Why license an online gambling business in Malta?
Malta is the most reputable widely-held gaming licence, an EU jurisdiction with a long-established, rigorous regulator. A single B2C licence can span many verticals after per-vertical approval, and the MGA name is a strong signal to banks and payment providers. It is chosen for reputation and market access, not speed: cost is higher, real substance is required, and the application and ongoing compliance are demanding (typically several months). Operators wanting a faster, lower-cost first licence often start with Curacao or Anjouan before a Malta upgrade.
EU credibility and passporting. An EU-issued licence from a long-established regulator, the strongest signal of legitimacy to banks, payment providers, and partners across the European market.
Multi-vertical in one B2C licence. A single B2C Gaming Service licence can carry many approved verticals (casino, betting, lotteries, poker) once each vertical is approved by the MGA.
Banking and payment acceptance. The MGA name is widely trusted, which materially eases corporate banking and onboarding with reputable payment processors.
Mature ecosystem. Malta hosts a deep ecosystem of payment providers, game suppliers, auditors, and specialist advisers built around the licence.
B2B route for suppliers. A dedicated Critical Gaming Supply licence covers suppliers of gaming services and software serving licensed operators.
Standing in the European market. A Malta licence is treated as a benchmark of reputation, valued by operators prioritising market access and trust over speed.
Malta licence types and activities
We map your model to the correct MGA licence and verticals:
B2C Gaming Service License
For operators serving players directly: a single licence that can carry multiple approved verticals under the Gaming Act.
B2B Critical Gaming Supply License
For suppliers of gaming services and software, including platform and back-end providers serving licensed operators.
Casino and Live Casino
Type 1 games such as slots, RNG table games, and live dealer casino, with game and system certification.
Fixed-Odds and Pool Betting
Type 2 fixed-odds betting (including in-play), pool betting, and betting exchange activities.
Lotteries and Scratch Cards
Lotteries, secondary lotteries, and scratch cards offered as approved verticals under the B2C licence.
Peer-to-Peer Poker
Type 3 peer-to-peer games such as poker, where the operator earns a commission rather than betting against the player.
Indicative Licence Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Licence application feeOne-time and non-refundable, payable on application. Renewal carries the same EUR 5,000 fee. | EUR 5,000 |
| B2C fixed annual licence feeNon-refundable, payable in advance each year. EUR 10,000 where the service is solely Type 4 gaming. | EUR 25,000 |
| B2B annual licence fee (critical gaming supply)By annual revenue: EUR 25,000 up to EUR 5m, EUR 30,000 to EUR 10m, EUR 35,000 above. EUR 10,000 for solely Type 4 supplies. | EUR 25,000 to EUR 35,000 |
| Compliance contribution (B2C, in addition)Charged on gaming revenue at banded rates, with a floor and a cap per licence period by game type: Type 1 min EUR 15,000 cap EUR 375,000; Type 2 min EUR 25,000 cap EUR 600,000; Type 3 min EUR 25,000 cap EUR 500,000; Type 4 min EUR 5,000 cap EUR 500,000. | EUR 5,000 to EUR 25,000 minimum |
Source: Gaming Licence Fees Regulations (S.L. 583.03), Malta, read on 1 October 2026. Licence fees only. They exclude company formation, compliance build, platform, payment, and audit costs, and our advisory fee, and they can change without notice.
Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.