Malta has been the world’s leading iGaming jurisdiction since it became the first EU member state to legislate remote online gaming in 2004. Today, approximately 400 companies hold active licences from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), making Malta the most densely licensed gaming jurisdiction in Europe.
For operators and technology suppliers evaluating where to base their business, Malta offers a combination of regulatory credibility, EU membership, competitive tax rates, an established iGaming talent pool, and a legal framework that has evolved continuously over two decades. This article covers what you need to know to get started.
What Is iGaming?
iGaming is betting on the outcome of a game or event online. Sports betting and online casino are the largest and most commercially significant segments. Other common forms include lotteries, poker, peer-to-peer games, fantasy sports, and virtual sports.
The global online gaming market reached approximately $97 billion in revenue in 2023 and is projected to exceed $150 billion by 2028, according to industry analysts (figures from industry analyst projections — verify current market data before citing). Malta sits at the centre of this industry, not because of its size, but because of the quality of its regulatory framework.
Why Malta for iGaming?
EU membership and regulatory credibility. An MGA licence is recognised across the EU and in most global markets. It signals that an operator meets a high standard of compliance, player protection, and financial stability. For companies targeting EU players, a Malta licence is the most commercially useful certification available.
Competitive tax framework. Malta’s tax refund system allows foreign shareholders to claim a refund of a significant portion of Maltese corporate tax. The iGaming sector benefits from this alongside the broader business community. Specialist tax advice is recommended, as the applicable rate depends on corporate structure.
Established iGaming cluster. A critical mass of gaming companies, suppliers, affiliates, and service providers is already based in Malta, particularly in the Gzira, Msida, Ta’Xbiex, and St. Julian’s corridor. This concentration means hiring experienced gaming professionals in Malta is more feasible than in almost any other jurisdiction.
Talent and skills base. Malta has invested in its gaming workforce through institutions like the iGaming Academy. Hiring locally is a realistic option for most roles, from compliance and legal to technology and marketing.
English-speaking environment. Malta is one of only two English-speaking EU member states. Government agencies, courts, and business operations all run primarily in English, which reduces friction for international companies significantly.
The MGA Licence Framework
In 2021, the MGA replaced the previous licence class system with a cleaner, two-tier framework. Any reference to the old class structure in older articles or guides is no longer current.
B2C Gaming Service Licence (GSL)
The Gaming Service Licence is for operators who offer gaming products directly to players. This covers online casino, sportsbooks, poker platforms, and any other business where end users place real-money bets or wagers.
Key obligations for GSL holders include: holding and segregating player funds in dedicated accounts, maintaining a compliance programme meeting MGA standards, conducting ongoing AML monitoring and reporting, employing key function holders who pass the MGA’s fit-and-proper test, and having a genuine physical presence in Malta. The GSL is valid for 10 years under the current framework.
Verify current fee structures at mga.org.mt before committing to a business plan. Fees and contribution rates are reviewed periodically.
B2B Critical Supply Licence (CSL)
The Critical Supply Licence is for businesses that provide software, platforms, or other critical services to licensed gaming operators, without offering games directly to players. Game studios, platform providers, and RNG suppliers typically hold a CSL. B2B licence holders pay an annual fee and are subject to MGA operational standards, but are not required to pay the compliance contributions that apply to B2C operators.
What Does an MGA Licence Cost?
The cost of an MGA licence comprises several elements: a non-refundable annual fee, compliance contributions (for B2C operators), and the administrative costs of the application itself. The specific fee amounts are set by the MGA and reviewed periodically.
Rather than quoting figures that may be out of date, the most reliable approach is to download the current MGA fee schedule from mga.org.mt and build your business plan around verified numbers. As a general guide: B2C licence costs are meaningful at the startup stage, which is why the MGA has historically offered an exemption from compliance contributions during the first year of operation for new licensees. Whether this currently applies should be confirmed with the MGA or a licensing specialist.
Company Formation in Malta
Before you apply for an MGA licence, you need a Maltese company. Company formation in Malta is handled through the Malta Business Registry (MBR). The core steps are:
- Choose a company type: Most gaming operators incorporate as a private limited company. The share capital requirement varies by licence type — verify current minimums at mga.org.mt.
- Appoint directors and key function holders: The MGA requires disclosure of all key function holders at application stage. These individuals must pass a fit-and-proper assessment.
- Open a Malta bank account: Gaming operators need a Maltese or EU-based bank account for player fund segregation. Banking relationships are best initiated early, as account opening can take time.
- Register for tax: Gaming operators are subject to Maltese corporate tax and must register with the Commissioner for Revenue.
SOHO’s preferred partners include corporate lawyers and company formation specialists who have guided multiple gaming companies through this process.
The MGA Application Process
The licence application is submitted via the MGA’s online portal. The core components are:
- Completed application form with full details of corporate structure, shareholders, and key function holders
- Business plan covering proposed gaming operations, target markets, revenue projections, and compliance framework
- Fit-and-proper documentation for all key individuals (criminal record certificates, financial references, CVs)
- Technical documentation describing the gaming platform, including RNG certification and data security measures
- Systems test (for B2C operators): the gaming platform must pass an independent technical audit before the licence is activated
Having all documentation prepared before submission reduces delays significantly. The MGA processes applications on a risk-based timeline, and complex applications take longer.
Physical Presence and Substance Requirements
One of the most important practical requirements for MGA licence holders is genuine physical substance in Malta. The MGA expects key function holders to be based on the island, not working remotely from another country or simply listed on corporate documents.
In practice, this means at minimum the compliance officer and at least one director should be Malta-based, the business must have a physical office address (not just a registered agent address), and staff numbers should be proportional to the scale of the operation. These substance requirements are checked during the application process and monitored throughout the licence term.
What SOHO Offers iGaming Companies in Malta
Setting up a compliant Malta operation requires workspace, corporate services, and specialist support. SOHO provides all three.
Private Office at The Strand, Gzira: Fully serviced private offices from €600/month in the heart of Malta’s iGaming cluster. The Strand location sits within the Gzira-Msida corridor where the majority of Malta’s gaming companies operate. Includes meeting rooms, gym access, and 24/7 building access. Purpose-built for companies that need a professional, Malta-based operation from day one.
Business Presence: For companies still in the research or early-application phase, Business Presence Silver (€65/month) provides a registered Malta address and professional mail handling. It is a practical starting point before committing to a full office footprint. Note: a Business Presence address is not a substitute for the genuine physical presence required by the MGA for a gaming licence — it is most useful at the company formation and pre-application stage.
Preferred Partners: SOHO works with corporate lawyers, accountants, and licensing consultants who specialise in Malta gaming company setup. If you need support with company incorporation, MGA application preparation, or ongoing compliance, our partners can advise.
For a deeper overview of Malta’s gaming regulatory framework, our article on the Malta Gaming Authority covers the MGA’s structure, the B2C/B2B licence types, and player protection obligations in detail.
FAQ
What is the difference between a B2C and B2B MGA licence?
A B2C Gaming Service Licence (GSL) is for operators who offer gaming products directly to players, such as online casinos and sportsbooks. A B2B Critical Supply Licence (CSL) is for companies that supply software or critical services to those operators. The two licence types carry different fee structures and compliance obligations.
How long does it take to get an MGA licence in Malta?
The MGA does not publish a fixed processing timeline. Straightforward applications with complete documentation typically take several months. Complex applications, or those requiring extensive fit-and-proper assessments, can take longer. Starting the application with the help of a specialist licensing consultant reduces delays.
Do I need a physical office in Malta to hold an MGA licence?
Yes. The MGA requires gaming operators to have a genuine physical presence in Malta, with key function holders based on the island. A registered agent address or virtual office is not sufficient for a B2C Gaming Service Licence. Physical substance requirements are assessed at application stage and monitored throughout the licence term.
How many iGaming companies are based in Malta?
Approximately 400 companies currently hold active licences from the MGA, making Malta the most densely licensed gaming jurisdiction in the EU. The full list is available in the MGA’s public register at mga.org.mt.
What are the main costs of starting an iGaming company in Malta?
The main costs include MGA licence fees and compliance contributions (verify current figures at mga.org.mt), legal and consultancy fees for company incorporation and the licence application, gaming platform development and technical audit costs, Malta office space, and staffing. The total varies significantly depending on the scale and type of operation. Budget planning is best done with a specialist adviser once you have confirmed the current MGA fee schedule.