What Is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)?
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The Malta Gaming Authority is the organization responsible with regulating gambling in Malta. Established in 2001, it quickly became popular in the online gaming industry. It focuses on licensing and auditing online casinos by reinforcing standards of transparency and safety. The aim of the organization is to protect the players' interests and combat illegal practices in the gambling world.
Since new MGA casinos keep popping up, it is important first to study the casinos you plan on playing at. Look for their Malta accreditation and sort your options by reading user reviews as well. Always go for top rated casinos voted by real players to find the right platform for you. As such, I’ll help you get a better understanding of how this license works and how to find the right Malta licensed casinos.
How did Malta become an iGaming heaven?
It all started with traditional game of Ic-Cippitatu, super popular among young and old players alike. Gaming became so widespread among residents that the government saw the opportunity and decided to develop a way to keep the fun times going without sacrificing safety.
As years passed, the small Mediterranean island became a hub for gaming businesses due to its proactive approach to gaming legislation.
Here's some interesting gambling lore you probably didn't know MGA is part of:
The authority's efforts towards making gambling safer and more enjoyable are showed by this interesting report by Focus Gaming News:
- New Casino Players Increase: The number of new players at MGA-licensed operators rose by 56% from 2021 to 2022.
- Active Player Accounts Growth: There was a 2.5% increase in online active player accounts.
- New Active Player Accounts: The number of new active player accounts increased by 9%.
- Gaming License Applications: The MGA received 41 gaming license applications in 2022, with 31 issued.
- Land-based Casino Statistics: There was a slight increase in the number of slot machines in MGA-licensed land-based casinos.
- Operating Revenue: The MGA reported an operating revenue of €82.2m for 2022, with a slight increase from 2021.
It's also showed that the organization does not shy away from revoking licenses from operators that fail to meet the requirements. The gaming company Totup System, for example, got their license cancelled since they failed to pay their fees.
The MGA license is pretty much proof of equitability, responsibility, and reliability in the world of gambling. It’s also thanks to Malta’s longstanding tradition that more and more operators are getting incorporated in Malta or getting licensed by Malta’s authorities.
But why so many Malta Gaming Authority casinos?
The prevalence of Malta casinos is based on a couple of interesting factors, such as:
- Strong reputation and credibility: The organization is known for its regulations and high standards, raising the bar in the gaming industry.
- Favorable business environment: Casino operators are attracted to the Maltese license due to the country’s favorable tax and business environment (casino operators pay just about 5% tax on their profits), alongside supportive gambling infrastructure.
- Easy setup and licensing process: A lot of renowned casinos and companies boast such a license, which highlights their commitment to fair and transparent services. This is an important aspect in the global gaming industry, which tends to be ‘invaded’ by unethical and illegitimate schemes. In fact, Malta hosts around 300 iGaming companies. Even if the licensing process is fairly easy, the rules are aligned with the main European directives.
The work conducted in 2022, and the [...] results I have witnessed, allow me to confidently state that the Authority remains relevant, up-to-date and well-equipped to regulate, oversee and guide an innovative and ever-changing industry.
- MGA Chairman Ryan Pace
The Benefits of Playing at MGA Casinos
Fair play, quality, security and reliability are the most important aspects any licensee must adhere to, and the natural follow-up is the handful of perks and benefits the casino offers to its players. This includes not only bonuses and promotions but also quality payment options and other services.
Clearly Defined Rules and Player Satisfaction
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MGA licensed casinos are required to provide up-to-date information and clearly define rules, terms and conditions. Moreover, they should emphasize your satisfaction as a player.
Typically, the best Malta online casinos feature things like:
- Lower house edge on casino games;
- Player protection;
- Tools for responsible gambling;
- Higher limits for stakes and deposits (you can also set your own limits).
Welcome Goodies, Promotions, and Bonuses at Malta Casinos
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Each casino has its unique way of rolling out the red carpet for players, whether it's through an array of welcome bonuses, free spins, or loyalty rewards. While trying out my luck at these MGA-approved casinos, I’ve noticed many interesting features that enrich a gambler’s experience. Some of the things I’ve been pleasantly surprised about:
- Welcome Bonuses: Mostly for new players in the form of, let’s say, a 100% match on the first deposit.
- No-Deposit Bonuses: A great choice if you’re just starting out, since some Malta-licensed casinos offer bonuses that do not require an initial deposit. (Tip: Around 10% of the casinos listed on our page offer no deposit offers upon sign-up.)
- Free Spins: A common promotion for slots. They’re hugely popular and are sometimes bundled with other bonuses.
- Reload Bonuses: These are similar to welcome bonuses but are offered on subsequent deposits. For instance, a casino might offer a 50% bonus on the second deposit.
- High Roller Bonuses: Aimed at players who prefer to play big, high roller bonuses are significantly larger than typical bonuses and are tailored for those making substantial deposit
- Loyalty Programs and VIP Clubs: Regular players can often benefit from loyalty programs, where points earned through playing can be converted into rewards. VIP clubs offer exclusive bonuses and promotions. You can get more info about these VIP casinos on the dedicated casino review page.
- Seasonal and Special Event Promotions: Many casinos run special promotions during holidays or significant events. These could range from Christmas advent calendars with daily prizes to leaderboard challenges during major sporting events.
- Referral Bonuses: Some casinos reward players for referring friends, offering bonuses when the referred friend signs up and makes a deposit.
Remember this!
A Malta-approved online casino will always strive to be transparent, ethical, and provide detailed information regarding anything gambling-wise.
For that, all the bonuses and promotions offered by such a casino NEED to have the terms and conditions clearly stated and kept up to date. Remember to check this vital aspect. If the T&Cs are fine print or hide behind endless scrolling, it’s a big red flag!
Diverse, Secure, and Reliable Payment Options
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While exploring Malta-licensed casinos, I've noticed the wide array of payment methods available, offering convenience and security.
Many players show a strong preference for e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller, which offer anonymity and quick transactions. So, PayPal casinos, for example, are a great choice for straightforward payments. Some also favor Paysafecard for even greater anonymity and peace of mind.
Having a reliable payment option is one core aspect of a high-rated casino
Understanding these payment preferences has given me greater insight into the practical aspects of online gambling at Malta-licensed casinos. They are implicated in making these things safer and more accessible for us gamers.
It's clear that these casinos are not just about attractive bonuses but also about providing secure and efficient financial transactions.
MGA Casinos Work With Solid Providers
Software providers are the bread and butter of casino gaming. They work hand in hand with casinos to offer players exciting and fully-functioning titles. Naturally, new MGA casinos will feature games developed by important names in the industry.
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Some of the most popular software providers featured at Malta licensed casinos include a mix of industry veterans and innovative newcomers:
- NetEnt games: Renowned for its visually impressive slots and a wide selection of table games. They are particularly noted for high RTP (Return to Player) percentages.
- Novomatic: Known for classic slot titles like "Book of Ra", Novomatic offers a mix of slots and table games characterized by simplicity and ease of use.
- Play'n GO games: Known for its extensive range of quality, mobile-optimized slot titles and diverse table games. They offer innovative features like widget games.
- Evolution: Focused on delivering a live, interactive casino experience. Their portfolio includes a wide range of classic table games and unique formats.
You can always try out their titles for free on Chipy
Our demo games page features a ridiculous amount of demo games, many of them developed by these reputable providers.
Use the filters to get to the software provider that catches your eye and try their no real money casino games before venturing into the actual gambling action.
MGA Casinos Offer a Good Experience
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Talking about user experience, Malta-licensed casinos often come with well-optimized and responsive games.
Most of them feature polished graphics, snappy animations, and responsive functionalities.
It’s satisfying to observe that the Malta-licensed casinos really manage to balance style and functionality.
There might be a couple of games here and there that feel a bit clunky and rusty, but many games are improved, and the support will surely come to the slower titles as well.
What License Should You Look For Before Playing at a Casino?
Malta Gaming Authority is not the only regulatory body in the gambling landscape. Similar to many other things in life, there’s more than just one name out there.
Various licenses are granted to eligible casinos across the world, but they differ in different ways, ranging from taxes to the actual process of licensing.
Besides, some of them come from higher authorities in charge of overseeing gambling in specific countries.
With that in mind, here’s how you should consider things:
If your country is strictly regulated - such as The UK, Germany, Sweden, or the Netherlands - go for casinos licensed IN and BY that country, as it offers greater protection and legitimacy.
For example, UK residents should go for platforms licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, German players should aim for casinos approved by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) or “Joint Gambling Authority of the States".
On the other hand, if you live in a region where gambling is not regulated, Malta casinos are a good option since they provide more security and reliability compared to unregulated websites.
We suggest going through our guides about gambling laws and regulations if you're not sure about how things work.
Are There Any Other Casino Licenses You Should Go For?
There are dozens of different casino licenses out there, each with its own inner workings and regulations.
Some are more reputable than others. In this regard, try and aim for casinos licensed by solid, reputable authorities.
Are MGA Licensed Casinos Legit?
Let's be honest here. The most legit and safe casinos (as much as one can possibly be) are the ones regulated by the a country's own authority. These are the main regulators, and you can't get stricter than that. However, if your region isn't properly regulated, your safest bet is to go for casinos licensed by such authorities (Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao Gaming Control Board, etc).
Nevertheless, it's critical that you do your own research and use your best judgement
Always look for community reviews, player ratings, and real feedback. These are your fellow gamers' unfiltered opinions and they can help you get a better idea before making your choice.
MGA vs Curacao - What Is Better?
In the European casinos' regulatory framework, we can name two popular players: Malta and Curacao. They are very sought after by countless casinos because they offer simple licensing processes and benefit from low taxes.
Curacao online casinos, too, come with a handful of interesting games, but this approval is considered less reputable than Malta. The requirements are lax, and as a player, you’re hindered if you want to take legal action, should something happen. Even if the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) imposes safety standards, they are very permissive with the licensing, and you risk ending up at a low-rated casino.
Considering this, my recommendation is to choose Malta-licensed online casinos over the Curacao. This is, of course, if your country isn't already regulated by its own body.
Remember to check if the casino is allowed to operate in your country!
Malta is a gambling paradise, and the license allows casinos to provide services to other countries in the EU. However, this isn’t always the case for specific jurisdictions. What’s greenlit in Malta, or by Malta, can be illegal in your country.
For example, Malta licensed casinos are no longer legal in Germany, Austria, as well as in the UK's regulatory landscape, so look for platforms approved by your country’s authorities. Always study the eligibility of the casino you want to play at.
Examples of countries that accept casinos licensed by Malta include:
Malta itself, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia.
This is not a complete list, because laws can change over time. You can read more about these in this report. Besides, some countries have a specific agreement with the Malta Authority, and this also can impact the eligibility of the license. Be careful and diligent with your search!
Malta casinos should be able to indicate their license clearly and also display contact information.
You can check if a Malta online casino is indeed licensed very easily:
- First, simply check the casino’s website and study the footer. Usually, the MGA accreditation is displayed next to other important information such as responsible gambling.
- For a more thorough checkup, head to the MGA register and search for the casino in question; it’s simple and efficient, and you also get some more interesting bits of info.
How to File a Complaint With the MGA?
Whoopsies tend to happen, and you could end up having problems with things like deposits, withdrawals, free spins, and others.
In this case, you should contact the respective casino. Keep in mind that the platform can take one or two days to reach back to you.
However, it is recommended you clarify issues directly with the Malta Gaming Authority.
Describe the incident in detail and outline as much information as possible. The more specific you are, the more MGA will be able to help you and work towards solving the problem.
To reach out to the licensor, head to the Lodge a Complaint section and follow the instructions.
How Does the MGA Work?
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The Malta Gaming Authority works in a pretty straightforward way. It wants to provide a clean and efficient licensing system for the aspiring casino operator.
Because of that, we’re talking about four types of licenses:
- For remote gambling: It includes your standard casino games (slots, blackjack, roulette, etc), as well as lotteries and other skill-based games.
- For online bookmakers: This is for everything concerning fixed odds.
- For ‘Player versus Player’ games: Not your typical Street Fighter or anything like that. It’s about casino games like poker and live casino tables.
- For software providers: Not the actual ‘operator’, but rather the guys who provide software solutions and backend support for the casino.
Imposing Legal Compliance
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The MGA is a solid name in the landscape of regulatory frameworks. It's not just about legal compliance but also about fostering a safe gaming environment.
In my exploration of Malta's gaming regulations, what struck me the most was the MGA's strict stance on advertising and the severe penalties imposed for shady practices (from warnings and fines to completely revoking the license). The organization is also known for its innovative solutions.
For example, the MGA was one of the first to introduce the concept of Integrated Resort Casinos (IRCs), blending physical and online gaming experiences while maintaining rigorous standards, reinforcing the forward-thinking approach.
Malta Gaming Authority Casinos Should Aim for Safety and Reliability
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Aside from highlighting the self-accountability and fair practices of a casino, a Malta license indicates the quality of the services provided by the gambling platform.
It’s obvious that a licensee not only needs to meet critical requirements, as we’ll see shortly, but it also has to strive for constant improvement and offer players quality games and features.
The most important thing you need to know about the Authority is its dedication towards protecting minors and at-risk players and supporting gamers’ rights, as well as advocating for responsible, fair, and transparent gambling.
The main objectives of the organization are:
- Issuing gaming licenses and constant monitoring of the licensed casinos;
- Supporting charities;
- Helping the gambling sector contributes to the country’s development;
- Offering players tools and resources for responsible gambling;
- Ensuring the players’ funds are stored safely.
I want to stress how important such licenses are for your and other players’ health
Gambling in moderation is crucial if you want to have a fun time spinning reels or hitting tables. Choosing to play at an MGA-approved casino means you’ll get to enjoy fair gaming while also being informed about the dangers of problem gambling.
And since I think it’s better to prevent than to treat, I encourage you to read this guide about gambling disorder and how to recognize it.
How Does a Casino Obtain Its Malta License?
If a casino operator wishes to get the holy Maltese seal of approval, three boxes must be ticked, case in point: integrity, fairness, and reliability.
To make sure these three points check out, the casino undergoes a serious verification process containing several key steps:
Fit and Proper Test
The organization does extensive background checks on the casino operator. The organization researches the company owners, key management personnel, and anyone involved in financing and operations.
The objective here is to evaluate the integrity and competence of the applicant. This is also done in collaboration with various national and international bodies, such as other gambling regulators and law enforcement agencies.
Business Planning Review
The authority examines the applicant's business plan to see if it’s feasible and sustainable. This includes a detailed review of financial forecasts, cash flow, revenue projections, human resource plans, quarterly growth targets, and marketing strategies.
Or, in simpler English, the Authority wants to see how the applicant will fare in terms of economy, resources, and marketing.
The aim is to check the stability of the casino and its capacity to operate responsibly without posing risks to players or breaking the national economy.
Operational and System Review
An aspiring MGA casino must submit detailed operational plans, including terms of use, internal procedures, technical documentation, and specifics about the online casino games they want to offer.
The Maltese commission evaluates these plans to ensure clarity, fairness, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Moreover, there's a system review where the pitched software and operational systems are put into action. This step includes a system audit done by an MGA-approved Service Provider.
Compliance Review
After the license is granted, the freshly Malta-licensed casino enters a trial period during which it undergoes compliance audits.
These audits aim to verify that the casino adheres to the regulatory requirements and sticks to the submitted plans. The casino must pass these audits to continue its operations.
Constant Monitoring and Auditing
The Malta Gaming Authority continually monitors and audits licensed casinos to ensure ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
This includes adherence to responsible gaming practices, financial stability, and fair gaming schemes. The MGA has the authority to revoke licenses or impose penalties if a casino fails to meet the required standards.
Responsible Gambling Above All
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A key aspect of the Malta Gaming Authority’s mission is promoting responsible gambling. Prioritizing responsible gambling is something I hold in high regard, and I'm pleased to see the organization share this value. A Malta online casino should undoubtedly offer tools for responsible gambling and self-exclusion.
MGA's collaboration with organizations like the Responsible Gaming Foundation really highlights their commitment to keeping gambling fun and safe.
Moderation is key in every single aspect of casino gaming
I cannot stress enough the importance of healthy habits and gambling in moderation, things the Malta Gaming Authority constantly emphasizes.
Choosing MGA Casinos: A Smart Move for Every Online Gamer
Choosing to play at an MGA-approved online casino is not just a choice for quality gaming; it's a decision to engage in a safe, fair, and responsible gambling environment. If a casino is not already regulated by a country's specific commission, then Malta online casinos are the second best choice for you.
As a player, when you explore our curated list of MGA casinos, you'll know how to pick the right licensed casinos that are high-rated, offer fair gameplay, and provide the right support for responsible gambling.
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