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Remote gaming in Malta is governed by the Remote Gaming Regulations 2004 and administered by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

The regulations provide a legal framework governing Maltese remote gaming operators, and provide a secure on-line environment to players. The MGA regulates all types of providers of remote gaming including those involved in casino-style games, poker, sports betting, betting exchanges, P2P, skins and lotteries through all types of technological media including the internet, mobile, telephone and fax, among other media.

Regulations provide for four classes of licenses

  • Class 1 – operators managing their own risk on repetitive games (casino-type games, skill games and online lotteries)
  • Class 2 – operators managing their own risk on events based on a matchbook (fixed odds
    betting, pool betting and spread betting)
  • Class 3 – operators promoting and abet gaming from Malta, and taking a commission from
    promoting and/or abetting games (P2P, poker networks, betting exchange and game portals)
  • Class 4 – operators hosting and managing online remote gaming operators, excluding the licensee himself (software vendors developing platforms from which gaming operators can operate).

The license is valid for a period of 5 years and may be renewed for further periods of 5 years.

Application process

The MGA conducts a three-stage application process from due diligence to certification of the live system after which a licence is issued for a (renewable) period of 5 years. During the application process the applicant must provide the MGA with all due diligence documents on its qualifying shareholders and key management personnel as well as a detailed business plan of the prospective remote gaming operations. The applicant must demonstrate  business and technical ability to carry out the proposed gaming operation and that the operation is covered by sufficient reserves to guarantee player winnings and deposit returns. The applicant must also submit for approval the specifications of the control system and gaming system with which it intends to operate.

Betting Taxes

Class 1 Licence € 4,660
€ 7,000
Per Month for the first 6
months
Per Month for the entire
duration of the licence
Class 1 Licence operating on a hosting platform in possession of a Class 4 Remote Gaming Licence (Class 1 on 4) € 1,200 Per Month for the entire
duration of the licence
Class 2 Licence 0.5% Of the gross amount of
bets accepted in remote
betting operations
Class 2 Licence operating on a hosting platform in possession of a Class 4 Remote Gaming Licence (Class 2 on 4) 0.5% Of the gross amount of
bets accepted in remote
betting operations
Class 3 Licence 5% Of real income
Class 3 Licence operating on a hosting platform in possession of a Class 4 Remote Gaming Licence (Class 3 on 4) 5% Of real income
Class 4 Licence hosting and managing other remote gaming operators Nil
€ 2,330
€ 4,660
For the first 6 months
Per Month for the
subsequent 6 months
Per Month thereafter for
the entire duration of the
licence
 Class 4 licensee hosting and managing an operator which is not in possession of the relevant Class 1, 2 or 3 licence in terms of the regulations, however hosting an EEA licensed Business to Consumer operator € 1,165 Per Month per operator,
paid by the Class 4
Licensee
Remote Gaming Tax Capping per licensee per remote gaming licence €466,000 Per Annum

For further information contact John