# Gaming Service Licence (Malta)

Source page: https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/gaming/malta-b2c/

The Gaming Service Licence (B2C Remote Gaming Services) is issued by Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) under Gaming Act (Cap. 583). It is a national licence: it does not give a passport to other EU/EEA states. The application fee is EUR 5,000. Ownership changes need the regulator's approval before completion.

## At a glance

| Official name | Gaming Service Licence [1] |
| --- | --- |
| Local name | B2C Remote Gaming Services |
| Also known as | MGA B2C licence · Malta B2C iGaming licence · Malta B2C gambling licence · MGA gaming service licence · MGA remote gaming licence |
| Issued by | [Malta Gaming Authority](https://protegra.io/licensing/regulators/mga-malta/) |
| Jurisdiction | [Malta](https://protegra.io/licensing/jurisdictions/malta/) |
| Licence family | [Gaming and betting](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/gaming/) |
| Legal basis | Gaming Act (Cap. 583) [2]; Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05) [3]; Gaming Licence Fees Regulations (S.L. 583.03) [4] |
| Passporting | Domestic only |
| Application fee | EUR 5,000 [1] |
| Annual fee | EUR 25,000 (EUR 10,000 if solely Type 4 controlled skill games) + tiered compliance contribution (and 5% gaming tax on Maltese player revenue) [1] |

## What it lets you do, and where

### What does a Malta B2C gaming licence let you do, and where can you serve clients?

A Malta B2C licence does not give you EU-wide market access: gambling activities are expressly excluded from the EU Services Directive single-market passport (Directive 2006/123/EC Art. 2(2)(h)). Separately, the European Commission issued a Letter of Formal Notice on Article 56A of the Gaming Act (MGA statement, 18 June 2025). S.L. 583.05 First Schedule establishes four game types for remote gaming services. [19] [18] [14]

### Activities it covers

| [Online gaming and betting for players (B2C)](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/online-gaming-b2c/) | Offering casino games, sports betting, poker or lotteries directly to players over the internet. |
| --- | --- |

### Where it is valid

_Valid in Malta._

## Do you need it, and is Malta the right choice?

### What is a Malta B2C gaming licence and do you actually need one?

A Malta B2C licence is the Gaming Service licence under the S.L. 583.05 First Schedule, covering licence Types 1-4. The MGA defines B2C gaming service licences across four game types on its official Licensee Hub. Holding a direct B2C licence is legally distinct from operating under a white-label brand umbrella. [15] [1] [20]

### Is a Malta B2C gaming licence right for your model, and when is Malta the wrong choice?

Indicative MGA costs for a Malta B2C licence are EUR 5,000 for the application and EUR 25,000 annually, with a realistic all-in cost of EUR 80,000+ including 5% tax, EUR 15,000-25,000 compliance contributions, and up to EUR 100,000 share capital. White-label partner models and regulatory liability allocation also apply. [21] [20] [22]

### B2C licence, B2B supplier licence, or white label, which gaming model fits your business?

The Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05) First Schedule distinguish B2C Gaming Service Licences from B2B Critical Gaming Supply Licences. Directive 3 of 2018 sets 8 Key Functions for B2C operators versus 7 for B2B critical supply licensees. Legal analysis covers regulatory liability and commercial risk allocation under white-label gambling arrangements. [15] [23] [24]

### Which markets can you legally serve under a Malta B2C licence, and which must you geoblock?

A Malta B2C licence gives no EU passporting: gambling activities are excluded from cross-border service passporting (Directive 2006/123/EC Art. 2(2)(h)). Countries can block unlicensed operators: French ANJ administrative orders blacklist unauthorised offshore sites and mandate IP/DNS blocks, and Dutch KSA decisions fined Chestoption EUR 3.08m and Novatech EUR 24m for targeting Dutch players without a licence. [19] [25] [26]

Player funds must be protected in three ways. The Gaming Player Protection Regulations (S.L. 583.08 Part III) establish distinct-patrimony segregation, shielding player balances from creditor seizure. The Gaming Act (Cap. 583) s. 19 places a statutory obligation on licensees to safeguard player funds. MGA Directive 3 of 2018 art. 39 requires B2C licensees to file a monthly player funds report within 20 days of month end. [24]

High-risk merchant acquiring for online gambling operators carries discount rates of 3% to 7%, depending on vertical, volume, chargeback history and licensing status. High-risk card processing terms require rolling reserves of 5% to 15%, held around 180 days. The MGA also ran a sandbox regulatory framework for Virtual Financial Assets/DLT, extended to 28 February 2023. [27] [28] [7]

## What it really takes

### How much capital do you really need for a Malta B2C gaming licence?

Minimum share capital is calculated per Game Type. The MGA Capital Requirements Policy mandates continuous positive equity positions for all active licensees. Separately, high-risk payment processors typically withhold rolling reserves of 5% to 15%, held for around 180 days against chargebacks. [1] [29] [28]

### Who do you have to hire for a Malta B2C gaming licence, and where must they be based?

Directive 3 of 2018 (Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive, v2, October 2021) consolidates 8 mandatory Key Functions for B2C licensees. The MGA sets Key Function Certificate of Approval application requirements, availability criteria, and continuing professional development (CPD) obligations. [10]

Application documents must be in English. The MGA System Documentation Checklist requires all documents submitted with a gaming licence application to be in English, with certified English translations otherwise. Under the Gaming Act (Cap. 583) s. 2(2), the English text prevails over the Maltese text in any conflict, and s. 53 empowers publication of regulations and directives in English only. [16]

### The legal framework

| Level | Document | What it does here |
| --- | --- | --- |
| EU law | [Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (as amended by the fifth, 2018/843)](https://protegra.io/licensing/laws/eu-amld-2015-849/) | Harmonised EU anti-money laundering framework designating providers of gambling services as obliged entities (Article 2(1)(3)(f)) and mandating risk-based CDD, beneficial ownership transparency, and suspicious activity reporting. |
| EU law | [Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (single rulebook)](https://protegra.io/licensing/laws/eu-amlr-2024-1624/) partly in force | Directly applicable EU single rulebook on AML/CFT classifying providers of gambling services as obliged entities (Article 3(3)(h)), establishing directly applicable CDD rules, internal controls, and transaction monitoring (applicable July 2027). |
| Act | [Gaming Act](https://protegra.io/licensing/laws/mt-gaming-act/) | Primary statute establishing the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the authorisation requirement for gaming services and supplies (Art. 13), regulatory objectives, enforcement and sanctioning powers, player protection principles, and the Administrative Review Tribunal appellate framework (Part IX). |
| Secondary legislation | [Gaming Authorisations Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.05, Legal Notice 243 of 2018, as amended)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.05/eng) | Primary procedural and licensing instrument prescribing B2C licence categories (First Schedule), EEA establishment eligibility (reg. 10), application procedure, mandatory refusal grounds (regs. 11-12), 10-year licence term (reg. 6), qualifying interest approvals, key functions framework (Part V), and recognition notices (reg. 22). |
| Secondary legislation | [Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.06, Legal Notice 244 of 2018, as amended)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.06/eng) | Establishes compliance audits, regulatory inspections, investigatory powers, statutory licence suspension grounds (reg. 9), licence cancellation grounds (reg. 10), and enforcement sanctions. |
| Secondary legislation | [Gaming Definitions Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.04, Legal Notice 242 of 2018)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.04/eng) | Defines statutory terms across all subsidiary legislation under Chapter 583, including gaming service, remote gaming, game types 1 to 4, qualifying interest, and key functions. |
| Secondary legislation | [Gaming Player Protection Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.08, Legal Notice 246 of 2018, as amended)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.08/eng) | Mandates responsible gaming policies, player fund segregation under a distinct patrimony protected against operator insolvency (regs. 4-9), unfair terms prohibitions, and player dispute resolution procedures. |
| Secondary legislation | [Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.09, Legal Notice 247 of 2018)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.09/eng) | Prescribes mandatory marketing and advertising standards, misleading promotion bans, minor protection restrictions, and responsible gambling messaging across all promotional channels. |
| Secondary legislation | [Gaming Tax Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.10, Legal Notice 248 of 2018)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.10/eng) | Imposes a 5% gaming tax on gross gaming revenue generated from players physically located in Malta, monthly tax return filing duties, and payment deadlines. |
| Secondary legislation | [Retention of Data (Malta Gaming Authority) Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.12, Legal Notice 250 of 2018)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.12/eng) | Establishes mandatory 10-year player and transaction data retention requirements for licensees for regulatory supervision, superseding ordinary general data erasure limits. |
| Secondary legislation | [Social Causes Fund Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.11, Legal Notice 249 of 2018)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.11/eng) | Governs contributions and distribution of the statutory Social Causes Fund established under Section 16 of the Gaming Act. |
| Regulator rules | [Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018, as amended)](https://www.mga.org.mt/app/uploads/Directive-3-of-2018-Gaming-Authorisations-and-Compliance-Directive.pdf) | Comprehensive binding rulebook detailing Key Function certification and notification windows (3/15 days), minimum share capital (€100k/€40k/€240k cap) and positive equity, Key Technical Setup (KTS) EEA location, game and vertical addition approvals, and player funds reporting (PFR). |
| Regulator rules | [Player Protection Directive (Directive 2 of 2018, as amended)](https://www.mga.org.mt/app/uploads/Directive-2-of-2018-Player-Protection-Directive.pdf) | Mandatory operational rules for responsible gaming, player self-exclusion systems, deposit/loss limits, staff training on problem gambling, and markers of harm detection. |
| Regulator rules | [Alternative Dispute Resolution Directive (Directive 5 of 2018, as amended)](https://www.mga.org.mt/app/uploads/Directive-5-of-2018-ADR-Directive-v2.pdf) | Mandates appointment of approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) entities, customer dispute escalation rules, player complaints procedures, and ADR dispute reporting. |
| Regulator rules | [Directive on the Key Function of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Directive 3 of 2020)](https://www.mga.org.mt/app/uploads/Directive-3-of-2020-Directive-on-the-KF-of-the-PMLFT.pdf) | Requires every B2C remote gaming licensee to appoint an MGA-certified Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) holding the PMLFTR Key Function, and sets qualifications and responsibilities. |
| Regulator rules | [FIAU Implementing Procedures Part II for the Remote Gaming Sector (issued jointly by FIAU and MGA)](https://fiaumalta.org/news/implementing-procedures-part-ii-for-the-remote-gaming-sector-revised-version-2/) | Sector-specific legally binding AML/CFT implementing procedures issued under PMLFTR Reg. 17 governing business risk assessments, customer risk profiling, PEP checks, payment method screening, and suspicious transaction escalation. |
| Procedure law | [Administrative Justice Act (Chapter 490 of the Laws of Malta, Act V of 2007)](https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/490/eng) | Constitutes the Administrative Review Tribunal and governs procedural rules, evidence, hearings, and appellate proceedings for challenges against MGA decisions under Gaming Act Part IX. |
| Fee schedule | [Gaming Licence Fees Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.03, Legal Notice 409 of 2017, as amended)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.03/eng) | Mandatory fee schedule establishing the non-refundable €5,000 B2C application fee, €25,000 fixed annual licence fee (€10,000 for solely Type 4), tiered compliance contribution schedules (First Schedule), €5,000 renewal fee, and all administrative charges (Fourth Schedule). |
| Forms | [MGA B2C Remote Gaming Application Forms and Checklists (System Documentation Checklist MGA-F-001 v5, Entity Declaration Form, Financial Management Form, Personal Declaration Form)](https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/applications/b2c-licences/remote-gaming-services/) | Administrative application forms, technical checklists, entity declarations, and financial projection schedules required to be completed and submitted via the MGA Licensee Portal. |

**4 related regimes and guidance documents**

| Level | Document | What it does here |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Guidance | [MGA Guidance Notes on the Application Process, Licence Fees and Taxation, and Sandbox Regulatory Framework](https://www.mga.org.mt/our-work/guidance-notes/) | Non-binding administrative guidance explaining step-by-step application submission, pre-application meetings, fit-and-proper vetting criteria, fee calculations, and audit procedures. |
| Related regime | [Prevention of Money Laundering Act (Chapter 373 of the Laws of Malta, Act XIX of 1994, as amended)](https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/373/eng) | Primary AML/CFT statute establishing criminal liability for money laundering, establishing the FIAU, and designating gaming service operators as subject persons. |
| Related regime | [Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 373.01, Legal Notice 372 of 2017, as amended)](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/373.01/eng) | Mandates customer due diligence (CDD) at €2,000 cumulative deposit/wagering/withdrawal threshold, beneficial ownership verification, ongoing monitoring, and suspicious transaction reporting (STR) to the FIAU. |
| Related regime | [Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data (GDPR)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj) | Directly applicable EU data protection regulation governing player personal data processing, consent, and player rights, subject to statutory gaming/AML data retention exemptions under S.L. 583.12. |

### The procedure under the law

| Step | What the law says | Legal reference |
| --- | --- | --- |
| How to file | For a B2C remote gaming licence, all documentation required by the System Documentation Checklist, together with the SDC itself, must be submitted electronically through the MGA Licensee Portal (LRMS, https://portal.mga.org.mt). The applicant selects the application type 'Gaming Licence Application', the licence type 'B2C' and the relevant channel (remote, land-based or both). [6] [1] [7] | Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05), Regulation 9(1) (empowering the Authority to require applications to be made using prescribed forms published by the Authority); the electronic Licensee Portal itself (https://portal.mga.org.mt) is an administrative submission system maintained by the MGA. |
| Language | They only require a certified translation in English of an original gaming licence where applicable (passage 1). For player-facing terms and conditions, these must be in clear, legible and intelligible language and, at a minimum, in English and/or Maltese; where versions conflict, the version most beneficial to the player prevails (passages 0, 6, 7). [8] [9] | |
| What the application contains | The application must contain all documentation and information listed in the System Documentation Checklist (SDC), together with the SDC itself, plus the applicable Enclosure lists (including the Entity Declaration Form and Financial Management Form). Everything is submitted electronically through the MGA Licensee Portal, selecting application type 'Gaming Licence Application' and licence type 'B2C'. [1] [10] | Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05), Regulation 9(1) and First Schedule; Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018); System Documentation Checklist (SDC, MGA-F-001 v5) |
| Decision clock | After submission the MGA verifies payment and checks completeness; incomplete applications get 60 days for resubmission or are closed. Once accepted, the MGA may require further information or documents. No clock-stop, extension, or silence-remedy rules appear. Appeals against a decision must be filed within 20 days to the Administrative Review Tribunal under article 43 of the Gaming Act. [7] | |
| Fees set by law | Under the Gaming Licence Fees Regulations (S.L. 583.03, Legal Notice 409 of 2017, as amended), the application fee is a one-time, non-refundable €5,000. The fixed annual licence fee is €25,000 (B2C Types 1-3) or €10,000 where solely Type 4 is offered. Compliance contributions are calculated per game type, with minimum/maximum amounts (Type 4: €5,000, €500,000) and tiered rates. Renewal costs €5,000 every ten years. Gaming tax is 5% of gaming revenue from players physically present in Malta. [11] [1] [12] [13] [14] | Gaming Licence Fees Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 583.03, Legal Notice 409 of 2017, as amended by L.N. 203 of 2018 and L.N. 266 of 2019), Regulations 3, 5 and First & Fourth Schedules; Gaming Tax Regulations (S.L. 583.10) |
| Grounds for refusal | Grounds are listed in regulations 11 and 12 of the Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05). Under reg. 11: fees unpaid; applicant or relevant persons (qualifying interest of at least 10%, or lower) not fit and proper; games failing minimum fairness requirements; materially false or incomplete information; or the Authority not satisfied on sustainable financing, competence and resources, a viable compliant business model, or future compliance. Under reg. 12 it may also refuse where the offering is non-compliant or granting would risk Malta's reputation or the public interest. [15] | |
| Appeal | Yes. A person aggrieved by an MGA decision may appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal under the Gaming Act (Cap. 583). No appeal lies against fines up to EUR 2,000, reprimands or warnings, or refusals, suspensions or cancellations on national-interest or Malta-reputation grounds. [16] | Gaming Act (Cap. 583), Part IX, Section 43(1) read with the Administrative Justice Act (Cap. 490). Any person aggrieved by a decision of the MGA may lodge an appeal with the Administrative Review Tribunal within twenty (20) days of notification of the decision. Statutory exceptions under Section 43(1)(a)-(b): no appeal lies against decisions imposing administrative penalties under €2,000, warnings, or reprimands, or against decisions refusing, suspending, or revoking a licence on grounds of national interest or protection of the reputation of Malta. A further appeal on a point of law only lies to the Court of Appeal (Inferior Jurisdiction) within 20 days of the Tribunal's decision (Section 45(1)-(2)). An appeal does not automatically suspend an administrative penalty or regulatory order, but a cancelled licence is deemed suspended pending appeal (Section 43(2)). |
| Validity | A Maltese gaming licence is granted for a term of ten years, whether original or renewed, unless otherwise prescribed by the regulations. If the gaming service requires a Government concession of a shorter term, the licence is granted for that shorter term. No renewal occurs if it is contrary to public interest or public policy. [15] | |
| Change of control | A change of qualifying shareholding must be notified to the MGA within three working days, with full documentation submitted within 30 days via the LRMS. Changes below 10% do not require approval but must be notified within 30 days. The MGA issues no timescales for reviewing applications. Licence continuance after a change of corporate control is subject to MGA vetting and approval of new owners, directors and key function holders. [17] [5] | |
| Reapplying after a refusal | None of the governing texts held for this licence (Gaming Act; Gaming Act; Gaming Authorisations Regulations; Gaming Authorisations Regulations; Gaming Licence Fees Regulations; Gaming Licence Fees Regulations; Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations; Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations; Banking Act, Chapter 371 of the Laws of Malta; Company Service Providers Act; Company Service Providers Act; Investment Services Act; Investment Services Act; Directive 2006/123/EC (Services Directive); Prevention of Money Laundering Act (Cap. 373)) contains a provision on a waiting period before a new application after refusal or withdrawal. | |
| Serving other countries | Malta's online gaming licence is a point-of-supply licence: licensees may offer services cross-border provided they have a justifiable legal basis and keep complying with the Maltese regulatory framework. Separately, operators authorised in another EU/EEA or equivalent state must obtain a Maltese recognition notice, which has the same effect as an MGA authorisation (S.L. 583.05, reg. 22). [18] [15] | |

## How long it takes

### How long does getting a Malta B2C gaming licence really take?

Getting a Malta B2C licence takes about 7 to 12 months in total, with 12 to 16 weeks for desk review, per MGA licensing timeline analysis. MGA guidance sets the sequence: acceptance, application review, fit and proper, funding, business plan reviews, then technical/system audit. The Gaming Act (Cap. 583) and S.L. 583.05 set no statutory decision deadline. [30] [13] [15]

## What it costs

### What does a Malta B2C gaming licence cost in total, first year and ongoing?

The published fees are the €5,000 application fee set by the Fourth Schedule of the Gaming Licence Fees Regulations (S.L. 583.03), and a 12-month exemption from compliance contributions for qualifying startups under the MGA Guidance Note on Licence Fees. Real all-in first-year costs run to €130,000 to €250,000+, well above the official fees. [14] [12] [13]

_Regulatory costs from the official sources above. Professional fees, staff, office and audit come on top and depend on the business model._

## Approval odds and who can own it

### What are the real approval odds for a Malta B2C licence and why do applications fail?

In 2025 the MGA received 38 new licence applications, issued 19 licences, and recorded 11 applications rejected, withdrawn, or cancelled. In 2024 it received 28 applications, issued 17 licences, and recorded 20 rejected, withdrawn, or cancelled. Licences can also end after issue: the MGA cancelled Winzon Group Limited's (C-89900) B2C authorisation MGA/B2C/717/2019, effective 11 March 2026. [29] [31] [32]

### Who can own and run a Malta B2C gaming company?

The Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05) Reg. 10 and 11 establish EEA establishment eligibility and vetting of 10% qualifying shareholdings. MGA reporting rules require notification within three working days of any change in qualifying shareholding. FIAU Malta Remote Gaming Implementing Procedures govern UBO transparency, PEP screening, and source-of-wealth checks. [15] [5]

## After you get the licence

### What additional licences and regulatory regimes apply alongside a Malta B2C licence?

An MGA licence is not an EU passport: markets with their own regulators (e.g. Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, UK) require a separate local licence. Alongside the gaming licence, operators must comply with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (Cap. 373) and the PMLFTR (SL 373.01), with an FIAU-registered MLRO, and with the Data Protection Act (Cap. 586). Game integrity is ensured by independent testing facilities. [13] [17] [33]

### Will you get a bank account and payment processing with a Malta B2C licence?

Payment processing for gambling operators needs dedicated high-risk merchant accounts, because mainstream processors prohibit gambling (US state-licence focus). High-risk terms often require rolling reserves of 5% to 15% held around 180 days. S.L. 583.08 Part III requires player funds segregated at all times, though a common player funds account is allowed; a third party may hold them only if the MGA is satisfied they are safeguarded. [27] [28] [34]

### What does it take to keep a Malta B2C licence, and what upcoming changes apply?

Under Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05) Reg. 6, licences run for 10 years subject to ongoing compliance. The European Commission issued a Letter of Formal Notice on Gaming Act Article 56A (Bill 55) (MGA statement 18 June 2025). The first ESG Code reporting cycle covered 2023 data; second cycle results are due Dec 2025, third cycle enrolment June 2026, across two reporting tiers. [15] [18] [35]

Yes. You may appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal within 20 days (Gaming Act Cap. 583, s. 42 and s. 43(1)), subject to two carve-outs. A further appeal on points of law lies to the Court of Appeal (Inferior Jurisdiction) within 20 days (s. 45). The Administrative Justice Act (Cap. 490) governs procedural rules and the Tribunal's constitution. [16]

### Buying a company that already holds it

**Notification only.** Under Directive 3 of 2018 art. 37(2)(a) and MGA Guidance Note 'Changes in Direct or Indirect Shareholding' (Sept 2023), any acquisition or increase in a qualifying shareholding (10% or more of equity, voting rights, or control) must be notified to the MGA within 3 working days of the transaction, followed by a complete 'Corporate - Change in Approved Company Structure' filing via LRMS within 30 days accompanied by a EUR 1,500 fee. All new qualifying shareholders and UBOs undergo fit-and-proper scrutiny and source-of-funds verification. The MGA holds statutory authority under art. 37(2)(a) to order the licensee to revert to the status quo ante if fitness and propriety are prejudiced. Transfers of licences between distinct legal entities are prohibited except within the same corporate group with prior written approval under S.L. 583.05 reg. 17. [5]

Ready-made companies holding this licence: [see verified positions](https://protegra.io/companies/gaming-betting/).

## Gaming in other countries

| Country | Licence | Regulator | Min. capital | Application fee | Statutory time |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Curaçao](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/gaming/curacao-b2b/) | Supplier LicenceSupplier Licence (B2B platform/software licence) under the LOK | CGA |: | EUR 4,592 | ~1.8 mo |
| [Curaçao](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/gaming/curacao-b2c/) | Online Gaming Licence (B2C operating licence)Online Gaming Licence (B2C operating licence) under the LOK | CGA |: | EUR 4,592 | ~8.3 mo |
| [Malta](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/gaming/malta-b2b/) | Critical Gaming Supply LicenceCritical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B Game Providers and Back Office) | MGA |: | EUR 5,000 |: |
| Malta | Gaming Service Licence | MGA |: | EUR 5,000 |: |
| [Malta](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/gaming/malta-recognition-notice/) | Recognition Notice Certificate | MGA |: | EUR 5,000 |: |

Values come from each licence's page, where every figure has its source.

## Laws behind it

- [Gaming Act](https://protegra.io/licensing/laws/mt-gaming-act/): Cap. 583

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a Malta B2C gaming licence and do you actually need one?

A Malta B2C licence is the Gaming Service licence under the S.L. 583.05 First Schedule, covering licence Types 1-4.

### How much capital do you really need for a Malta B2C gaming licence?

Minimum share capital is calculated per Game Type. The MGA Capital Requirements Policy mandates continuous positive equity positions for all active licensees. Separately, high-risk payment processors typically withhold rolling reserves of 5% to 15%, held for around 180 days against chargebacks.

### How long does getting a Malta B2C gaming licence really take?

Getting a Malta B2C licence takes about 7 to 12 months in total, with 12 to 16 weeks for desk review, per MGA licensing timeline analysis.

### What does a Malta B2C gaming licence cost in total, first year and ongoing?

The published fees are the €5,000 application fee set by the Fourth Schedule of the Gaming Licence Fees Regulations (S.L. 583.03), and a 12-month exemption from compliance contributions for qualifying startups under the MGA Guidance Note on Licence Fees.

### What are the real approval odds for a Malta B2C licence and why do applications fail?

In 2025 the MGA received 38 new licence applications, issued 19 licences, and recorded 11 applications rejected, withdrawn, or cancelled.

### What does a Malta B2C gaming licence let you do, and where can you serve clients?

A Malta B2C licence does not give you EU-wide market access: gambling activities are expressly excluded from the EU Services Directive single-market passport (Directive 2006/123/EC Art. 2(2)(h)).

### Will you get a bank account and payment processing with a Malta B2C licence?

Payment processing for gambling operators needs dedicated high-risk merchant accounts, because mainstream processors prohibit gambling (US state-licence focus).

### Who do you have to hire for a Malta B2C gaming licence, and where must they be based?

Directive 3 of 2018 (Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive, v2, October 2021) consolidates 8 mandatory Key Functions for B2C licensees.

### Is a Malta B2C gaming licence right for your model, and when is Malta the wrong choice?

Indicative MGA costs for a Malta B2C licence are EUR 5,000 for the application and EUR 25,000 annually, with a realistic all-in cost of EUR 80,000+ including 5% tax, EUR 15,000-25,000 compliance contributions, and up to EUR 100,000 share capital.

### What does it take to keep a Malta B2C licence, and what upcoming changes apply?

Under Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05) Reg. 6, licences run for 10 years subject to ongoing compliance.

## Sources

1. [mga.org.mt: remote gaming services](https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/applications/b2c-licences/remote-gaming-services/): retrieved 2026-09-24
2. [Laws of Malta: 583](https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/583/eng): retrieved 2026-09-24
3. [Laws of Malta: 583.5](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.5/eng): retrieved 2026-09-24
4. [Laws of Malta: 583.3](https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/583.3/eng): retrieved 2026-09-24
5. [mga.org.mt: 3 day notification requirements](https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/compliance/licensees-information-reporting-requirements/3-day-notification-requirements/): retrieved 2026-09-24
6. [mga.org.mt: and Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05), reg. 9](https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/applications/b2c-licences/remote-gaming-services/ and Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S.L. 583.05), reg. 9(1)): retrieved 2026-10-01
7. [mga.org.mt: faqs](https://www.mga.org.mt/faqs/): retrieved 2026-10-01
8. [mga.org.mt: recognition notices](https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/applications/recognition-notices/): retrieved 2026-10-01
9. [mga.org.mt: Directive 2 of 2018 Player Protection Directive (PDF)](https://www.mga.org.mt/app/uploads/Directive-2-of-2018-Player-Protection-Directive.pdf): retrieved 2026-10-01
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Last verified 2026-10-01 · Author: Danil Marmysh · Reviewed by Anastasia Sidorenkova · © Protegra. Data: CC BY 4.0, cite "Protegra Licensing Atlas". Not legal advice.