Europe · MGA-regulated · tier-1 EU
Malta Gaming Licence
The blue-chip EU gaming licence. A Malta Gaming Authority licence is the most respected credential in online gambling — EU-market credibility, tier-1 banking and a 10-year term — in exchange for real substance, a 5% gaming tax and a 4–6 month process. For operators building a serious, long-term brand. Vantegris runs the whole file.
overview
What is the Malta gaming licence?
A Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence is the gold standard of online gambling regulation. Malta was the first EU member state to regulate remote gaming, and its licence still carries the most 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, a 5% gaming tax on revenue from Maltese players, and a fixed annual fee plus a progressive compliance contribution. Licences run for ten years. This is the choice for operators building a long-term, bankable brand — not the cheapest or fastest route.
advantages
Why operators pick Malta
Nothing else in online gaming carries Malta's reputational weight with partners, PSPs and tier-1 banks.
An EU-regulated licence that opens doors a pure offshore permit never will.
5% gaming tax on Maltese-player revenue, 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.
head to head
Malta vs. Anjouan
| Criteria | Malta (MGA) | Anjouan |
|---|---|---|
| Credibility | Tier-1 (highest) | Growing offshore |
| Gaming tax | 5% (MT players) | 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 · lowest cost |
who it's for
Who the Malta gaming licence suits
requirements
Malta gaming licence requirements
step by step
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.
pricing
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 is 5% on revenue from Maltese players. We model the full economics for your licence type before you commit.
obligations
Compliance obligations in Malta
technical standards
Technical & IT standards in Malta
after launch
After you go live in Malta
market access
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 is 5% on revenue from Maltese players.
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, not an offshore permit.
Is Malta worth it versus a cheaper licence?
It depends on your goal. If you need the strongest credential and tier-1 banking for a long-term brand, Malta is unmatched. 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 July 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
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