax planning and further growth.
Malta vs. Anjouan
| Criteria | Malta (MGA) | Anjouan |
|---|---|---|
| Credibility | Tier-1 | Growing offshore |
| Gaming tax | 15%/10% on MT players from 1 Oct 2026; 5% before | 0% GGR |
| Min. share capital | €40k–€240k | None |
| Local substance | Required | Not required |
| Timeline | 4–6 months | 4–8 weeks |
| Licence term | 10 years | Annual |
| Banking access | Tier-1 | Offshore-tier |
| Best suited to | Serious long-term brands | Speed and lower cost |
Who the Malta gaming licence suits
Malta gaming licence requirements
How to get a Malta gaming licence
- Company & capital Incorporate the Malta company, meet the share-capital requirement and set up local substance. 3–5 weeks
- Application build Prepare the business plan, policies and system documentation to MGA standards. 3–5 weeks
- MGA review & fit-and-proper Submit and pass the MGA's detailed due-diligence and business review. 8–12 weeks
- System audit & go live Complete the technical/system audit, receive the licence and launch. 4–8 weeks
Not sure Malta is the right fit?
Tell us your product and target markets — we'll confirm whether Malta or another jurisdiction gets you live fastest, at the lowest all-in cost.
How much does a Malta gaming licence cost?
- Malta company incorporation
- Full MGA application package
- AML/KYC, responsible-gaming & data policies
- Regulator liaison through review
- Everything in Licence
- Local substance & key functions
- Compliance / MLRO setup
- System documentation & audit support
- Everything in Turnkey
- Tier-1 banking & PSP introductions
- Corporate accounts
- Tax structuring around the licence
Beyond MGA fees, budget for share capital (€40k–€240k by type), local substance, certification and compliance. Gaming tax on revenue from players in Malta is 15% (Type 1) / 10% (Types 2–4) from 1 October 2026, and 5% before that. We model the full economics for your licence type before you commit.
Compliance obligations in Malta
Technical & IT standards in Malta
After you go live in Malta
Which markets a Malta licence reaches
A Malta licence carries EU-level standing, but you still operate within the rules of each market you serve and geo-block those you are not authorised in, plus sanctioned and FATF-listed territories. Its value is credibility and banking, not blanket access to every regulated market.
Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
Malta gaming licence FAQ
How much does a Malta (MGA) gaming licence cost?
The MGA charges a €5,000 non-refundable application fee and, for a B2C licence, a €25,000 fixed annual fee plus a progressive compliance contribution based on gaming revenue. On top of that you must fund share capital of €40,000–€240,000 (by type), local substance, certification and compliance. Gaming tax on revenue from players in Malta is 15% (Type 1) / 10% (Types 2–4) from 1 October 2026, and 5% before that.
What are the Malta licence types?
B2C Gaming Service licences come in four types: Type 1 (casino/RNG games), Type 2 (fixed-odds betting), Type 3 (peer-to-peer, e.g. poker and betting exchanges) and Type 4 (controlled skill games). B2B suppliers hold a Critical Gaming Supply licence.
How long does a Malta licence take and last?
Expect 4–6 months to licence with a clean, well-prepared application, including the MGA's due diligence and a system audit. Licences are valid for ten years.
Do I need real substance in Malta?
Yes. A Malta company, minimum share capital, local presence and a compliance/MLRO function are required. Malta is a full-substance, tier-1 regime.
Is Malta worth it versus a cheaper licence?
It depends on your goal. If you need a strong credential and tier-1 banking for a long-term brand, Malta is a sound choice. If you need speed and low cost, an offshore permit like Anjouan gets you live sooner and cheaper — many operators start offshore and add Malta later. We'll map the right path in a consult.
Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team. Last updated September 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
Start your Malta file.
Tell us your product and target markets and we will map the licence route. The consultation is free and confidential, and most enquiries get a reply within 24 hours.