As the "gold standard" of the global online gambling industry, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license is the preferred qualification for international operators due to its high credibility, full business coverage, and compliance with EU regulations.
Why Choose the Malta License (MGA)?
1. Highest Global Recognition
Malta is an EU member state, and the MGA license is widely accepted in markets such as Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Licensed platforms can more easily integrate with international payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, solving the banking channel issues of smaller licenses.
2. Comprehensive Business Scope
A single license can operate four major types of businesses:
✅ Online Casino
✅ Sports Betting
✅ Poker
✅ Lottery
3. Significant Tax Advantages
Corporate income tax as low as 5% (much lower than the UK's 15%-50%).
No sales tax, no capital gains tax, supports legal profit repatriation.
4. Stable and Reliable Policy
Malta has regulated online gambling since 2004, with a mature legal system and no sudden policy risks (such as frequent adjustments by the Philippines' PAGCOR).
II. MGA License Application Process
1. Application Requirements
Company Registration: Must establish a physical company in Malta, with a minimum capital of ≥100,000 euros.
Core Team: At least four local directors in Malta (outsourcing possible), must provide a criminal record certificate.
Technical Compliance: The platform must pass the fairness tests of gaming certification bodies like GLI (Gaming Labs International).
2. Application Steps
Stage 1: Preliminary Preparation (1-2 months)
Determine the type of business (B2C or B2B).
Rent an office in Malta or use a compliant registered address.
Stage 2: Submit Application (3-6 months)
Submit materials to MGA, including:
Business plan
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and KYC policies
Technical architecture and data security plan
Application fee: starting from 50,000 euros (varies by business type).
Stage 3: Review and Licensing
MGA conducts due diligence on shareholders' backgrounds and sources of funds.
Upon approval, pay the annual fee (B2C approximately 25,000-350,000 euros, calculated based on revenue tiers).
Conclusion
Although the Malta MGA license has a high entry threshold, its market access advantages, tax benefits, and long-term stability make it the optimal choice for international gambling enterprises. For operators planning to expand into high-end European and American markets, early deployment of the MGA license is a key step to gaining a competitive edge.
