Online casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was once known as the Lotteries and Gaming Authority is regulator appointed by the government of Malta to regulate the online gambling industry and is one of the many reputable organisations to do so. Other duties include issuing iGaming licenses, ensuring operators are conforming to the rules and penalising those that do not.

Formed in 2001, MGA supplies a total of four licenses to gambling operators and the type of license will depend on the type of gambling. Not just any old Tom, Dick or Harry can apply for a gambling license. First of all, the company wishing to obtain a license for gambling purposes must be reputable, secondly, they must go through a series of strict vetting stages and only when the criteria have been met successfully will the MGA issue a gambling license.

Rules and regulations came into effect when the Maltese Government passed the Lotteries and Games Act back in 2001 and this resulted in a crack-down on shady gambling firms, money laundering and unauthorised gambling practices. When a license is granted, the operator will be authorised to offer gambling services within the jurisdiction for a period of five years. At the end of the fixed five-year term, operators will need to re-apply (at a cost) to extend this period. If the MGA deem the operator has not met good standing, the license will be revoked by the authority.

Due to advancements in technology and how the iGaming industry is evolving, MGA recognise how important it is to keep up with the times and this means facing new challenges every day. Rest assured, the regulator has a series of aims, objectives and activities to ensure operators always play by the rules.

Set Guidelines

MGA guarantee to do the following:

Aims

• Protect minors and vulnerable persons
• Safeguard players rights
• Promote responsible gaming in a safe environment
• Ensure the integrity of the games and devices used
• Keep gaming free from criminal activities

Objectives

• Consolidate all regulatory functions relating to gaming activities
• Operate a successful and a fully integrated Authority
• Support the industry and technological innovation
• Provide authoritative and accessible information
• Provide a one-stop-shop for licensing

Activities Include:

• Conducting research on various aspects of gaming
• Granting licences related to gaming
• Monitoring licensed gaming
• Collecting gaming taxes on behalf of the Government
• Supporting good causes
• Ensuring that the sector contributes to the country’s development

Any player who believes they have been treated unfairly or has faced other issues from an operator bearing the Malta Gaming Authority stamp, can reach out to the player support centre. There are options for online gaming support and land-based gaming support. Any complaint raised will be dealt with by an independent body known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and if the outcome of this is unsatisfactory, you will be transferred to MGA where they will personally look into the complaint.