Malta has long been recognised as one of the world’s most reputable jurisdictions for gaming operators. At the heart of this reputation lies the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), whose licensing framework combines regulatory robustness with commercial practicality. As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, understanding the MGA licensing regime in 2026 is essential for both startup and established operators.
Successful MGA licensing is not only about obtaining approval—it is about building a compliant, sustainable, and well-governed operation from day one.
Any entity established in the EU or EEA is able to apply for a Maltese gaming licence. The MGA regulates gaming activities under a principles-based framework designed to ensure player protection, financial integrity, and operational transparency. Licences are issued under the Gaming Act and are structured primarily around two main categories:
B2C (Business-to-Consumer) Licences – a licence to offer or carry out a gaming service for operators offering games directly to players
B2B (Business-to-Business) Licences – a licence to supply and manage the material elements of a game or supply and manage the software for suppliers providing gaming software, platforms, or services to licensed operators
Each licence type carries distinct regulatory obligations, approval processes, and ongoing compliance requirements.
In order for a game to be classified as licensable by the Authority, the following criteria need to be present;
The Authority authorises the following categories of game types:
Type 1: Games of chance played against the house, where outcomes are generated by a random number generator. This category includes casino-style games such as roulette, blackjack, as well as house poker, lotteries, and secondary lotteries.
Type 2: Games of chance played against the house where outcomes are not randomly generated, but instead depend on the result of an external event or competition. In these sportsbook games, the operator manages its risk by setting and managing the odds offered to players.
Type 3: Games of chance not played against the house, in which the operator does not assume gaming risk but earns revenue through commissions or other charges based on stakes or winnings. This includes player-to-player games such as poker, bingo, betting exchanges, and other commission-based games.
Type 4: Controlled skill games.
Where a game contains characteristics that may fall within more than one category, the Authority retains full discretion to classify the game under the category that most accurately reflects its nature. Note that the Authority does not require licensees to obtain a licence for each type of game.
From our experience, the most common MGA licensing application challenges include:
Engaging a knowledgeable and experienced advisor early in the process helps operators avoid these pitfalls by aligning corporate structuring, regulatory expectations, and operational reality.
MGA licensing remains one of the most respected regulatory approvals in the global gaming industry. In 2026, the framework continues to balance commercial opportunity with regulatory integrity, for operators who take compliance seriously.
For gaming businesses looking to establish or expand in Malta, a clear understanding of MGA licensing requirements, combined with professional corporate and compliance support, is essential to long-term success.
With close to 50 years of experience in Malta, BDO understands our clients’ business models as a first step. Our teams are specialists in their respective fields and have a proactive, flexible approach to helping companies to overcome the challenges they face.
BDO offers an end-to-end advisory, tax, audit and outsourcing service and this integrated approach ensures that licensing is not treated as a one-off exercise, but as part of a long-term regulatory strategy.
We work closely with gaming service and critical supply licensees on matters of financial, regulatory, corporate, technical and fiscal compliance, starting off by setting up your company, providing the required guidance and support to submit a complete application, maintaining the company in good standing, providing ongoing compliance support and the statutory independent audit and assurance oversight. Whether you’re exploring our services, applying for an MGA gaming licence, or seeking reliable compliance support for your licensed business, our experts are here to help.
Successful MGA licensing is not only about obtaining approval—it is about building a compliant, sustainable, and well-governed operation from day one.
Who can apply for an MGA licence?
Any entity established in the EU or EEA is able to apply for a Maltese gaming licence. The MGA regulates gaming activities under a principles-based framework designed to ensure player protection, financial integrity, and operational transparency. Licences are issued under the Gaming Act and are structured primarily around two main categories: B2C (Business-to-Consumer) Licences – a licence to offer or carry out a gaming service for operators offering games directly to players
B2B (Business-to-Business) Licences – a licence to supply and manage the material elements of a game or supply and manage the software for suppliers providing gaming software, platforms, or services to licensed operators
Each licence type carries distinct regulatory obligations, approval processes, and ongoing compliance requirements.
How are different game types classified?
In order for a game to be classified as licensable by the Authority, the following criteria need to be present;
- A stake to enable participation;
- The predominance of chance;
- A prize of money or money’s worth.
The Authority authorises the following categories of game types:
Type 1: Games of chance played against the house, where outcomes are generated by a random number generator. This category includes casino-style games such as roulette, blackjack, as well as house poker, lotteries, and secondary lotteries.
Type 2: Games of chance played against the house where outcomes are not randomly generated, but instead depend on the result of an external event or competition. In these sportsbook games, the operator manages its risk by setting and managing the odds offered to players.
Type 3: Games of chance not played against the house, in which the operator does not assume gaming risk but earns revenue through commissions or other charges based on stakes or winnings. This includes player-to-player games such as poker, bingo, betting exchanges, and other commission-based games.
Type 4: Controlled skill games.
Where a game contains characteristics that may fall within more than one category, the Authority retains full discretion to classify the game under the category that most accurately reflects its nature. Note that the Authority does not require licensees to obtain a licence for each type of game.
What are the most common challenges during an MGA application?
From our experience, the most common MGA licensing application challenges include:
- Poorly prepared policies lacking the required information as per Maltese regulation
- Inadequate substance planning
- Weak governance structures
- Underestimating AML and compliance workloads
- Insufficient source of funds documentation
Engaging a knowledgeable and experienced advisor early in the process helps operators avoid these pitfalls by aligning corporate structuring, regulatory expectations, and operational reality.
- Consulting with a specialised advisor supports and adds value to prospective applicants by:
- Structuring entities and shareholding efficiently
- Coordinating licence applications and regulatory communication
- Providing company secretarial and other supporting services required for the maintenance of the company
- Assisting with ongoing compliance, reporting, and audits
MGA licensing remains one of the most respected regulatory approvals in the global gaming industry. In 2026, the framework continues to balance commercial opportunity with regulatory integrity, for operators who take compliance seriously.
For gaming businesses looking to establish or expand in Malta, a clear understanding of MGA licensing requirements, combined with professional corporate and compliance support, is essential to long-term success.
How BDO Malta Can Support
With close to 50 years of experience in Malta, BDO understands our clients’ business models as a first step. Our teams are specialists in their respective fields and have a proactive, flexible approach to helping companies to overcome the challenges they face. BDO offers an end-to-end advisory, tax, audit and outsourcing service and this integrated approach ensures that licensing is not treated as a one-off exercise, but as part of a long-term regulatory strategy.
We work closely with gaming service and critical supply licensees on matters of financial, regulatory, corporate, technical and fiscal compliance, starting off by setting up your company, providing the required guidance and support to submit a complete application, maintaining the company in good standing, providing ongoing compliance support and the statutory independent audit and assurance oversight. Whether you’re exploring our services, applying for an MGA gaming licence, or seeking reliable compliance support for your licensed business, our experts are here to help.
