Malta Gaming Authority
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the single, independent, statutory body responsible for the regulation of all gaming activities in Malta. This includes online gaming sites as well as land-based casinos and gaming machines.
The MGA was set up in 2001 with the primary aim of regulating and supervising all forms of gaming in Malta. The Authority is also responsible for ensuring that all gaming operators comply with Maltese law and regulations. In addition, the MGA is responsible for issuing licenses to gaming operators and for monitoring and enforcing compliance with license conditions.
The MGA also works closely with other stakeholders in the gaming industry, including the police, the judiciary, and other government agencies, to ensure that Malta remains a safe and secure place to gamble.
The MGA’s website provides information on the Authority’s work, including its regulatory framework, licensing process, and enforcement action. The website also includes a searchable database of all licensed gaming operators in Malta.
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What is Malta Gaming Authority license
The Malta Gaming Authority license is a document that permits an operator to provide gambling services. The MGA issues three types of licenses: B2B, B2C, and key person.
A B2B license allows the licensee to provide gaming services to other licensed operators. A B2C license permits the licensee to offer gaming services to consumers. A key person license is required for certain positions within a gaming operator, such as the CEO, CFO, or Head of Casino Operations.
To apply for a license, an operator must submit an application form and supporting documentation to the MGA. The MGA will then assess the application and make a decision on whether to issue a license.
What is MGA in gaming?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the regulatory body for all gaming activities in Malta, including online gaming. The MGA has put in place a comprehensive licensing regime which ensures that all licensed operators are fit and proper persons and that they comply with high standards of probity, integrity and fairness.
To apply for a Maltese gaming licence, applicants must first submit an expression of interest to the MGA. Following this, they will be required to provide certain documentation, including a business plan, audited financial statements and proof of share capital. The MGA will also carry out due diligence on all applicants.
Once the MGA is satisfied that an applicant is suitable for a gaming licence, it will issue a provisional licence. This provisional licence is valid for six months and during this time, the operator must set up its business in Malta and comply with all licensing requirements. Once the operator has met all the requirements, the MGA will grant a full gaming licence which is valid for five years.
What does the MGA control in a casino with its license?
The MGA is responsible for the regulation of all gaming activities in Malta, which includes both online and land-based casinos as well as gaming machines. The Authority is also responsible for issuing licenses to gaming operators and for monitoring and enforcing compliance with license conditions. In addition, the MGA works closely with other stakeholders in the gaming industry, including the police, the judiciary, and other government agencies, to ensure that Malta remains a safe and secure place to gamble.
- License online casinos.
- Collect the gaming taxes on behalf of the Malta government.
- Patrolling all the casino operators with MGA licenses.
- Investigate any complaints made about the licensed casinos.
- Set and enforce the standards for games, software, and equipment used by the casinos.
- The MGA also provides educational resources to help casino operators comply with their obligations under Maltese law. These resources include guidance on anti-money laundering measures, responsible gaming practices, and data protection requirements.
How does MGA protect the players?
The Malta Gaming Authority is committed to protecting the rights of players and ensuring that they are treated fairly.
The MGA has a number of mechanisms in place to achieve this, including:
- Requiring casinos to display clear and concise information about their terms and conditions, bonuses, and wagering requirements
- Ensuring that casinos offer fair games by regularly testing the Random Number Generators used to generate game outcomes
- Conducting investigations into complaints made by players against casinos
- Taking enforcement action against casinos that breach Maltese gaming law or fail to meet their obligations under their license conditions. This can include revoking a casino’s license
- The MGA also provides educational resources to help players make informed decisions about gambling, such as advice on how to set limits on their spending and how to recognise signs of problematic gambling behaviour.
What is the MGA’s position on gambling advertising?
The MGA recognises that gambling can be harmful if not controlled and regulated. For this reason, the Authority has strict controls in place around gambling advertising. These controls are designed to protect vulnerable people from being exploited by casinos or lured into gambling more than they can afford to lose.
Some of the measures that the MGA has introduced include:
- Restricting when and where gambling ads can be shown
- Ensuring that all gambling ads are clearly labelled as such
- Prohibiting casinos from targeting advertising at children or using celebrities or sports stars to endorse their products
- The MGA also works with the Advertising Standards Authority to ensure that gambling ads comply with Maltese advertising laws.
Best MGA licensed casinos
MGA licensed casinos are some of the best in the business. Not only do they have to meet high standards in terms of the games they offer and the service they provide, but they also have to adhere to strict regulations designed to protect players.
Some of the best MGA licensed casinos include:
Final Verdict
The Malta Gaming Authority is a world-leading gambling regulator with a reputation for fairness, transparency, and protecting the interests of players. If you’re looking for a safe and secure place to gamble online, then an MGA licensed casino is a good choice.
FAQ’s about MGA license
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What is an MGA license?
An MGA license is a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, a world-leading gambling regulator. MGA licensed casinos have to meet high standards in terms of the games they offer and the service they provide, and are subject to strict regulations designed to protect players.
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How does MGA protect the players?
The Malta Gaming Authority is committed to protecting the rights of players and ensuring that they are treated fairly. The MGA has a number of mechanisms in place to achieve this, including requiring casinos to display clear and concise information about their terms and conditions, bonuses, and wagering requirements; ensuring that casinos offer fair games by regularly testing the Random Number Generators used to generate game outcomes; conducting investigations into complaints made by players against casinos; and taking enforcement action against casinos that breach Maltese gaming law or fail to meet their obligations under their license conditions.
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What is the MGA’s position on gambling advertising?
The MGA recognises that gambling can be harmful if not controlled and regulated. For this reason, the Authority has strict controls in place around gambling advertising. These controls are designed to protect vulnerable people from being exploited by casinos or lured into gambling more than they can afford to lose. Some of the measures that the MGA has introduced include restricting when and where gambling ads can be shown; ensuring that all gambling ads are clearly labelled as such; and prohibiting casinos from targeting advertising at children or using celebrities or sports stars to endorse their products.
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Are there any MGA licensed casinos that you would recommend?
Yes, there are a number of MGA licensed casinos that we would recommend. These include: Casumo, LeoVegas, Mr Green, and Rizk Casino.
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What is the Malta Gaming Authority’s position on online gambling?
The Malta Gaming Authority is committed to ensuring that online gambling is conducted in a fair and safe manner. The Authority has introduced a number of measures to achieve this, including requiring casinos to obtain a license from the MGA before they can operate in Malta; setting up an independent complaints body to investigate players’ complaints; and ensuring that all gambling ads are clearly labelled as such.
Ralf Lawson
Hi, my name is Ralf Lawson and I am the author and editor of this site. Together with our team we work every day on the quality of our articles, we are happy to give you the best content. I’ve been very gambling since childhood, constantly betting, loved to play cards and chess, always loved to have a sense of excitement. After entering university, my friends and I would often gather to play poker and bet, so a long time ago I met our whole team. Now we are players with great experience share it with you to improve your gaming experience!