Malta Gaming Authority

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
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Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is a European gambling authority. It was created to regulate the gaming industry in Malta. It ensures integrity and transparency among all stakeholders using gaming services to foster trust. It aims to prevent crime, money laundering, and corruption and protect vulnerable players. This non-governmental organisation only issues licences to companies that meet its strict standards.

Consequently, protecting players from being exploited by operators. The gambling activities under MGA’s jurisdiction include both land-based and online casinos. Under these falls slot and amusement machines, betting offices, virtual sports, lotteries and bingo halls. Additionally, they oversee racecourse bets, sweepstakes and casino games.

MGA Regulator: General Information
🐣 Established In 2001
🗺 Address Building SCM 02-03, Level 4, SmartCity Malta, Ricasoli SCM1001, Malta
📬 E-mail [email protected]
☎️ Phone Number 0035625469000

The Main Functions of Maltese Gambling Regulator

As the online gambling market grew in Europe, the MGA decided to seize the opportunity. It offered the benchmark to which all online gambling companies needed to adhere to. As the main regulatory body for all gaming activities in Malta, the company protects players. It also safeguards gambling businesses. The company quickly became accepted in Europe due to its high standards. As a result, other countries recognized and used the licences and regulations set by MGA to protect their citizens. MGA’s work encompasses the following responsibilities:

Protection of Vulnerable Gamblers

The company has various restrictions in place to protect minors and vulnerable persons. For example, casinos should have a self-exclusion scheme. Thereby, limiting the time and money spent on gambling. Additionally, they should promote responsible gambling. Any breach of these rules by the operator will result in sanctions, like fines.

Issuing Gambling Licences

At the head of the agenda for any company wishing to offer gambling services is to acquire a licence. The MGA licence is renowned throughout the world. Any MGA online casinos and MGA sports betting sites can operate in Malta’s jurisdiction. The type of licence obtained will depend on the specific gambling activities to be carried out.

Monitoring Operators' Activities

Getting the MGA licence is not the end. Malta casinos need to ensure continual compliance with the regulations of the Authority They are constantly monitored to ascertain adherence to the regulations. MGA revokes the licence of any company that breaks its rules. This is to guarantee that operators are being run efficiently, effectively and legally.

Cooperation with iGaming Companies

MGA partners with iGaming companies to ascertain that online gambling contributes positively to the country’s development. They also cooperate with online casinos to verify the standardisation and certification of equipment. Moreover, they provide player identification and verification tools. Furthermore, MGA put in place consumer information measures. They also provide technical solutions that help in the monitoring of online gambling activities and the implementation of sanctions.

Providing Annual Reports

The authority publishes annual reports and audited financial statements at the end of every financial year. The report provides a summary of the activities that MGA undertook throughout the year. It highlights the key activities. The company also provides updates about things that have been going on in the Maltese gaming industry.

Overview of Malta Gaming Authority

Malta Gaming Authority provides top tier licences. These are industry standard licences in line with EU laws. Before giving licences, the company provides an analysis of the applicant’s information. They analyse if the operator will be able to meet obligations prescribed by law and policy. They need to be satisfied that the operator has the resources and financial backing to run the venture.

Pros of MGA Gambling Licence

The MGA licence is one of the most prestigious licences in the gaming industry. That is why hundreds of operators have acquired it. The company safeguards the interest of players. This is by ensuring that their fundamental rights are protected. To get the licence, operators have to meet stringent rules. Getting this licence is neither easy nor cheap. But it is worth it. The Malta gambling licence comes with a host of benefits:

Reputable & Trustworthy Gambling Regulator

Any operator with an MGA licence will find many doors open to them. It will be easier to attract international players, open bank accounts and enter into third party agreements. This is because stakeholders have trust and confidence in this regulator. This trust is driven by the thorough control mechanisms they enforce.

Good Protection Measure for Players

Displaying the MGA licence on an operator’s site will earn the player’s trust and confidence. Players are attracted to this regulator due to the high levels of player protection that they have in place. Players can be sure that their personal and financial information is safe. The regulator guarantees that casino sites adhere to the data protection act.

Limited Amount of Countries to Provide Services

MGA licensed operators cannot provide services to FATF blacklisted jurisdictions. These are countries where local prohibitions prevent this. For instance, in countries where gambling is illegal. Or in places where it is a must for operators to get local licences. However, MGA licensees are free to provide their services in jurisdictions where this licence is recognized and accepted.

Cons of MGA Gambling Licence

MGA is known for its demanding requirements and non-compromise. If an operator wants to hold a Malta Gambling Authority licence, they must meet these standards. The operator is required to give a detailed account of their business practices. They must also give a financial projection of the costs and profits of the casino they are starting. They need to present a full detailed business plan. Apart from this, other challenges of an MGA gambling licence include:

Long KYC/AML Process to Get Licence

It takes a minimum of four months to get an MGA licence. The process is stringent and lengthy, as it is more in-depth, compared to other regulators. They conduct proper checks and processes. Some of the things the operator needs to showcase include financial information. They should also highlight the complete ownership of the business. Additionally, they need to prove that they have no criminal background whatsoever.

Gambling Taxes Are Quite High

Operators are obligated to pay a gaming tax based on their activities. They have to pay tax from the revenue generated from players. In addition, they have to pay annual licence fees for gaming services. For B2C operators, this is a fixed fee. For B2B operators, this is a variable fee depending on their annual revenue.

Tough Compliance and Lots of Changes

The application process is complex. Applicants need to provide detailed documentation and information to MGA. Even after going live, operators need to do various compliance reviews of their operations. These are done by independent 3rd parties contracted by MGA. These reviews are done after the first year of operation. They are also done whenever deemed necessary following any changes made by MGA.

Alternatives to MGA Regulator

The ownership and operation of online casinos are subject to regulation under the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions where they operate. Gaming laws are designed to inspire public confidence, protect consumers and ensure the integrity of the gaming industry. This is by preventing cheating and fraudulent activities. To accomplish this, regulatory bodies like MGA ensure participants meet the standards. Typically, other regulatory agencies in various jurisdictions do the same. An operator can have multiple or alternative licences from other regulatory bodies. Other agencies that have authority to regulate legalised gambling activity are:

FAQ

  • What is Malta Gaming Authority?

    Malta Gaming Authority is an agency that provides licensing and regulation within the international iGaming industry. It aims to provide a fair, open and honest gaming experience to all stakeholders in the gaming industry. This is to safeguard and protect minors, vulnerable people and all players. It also safeguards against crime and corruption in the iGaming sector.

  • When was the MGA launched?

    The Malta Gaming Authority was established in 2001 to govern all forms of gambling in Malta. Formerly known as the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority, it underwent an overhaul and was rebranded to MGA. Malta was among the first European countries to provide major online gambling laws. This was the initial step to providing a secure space for players.

  • What Maltese Gambling Commission does?

    One of the main functions of the Maltese Gambling Commission is to licence and regulate both online and land-based gambling operators. They set strict rules and standards, which the various operators have to follow. Even though the primary goal was to protect Malta’s players, it has expanded its operations to other countries.

  • Is it safe to use MGA gambling services?

    Of course, it is safe. Operators who are regulated by MGA have met the requirements that the gambling commission has put in place. This means players will be safe and secure. We have discussed in more detail players’ protection in our review. So make sure to check it out in our overview.

  • How can I contact the MGA representatives?

    If you wish to complain about an online casino operator licensed by MGA, you can do so. Players can reach an MGA representative through the support form on their website. Alternatively, players can send an email to [email protected]. For a faster response, gamblers can reach a customer care representative at +35625469000.