Regulatory & Licensing Services
Advice and support for licensing strategy, regulatory approvals, governance, policies, audits, reporting, renewals, variations, and transfers.
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Gaming & iGaming
Gaming and iGaming Lawyer in Malta for MGA Licensing and Compliance
Legal and regulatory support for operators, suppliers, affiliates, and service providers through licensing and compliance lifecycles.
Areas of support include
- Malta Gaming Authority Licensing
- International Gaming Licensing
- Gaming Corporate Structuring
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At a glance
Pioneering Legal Guidance in Europe's Premier Gaming Jurisdiction
Gaming and iGaming services in Malta provide specialized legal counsel under the Gaming Act (Cap. 583). We guide operators through MGA B2C and B2B licence applications, Key Function Holder approvals, Player Protection directives, advertising regulations, technical system audits, and AML/CFT compliance.
Reviewed by Dr Josianne Cardona Gatt, Advocate (Malta)Last reviewed
Key takeaways
- In-depth advisory on B2C Gaming Service and B2B Critical Supply licensing frameworks.
- Assistance with Key Function Holder nominations, vetting, and statutory appointments.
- Compliance with MGA Player Protection Directives, Responsible Gaming, and AML rules.
- Drafting specialized iGaming commercial agreements (white label, game supply, platform, affiliate).
Gaming Regulatory and Operational Context
Advice grounded in the operating model.
Malta is recognized globally as the pre-eminent regulatory hub for the remote gaming sector. Operating under Chapter 583 of the Laws of Malta (the Gaming Act), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) enforces rigorous consumer protection, technical integrity, and financial probity standards.
The practice assists prospective licensees and established global brands in establishing and maintaining compliant Maltese operations. We handle the entire licensing journey, commercial agreements, regulatory investigations, and ongoing compliance.
What’s included
Gaming and iGaming legal and regulatory support
Licensing, structuring and compliance across the life of a gaming business. Select an area to see what it covers.
Malta Gaming Authority Licensing
- MGA licence applications
- Licensing strategy
- Gaming corporate setup
- Application documentation
- Regulatory submissions
- Authority correspondence
International Gaming Licensing
- Overseas licence applications
- Cross-border gaming regulatory support
- Coordination with foreign advisers or regulators
Gaming Corporate Structuring
- Gaming company formation
- Group structuring
- Shareholder structures
- Corporate governance
Gaming Compliance
- Regulatory compliance reviews
- AML/CFT programmes
- Responsible gaming policies
- Internal policies and procedures
- Operational manuals
- Risk assessments
- Regulatory reporting
Audit & Inspection Support
- MGA inspection preparation
- Regulatory audit preparation
- Compliance remediation
- Documentation reviews
Ongoing Advisory
- Licence renewal
- Licence changes
- Regulatory changes
- Corporate changes affecting licences
- Ongoing legal and compliance advice
Reference
MGA Licence Classifications (Gaming Act Cap. 583)
| Licence Category | Game Type | Description | Target Operational Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2C Gaming Service | Type 1 | Games of chance against the house (RNG casino, slots, live casino) | Online casino & live dealer operators |
| B2C Gaming Service | Type 2 | Games of chance against the house (match outcome sportsbook) | Online sports betting operators |
| B2C Gaming Service | Type 3 | Games not against the house (peer-to-peer poker, betting exchange) | Poker networks & exchange platforms |
| B2C Gaming Service | Type 4 | Controlled skill games (fantasy sports) | Skill game operators |
| B2B Critical Supply | Types 1 - 4 | Backend platform, game aggregator, or software engine supply | Game studios, software vendors, aggregators |
The MGA Licensing & Compliance Lifecycle
Fit & Proper Review
Comprehensive background checks and source of wealth documentation for qualifying shareholders and Key Persons.
Business Plan & Technical Submission
Submitting financial forecasts, technical architecture blueprints, and statutory policies to the MGA Licensee Portal.
Letter of Intent & Systems Audit
Securing MGA Letter of Intent, completing technical systems audit with an approved auditor, and achieving live operation.
Ongoing Compliance & Reporting
Managing Key Person filings, compliance contribution fee reporting, player fund segregation audits, and annual renewals.
Who We Advise
iGaming Industry Stakeholders
- Online casino, sportsbook, and poker B2C operators
- B2B game developers, aggregators, and software providers
- Platform vendors and white-label providers
- Affiliate marketing networks and digital media publishers
- Key Function Holders requiring regulatory guidance
Common questions
Gaming & iGaming in Malta: common questions
Short answers about this service and how enquiries are handled. For advice on your own circumstances, contact the practice.
How long is a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence valid for?
A remote gaming licence issued by the MGA is valid for a period of ten (10) years, subject to continuous regulatory compliance, payment of annual licence and compliance fees, and satisfactory performance in periodic regulatory audits.
What is the requirement for player fund segregation?
The MGA strictly mandates that licensees maintain player funds completely segregated from operational funds in designated client accounts held with qualifying European credit institutions at all times.
What Key Function roles must an MGA licensee appoint?
Key Function roles include the Chief Executive Officer, Key Compliance, Key AML/CFT, Key Legal, Key Technology / IT Security, and Key Player Protection. Roles may be held by qualified internal officers or outsourced specialized providers subject to MGA approval.
Can an MGA licence holder offer games under multiple brand URLs?
Yes. Licensees can operate multiple brand domains under a single licence, provided that each domain is formally registered and approved by the MGA.
Official sources
Maltese authorities and sources
Published 15 January 2024 · Updated 15 August 2024 · Reviewed by Dr Josianne Cardona Gatt
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)(opens in a new tab)
MGA
Exclusive statutory regulator for gaming and iGaming operations in Malta.
- Legislation Malta - Gaming Act (Cap. 583)(opens in a new tab)
State of Malta
Primary legislation governing gaming activities and authorisations.
- Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU)(opens in a new tab)
FIAU Malta
Implementing Procedures Part II for the Remote Gaming Sector.
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Discuss Your Gaming License in Malta
Contact the practice to discuss MGA licensing, Key Function appointments, commercial contracts, or compliance advisory.
