For ambitious iGaming businesses, licensing is more than a legal checkbox. It is a growth tool that can unlock stronger player trust, smoother relationships with banks and payment partners, and a clearer route into regulated markets. Malta has become one of Europe’s most established iGaming hubs for exactly these reasons.
Since introducing iGaming regulation in 2004, Malta’s regulator, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), has built a globally recognised, Tier-1 framework that many operators view as a strategic advantage. In this guide, you’ll find a clear, business-oriented overview of the MGA licensing route: the benefits, the licence categories (Type 1 to Type 4 B2C plus Critical Gaming Supply B2B), typical fees, core requirements, and what it takes to go live.
Why Malta is a leading European iGaming hub
Malta’s iGaming ecosystem stands out because it combines a mature regulatory model with a pro-business operating environment. For many operators, the appeal is not just “being licensed,” but what the Malta gaming license enables across credibility, market access, and operational readiness.
1) Tier-1 credibility that supports trust and partnerships
The MGA’s reputation for robust oversight and player protection helps operators demonstrate that they take compliance seriously. This can be commercially valuable because strong regulatory alignment often increases confidence among:
- Banks and corporate account providers
- Payment service providers and other key vendors
- Platform and game suppliers
- Business partners that require a regulated foundation before onboarding
In practical terms, an MGA licence can help you present a clearer risk profile and a stronger governance story when engaging counterparties.
2) Access to EU/EEA and other regulated markets
Malta’s position as an EU member state and its established framework can support operators aiming to reach customers across the EU/EEA and build credibility when pursuing opportunities in other regulated jurisdictions. Even where separate local licences may be required, an MGA-regulated operating model can help demonstrate maturity in areas like AML controls, customer due diligence, and responsible gambling.
3) A business-friendly legal and fiscal environment
Malta is widely known for offering operators a stable base with a well-developed legal environment and a taxation model often described as efficient for eligible structures. As commonly cited in industry discussions, Malta can offer an effective 5% corporate / gaming tax outcome (subject to structure and eligibility) alongside a gaming tax capped at €600,000 per year per licence type.
For planning purposes, many founders appreciate that this structure can make forecasting clearer at scale, particularly for high-volume businesses managing multiple brands or ambitious growth targets.
Understanding MGA licence types (B2C and B2B)
The MGA framework covers multiple gaming verticals through distinct licence categories. Selecting the right type is a foundational decision because it shapes your compliance scope, technical documentation, and operating model.
B2C licence categories: Type 1 to Type 4
B2C licences are designed for operators offering games directly to players. The categories are commonly summarised as follows:
| Licence category | What it covers | Typical examples | Application fee | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (B2C) | Random Number Generated (RNG) games played against the house, primarily chance-based | Casino-style games such as slots and lotteries | €5,000 | €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) |
| Type 2 (B2C) | Fixed-odds betting where the event is separate from the game and the operator sets the odds | Sports betting and other fixed-odds products | €5,000 | €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) |
| Type 3 (B2C) | Peer-to-peer gaming, where players compete against other players | Poker rooms, betting exchanges, poker networks | €5,000 | €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) |
| Type 4 (B2C) | Controlled-skill games, where outcomes rely significantly on player skill | Fantasy sports | €5,000 | €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue) |
Critical Gaming Supply (B2B): for suppliers and platforms
Not every iGaming business is a consumer-facing operator. If you provide gaming services to other licensed businesses, the Critical Gaming Supply (B2B) option is typically the relevant route. It is often used by:
- Software providers
- Platform developers
- White-label hosting providers and other key suppliers
For the B2B licence, the application fee is €5,000, and the annual fees are typically €10,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue).
Costs and budgeting: what founders should plan for
An MGA licence budget is best approached as a complete operational readiness budget, not just a regulator fee line item. While the headline fees are straightforward, the biggest value comes from building a compliant, scalable setup that makes commercial operations easier.
Core MGA fee signals to know
- Application fee:€5,000 (commonly cited across licence categories)
- Annual fees (B2C): typically €25,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue)
- Annual fees (B2B): typically €10,000 – €35,000 (tiered by revenue)
- Gaming tax cap: capped at €600,000 per year per licence type
Because annual fees are revenue-tiered, growth planning can be more predictable when you model scenarios across conservative, base, and aggressive revenue trajectories.
The business advantages of an MGA licence (and how to use them)
The strongest operators treat licensing as a platform for repeatable growth. Here are the benefits that are most commonly monetised when the licence is embedded into strategy and operations.
Stronger brand trust and player confidence
Modern players care about safety, fairness, and accountability. An MGA-regulated environment is designed to support player protection and responsible gambling standards, which can strengthen brand positioning, retention, and long-term value per customer.
Smoother onboarding with banks, PSPs, and suppliers
In iGaming, counterparties want evidence: governance, controls, auditability, and decision-making discipline. A Tier-1 regulatory framework can help streamline due diligence conversations and reduce friction when negotiating operational essentials like payment flows and risk terms.
Launch readiness through structured compliance
The MGA process requires you to formalise core elements such as policies, internal controls, and technical documentation. While rigorous, this structure can become a competitive advantage by improving:
- Operational clarity (who does what, when, and how)
- Risk management (fraud controls, customer verification, escalation paths)
- Technical resilience (security controls, continuity planning)
- Partner readiness (documentation that vendors and stakeholders often request)
MGA licence requirements: what applicants must prepare
To apply for an MGA licence, applicants typically need to demonstrate that the business is properly established, financially and operationally sound, and technically capable of running compliant gaming services.
Company setup in Malta
Applicants are generally expected to establish a Malta company and maintain real local substance. Common baseline expectations include:
- A Malta company with a registered office
- A local director and/or registered agent (as required for proper governance and representation)
Legal and compliance deliverables
The MGA process places major emphasis on controls that protect players and the financial system. Applicants typically need robust documentation and procedures such as:
- AML/CTF policy and procedures
- KYC processes and customer verification protocols
- Responsible Gambling policy
- Fraud and risk management plan
- Terms and Conditions and related consumer disclosures (including privacy and cookie policies where applicable)
- Dispute resolution policy
- GDPR and data protection compliance policy
Operational plan and business plan (the commercial story)
A detailed business plan is a core component of a strong application. It typically covers:
- Overview of the games and services offered
- Target markets
- Revenue projections (often over 3 years)
- Operational model and staffing plan
- Marketing strategy
- Risk assessment and mitigation plans
High-quality applications connect the business plan to the compliance model, showing that growth and governance will scale together.
Technical documentation and audit readiness
MGA licensing is not just paperwork. It expects evidence that your systems can operate securely and fairly. Typical technical requirements include:
- System architecture and technical setup documentation (hardware, software, hosting, security)
- Game testing certificates (for example, RNG testing performed by a certified lab)
- Information Security policy
- Internal Control System (ICS) documentation
- Disaster recovery and business continuity plan
- Key supplier contracts (software/platform supplier agreements)
- Payment provider agreements
A systems audit is also typically required, focusing on areas such as RNG fairness (where applicable), game integration, security protocols, and internal processes.
Corporate and personal documentation: what “certified” typically means in practice
Applicants should be ready to supply both corporate documents (to prove the entity structure and governance) and personal documents (to support fit and proper checks for key persons).
Common corporate documentation
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum and articles of association
- Company structure chart and details of group companies (where relevant)
- Shareholder register
- Tax registration documentation
Common personal documentation (for shareholders, directors, and key persons)
- Certified copy of identification
- Proof of address
- Detailed CV
- Bank reference letter
- Criminal record certificate
- Personal declaration form
- Source of funds declaration
Preparing these documents early can materially reduce delays later, especially when multiple shareholders or cross-border stakeholders are involved.
Timeline: how long does an MGA licence take?
When documentation and due diligence materials are prepared properly, an MGA licensing journey is often described as efficient by industry standards. A commonly cited estimate is around 4 to 6 months from submission, assuming the necessary documentation is available and responsive communication is maintained.
A typical high-level breakdown may look like this:
- Pre-application preparation: roughly 1 to 2 months
- Application processing: roughly 2 to 3 months
- Systems audit and final clearance: roughly 1 month
The most successful applicants treat preparation as the “speed lever.” Clear ownership of tasks, complete documentation, and audit-ready technical evidence can help keep momentum strong.
Strategic options: full licence vs white-label route
Depending on your stage and business model, there may be multiple ways to participate in Malta’s regulated ecosystem.
Full MGA licence: build a long-term regulated asset
A full licence is typically the route for operators who want maximum control over the product, player journey, and compliance framework, as well as those building a long-term enterprise valuation around regulated operations.
White-label collaborations: speed to market and infrastructure leverage
The MGA framework can allow collaboration models where a brand operates under an MGA-licensed B2C operator’s umbrella (commonly referred to as a white-label approach). This can be attractive for start-ups or marketing-led brands aiming to:
- Reduce up-front infrastructure burden
- Launch faster using established systems
- Focus resources on branding, acquisition, and retention
Many businesses also use this as a stepping stone, building performance and operational experience before pursuing a full licence.
Practical checklist: what a “ready to apply” operator looks like
If you want an MGA application to feel like a managed project (rather than an open-ended task), align your readiness around these pillars:
- Entity and governance: Malta company, registered office, appropriate local representation
- Clear product scope: correct licence type chosen (Type 1 to 4 B2C or B2B Critical Gaming Supply)
- Documented compliance: AML/KYC, responsible gambling, data protection, dispute handling
- Internal controls: an ICS that matches your operational reality (not generic templates)
- Technical evidence: architecture, security controls, testing certificates, continuity planning
- Audit readiness: systems and processes that can be demonstrated and explained
- Due diligence pack: certified corporate and personal documentation prepared early
Frequently asked questions (MGA Malta licensing)
Can I operate multiple brands under one licence?
Operators are commonly permitted to run multiple brands under one licence, provided the brands are registered appropriately and each brand operates in line with MGA standards.
Is a systems audit required?
Yes, a systems audit is typically required as part of the process, assessing areas such as fairness (where applicable), security controls, integrations, and internal processes.
What is the main commercial benefit of an MGA licence?
Beyond compliance, the key commercial upside is Tier-1 credibility that strengthens trust with players and supports relationships with banks, PSPs, and strategic partners, alongside access across EU/EEA and a well-known business environment.
What are the headline fees I should remember?
The figures most frequently used for planning are the €5,000 application fee and annual fees typically in the €25,000 – €35,000 range for B2C (tiered by revenue), and €10,000 – €35,000 for B2B (tiered by revenue), plus the gaming tax capped at €600,000 per year per licence type.
Turning licensing into growth: the big takeaway
Malta’s MGA licence is widely valued because it is not just a regulatory stamp. It is a structured way to build an iGaming operation that can earn trust, scale into regulated markets, and operate with the kind of governance and technical maturity that serious partners look for.
When you align your licence type selection, documentation, AML/KYC model, responsible gambling framework, and technical architecture from day one, the MGA process becomes a growth accelerator: it helps transform compliance into credibility, and credibility into commercial momentum.
