Gambling regulation in Malta

Who regulates gambling in Malta?

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates gambling in Malta under the Gaming Act, which came into force on 1 August 2018 for remote operators and on 1 January 2019 for land-based ones.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, New Gaming Act comes into force · checked 2 Oct 2026

Regulator's site: Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

Is online casino legal in Malta?

Yes, with an MGA licence. Casino-type games such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat, poker played against the house and lotteries are "Type 1" games: games of chance played against the house with a randomly generated outcome.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, Game types · checked 2 Oct 2026

Is sports betting legal in Malta?

Yes, with an MGA licence. Betting is a "Type 2" game: played against the house, with the outcome decided by an external event and the operator managing its risk through the odds.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, Game types · checked 2 Oct 2026

What other gambling is legal in Malta?

Poker, bingo, betting exchanges and skill games Legal with a licence

Player-versus-player games such as poker, bingo and betting exchanges, where the operator earns a commission, are "Type 3"; controlled skill games are "Type 4".

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, Game types · checked 2 Oct 2026

What gambling licences are there in Malta?

Gaming Service licence (B2C)

A Gaming Service licence is a business-to-consumer licence to offer or carry out a gaming service.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, Licence types · checked 2 Oct 2026

Critical Gaming Supply licence (B2B)

A Critical Gaming Supply licence is a business-to-business licence to supply and manage the material elements of a game, or the software that processes essential regulatory records.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, Licence types · checked 2 Oct 2026

Licence fees

The MGA's guidance note on fees (version of February 2023) lists a one-time application fee of €5,000 and a fixed annual fee of €25,000 for a B2C licence, or €10,000 for operators offering only Type 4 games, plus a monthly compliance contribution that depends on the game type.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, Guidance note on licence fees and taxation · checked 2 Oct 2026

What is the gambling tax in Malta?

Gaming tax

Gaming tax is 5% of the gaming revenue generated in a year from players physically present in Malta, according to the MGA's guidance note (version of February 2023).

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, Guidance note on licence fees and taxation · checked 2 Oct 2026

What are the key rules for operators in Malta?

Player protection

The Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018) requires licensed sites to show the licensee's details, a notice that underage gaming is not allowed, a responsible gaming message and a link to gambling help organisations.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, Player protection · checked 2 Oct 2026

Advertising

Adverts must comply with the Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09), including showing the licensee's name, licence number, the minimum age to take part and responsible gaming information.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority, What is required when advertising · checked 2 Oct 2026