The Malta Gaming Authority: Best Casinos with The License

Overview of the Malta Gaming Authority

The journey started far back in 2001 when the regulator was formed as the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) under the Lotteries and Other Games Act (2001). The authority was given the responsibility to regulate all kinds of gambling, both land-based and online. It was one of the first authorities to start regulating online gambling.

In 2014, Malta became the first state in the EU to allow for the regulation of remote gaming. It quickly attracted many gambling operators due to its low taxes for remote licensees and its friendly iGaming ecosystem. The name was changed from LGA to name to the Malta Gaming Authority in 2015.

To carry out its responsibilities properly, the organization is divided into four sections. These are the executive management committee, audit committee, supervisory council, and the fit and proper committee. Through these four divisions, they’re able to carry out their gambling regulations strictly and have built a strong reputation in the industry.

The objectives of the organization include:

1. To protect the jurisdiction by licensing only trustworthy and compliant gambling operators
2. To stay abreast with technology and regulatory developments
3. To protect the underage and vulnerable persons, as well as to identify and manage those with gambling problems
4. To protect players’ funds
5. To ensure that gambling activities positively impact Malta and Maltese citizens

Types of Online Gambling Licenses Issued by the MGA

There are two major types of licenses offered by the MGA – the B2B and B2C licenses. The B2B license is for casino software developers while the B2C licenses are for operators of different forms of gambling.

The B2B license for remote gaming is further divided into four types as follows:

• Type 1: License to operate different kinds of casino games, including live dealers, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. It also includes lotteries, poker, and virtual sports games.
• Type 2: Fixed odds betting (including live betting); for sportsbook operators.
• Type 3: Pool betting (including betting exchange), bingo, lottery, commission-based games.
• Type 4: Controlled skill games.

Reliability and Popularity of the Malta Gaming Authority

Over the years, the Malta Gaming Authority has maintained its position at the forefront of online gambling regulation. It’s no doubt the most reputable remote iGaming authority in the world today. The authority laid down a solid regulatory framework several years ago when the market was largely unregulated. As a result, it became the standard for many jurisdictions.

Like the UKGC, the MGA is known to be strict and well-structured. The organization prides itself on its high standards of transparency, honesty, and fairness. It also actively monitors its casinos, protects vulnerable players and minors, also stands solidly against crime in the industry.

In terms of popularity, the Malta online gambling license is the most popular across EU nations. Like the Curacao eGaming, the MGA is also popular among casinos that operate in North America, Asia, Africa, and South America. Due to the strict licensing process and higher regulatory standards, it is considered more valuable than the Curacao license. That’s why some of the biggest online gambling brands in the world hold the license.

Benefits of Playing at Casinos Licensed in Malta

As previously noted, the MGA does not just have solid regulatory policies, it also ensures its casinos abide by them. This brings a lot of advantages to both players at MGA iGaming sites. We have highlighted the pros of playing at the MGA-licensed casino sites below:

• Safety & Security: Casinos licensed by the MGA are mandated to utilize necessary security methods to keep players safe and secure at all times. The casinos use SSL encryption technology on their websites and employ safe banking options to process funds.
• Fairness of Games: Rest assured that all the games you find at MGA gambling sites have been tested and certified to be fair. All casinos licensed in Malta get their games from reputable software developers who are also authorized by trusted regulators. Moreover, most reputable casino software developers hold an MGA license, so you can trust that the games are completely random. This ensures players can have access to thousands of games across many categories.
• Generous Bonuses: Compared to UKGC casinos, those licensed in Malta are known to be generous with their bonuses and promotions. You’ll find different kinds of bonuses for both new and existing players. What’s more, MGA casino sites also offer good VIP programs to reward players regularly. These bonuses also come with fair terms and conditions.
• Quick Withdrawals: Top MGA online casinos offer instant withdrawals through a variety of methods. As long as you have completed your documentation, you can get your winnings within a few hours or 24 hours at most.
• Strict Player Protection Policies: The MGA prioritizes the protection of players. Apart from the safety of the licensed casinos, the authority is always available to assist players. It features a players’ hub on its official website, where you’ll find many helpful materials and responsible gambling tips. You can also easily lodge a complaint to the Malta Gaming Authority through their players’ hub.
• Easy to Verify MGA Casinos: Many fraudulent gambling operators place fake MGA seals on their websites to get players to trust them. Thankfully, the MGA has a licensee register on its official website where you can easily verify if a site is truly licensed in Malta.

The Process of Obtaining an MGA Casino License

To apply for an MGA remote casino license, you have to start by paying a one-time application fee of €5,000. Before this, you must make sure you have a share capital of at least €100,000 for the Type 1 license. These are the other requirements:

• Documents proving that those behind the company do not have a criminal record
• Owners bank references
• Signed passports
• Signed utility bills
• Comprehensive business plan
• Full information about software providers and systems to be used

All the documents required will have to be submitted electronically through the licensee portal. The approval process takes four to six months. After approval, operators also have to pay an annual license fee of €25,000.

Regulatory Oversight and Players’ Protection at the MGA

As previously noted, the Malta Gaming Authority takes players’ protection seriously. It sets of player protection regulations for operators are divided into four parts, which we briefly explain below.

• Responsible Gaming: Operators are required to have proper controls and policies in place to protect underage gambling and protect vulnerable persons. They are also required to provide sufficient information about safe gambling, including gambling help tips and avenues for players.
• Protection of Player Funds: The authority mandates casinos to keep players' funds separate from operational funds. Players must be able to withdraw winnings and balance without hassles.
• Unfair Terms: The terms and conditions of an MGA casino’s service must be easily accessible and presented in a fair and transparent manner. Players must agree to the terms, including updates before they are allowed to use the service.
• Disputes: All operators are required to attend to players’ complaints as quickly as possible. Thus, MGA casinos provide numerous contact methods and solid FAQ pages on their sites. They must also inform players about their right to reach an ADR or the regulator’s support unit if they feel aggrieved by the actions or decisions of the operator.

Dispute Resolution at the MGA

With the excellent customer service offered at MGA casino sites, it is unlikely that you will need to reach the regulator. However, you are free to reach the regulator in the worst cases. Although there is an email, the Malta Gaming Authority attends to casino complaints made through the dispute resolution page.

At the bottom of the complaint page, you will find a form where you have to provide personal information and describe the incident. You can also upload pictures or files to provide evidence of the incident. The Authority may request identification from you before processing your complaint.

If you need to reach the regulator for other reasons, here’s MGA Malta’s contact info:

• Building SCM 02-03, Level 4,
• SmartCity Malta,
• Ricasoli SCM1001,
• Malta
• SCM 1001
• Tel No: +3562546 9000

Drawbacks of Playing at Online Casinos with the MGA License

To be honest, it’s very difficult to pick any disadvantage of MGA casinos for players. The Authority’s solid regulations prove that it deserves its spot at the forefront of the legal iGaming market. For operators looking to launch new casinos quickly, the strict license processing and operating requirements may be a drawback. Nevertheless, reputable brands should not have issues meeting the requirements of the MGA.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the MGA is one of the best casino regulators out there. Its rigorous regulatory framework has made it a gold standard in the world of online gambling. MGA-licensed casinos are known for their transparency, security, fairness, and commitment to responsible gambling. These qualities make them popular among casino players.

More interesting is that you have access to a wide range of high-quality games at these MGA casinos. The large number of top software providers with the MGA license ensures there are enough games for operators to feature. Furthermore, the casinos feature generous bonus deals that boost your bankroll and enhance your gameplay.

What’s more, these gambling sites are also known to accept numerous payment methods and offer excellent customer service. That means you won’t struggle to make payments and you can get assistance easily. The best part? All of their services can be enjoyed on the go as the websites are mobile-friendly.

MGA casinos certainly have all you need for an exciting gambling experience. Fortunately, we have featured the best MGA casinos here, so you can easily find one. As you play, remember to prioritize your entertainment over winnings and stick to your budget. Good luck!