Nevertheless, the MGA is still one of the best online-gaming jurisdictions. It vets applicants more closely than the average regulatory body and takes action against licensees if necessary. Due to the size and scope of Malta’s jurisdiction, many internet casinos seek licensing here. This guide covers more on MGA online casinos and considers their trustworthiness.
By 2017, the online gambling sector generated over 12% of Malta’s GDP, according to a KPMG report, with 270 gaming operators under its jurisdiction. E-wallets are a popular option with those players who value privacy, and Malta-licensed casinos accept all the favourites including Skrill, NETELLER, and PayPal. Below are the most commonly supported payment methods found at online casinos licensed by the MGA. It also carries a reputation for being one of the industry’s most respected gaming jurisdictions.Furthermore, operators can serve a wide range of countries with a Malta license. This is in contrast to licenses from Denmark of Belgium, for instance, which only cover single nations.
You can play at the average MGA internet casino with a high level of confidence. This licensing jurisdiction features multiple channels for resolving player-operator disputes and can rely on the Malta Police Force when necessary. McArthur noted that the UKGC took the majority of its disciplinary actions against Malta-based operators—some of whom also hold UK licenses. He noted that these operators did a poor job with anti-money laundering measures and social responsibility. However, it can’t force gambling sites to return bets that players have lost.
Operators can now choose from a list of approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. Players who experience issues can either complain directly to the MGA or choose one of the gambling site’s preferred ADRs. What is more, for about a decade now MGA qualifies as a UK-approved regulator compatible with the high standards of UKGC. This major victory opened doors to many brand partnerships that led to the expansion of both British and Maltese gaming markets. Among others, it was the first European Union member to regulate online gambling, first under the Public Lotto Ordinance, and later through the Lotteries and Gaming Authority.
Other duties include issuing iGaming licenses, ensuring operators are conforming to the rules and penalising those that do not. KeyToCasinos is an independent database not related to and not sponsored by any gambling authority or service. Any data, information, or links to the third parties on this website are for educational purposes only. The inclusion of a link to an external website should not be seen as an endorsement of that website.
However, other countries are now starting to catch up and, while the island remains the biggest iGaming hub, many markets are regulated by their own local licences. How has this affected the popularity of the Maltese gambling authority? MGA casinos are required to uphold any and all regulations related to remote and land-based gambling within the Maltese Islands. These rules are guided by the principle of safety for players and responsible gambling, with casinos expected to actively intervene and implement limits when a player’s activity points towards addiction. As other countries dragged their feet in this regard, casinos licensed by the MGA offered the safest sites for players who wanted to play real-money games with complete peace of mind.
This aspect provides an extra incentive for licensees to avoid cheating players. However, the MGA can work to settle disputes between gamblers and online casinos over deposits and winnings. It has worked closely with the EU to ensure fair gaming ever since. As a result, MGA online casinos can be confident when serving relevant EU nations. For example, casinos should give players the option to self-limit or even self-exclude themselves from the market.
Rest assured, the regulator has a series of aims, objectives and activities to ensure operators always play by the rules. For themed gaming, explore the lobby of All Slots – one of several brands sticking to a mono-services. At All British, only UK players are accepted, and the list goes on. They may not be MGA-licensed on their own, as it is with Stormcraft, Just For The Win and Fortune Factory, but they have exclusive content contracts with Microgaming as their distributor. Among headliners is all the Swedish-based squad, including Net Entertainment, Quickspin, 1×2 Gaming and ELK Studios. These are all known for their extensive collections of award-winning classic, video and instant slots.
It opened the doors to its virtual lobby back in 2011, and this is a case of multiple licensing – from MGA, UKGC and the jurisdictions of Curacao and Spain. In addition to hundreds of games, registered players can also explore Sportsbook and poker software. Among benefits of this website are multiple language adaptations and currencies, as well as low non-payment risks and fast withdrawals. When picking MGA-licensed operators, rest assured that you will be supplied with some of the best software in the industry. Just as top online operators are guarding their reputations, it is also a matter of prestige for content suppliers to finally be accredited for Maltese licensing. Finally, this page contains links to only certified websites with experience and feedback from the real players, and each link leads to a standalone detailed review.
If you are looking for multi-betting platforms with lottery, explore services of EuroLotto Online. Ironically, despite it being home to less than 500,000 inhabitants, it is at the same time one of the most important gambling hubs in the world. The MGA classifies the games it covers into four categories—although some games may contain elements of more than one—and govern them accordingly. It’s important to note that the license may also be subject to directives during the license term.
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. The range of countries accepted to MGA-licensed operators is quite big.
Apart from the non-refundable application fee that costs €5,000, the MGA license holders are required to pay registration, taxes, and annual fees to keep it. If you feel badly treated by an MGA gaming authority casino then you shouldn’t suffer in silence. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to submit a complaint via an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) service or via our complaint resolution center. In cases where neither of these actions are successful and you still want to pursue action, you can submit a complaint to the Authority directly and they will decide whether to take action on your behalf. Signing up for your chosen casino is a simple process – as long as you provide the documentation required.
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. More than 300 online operators provide services in accordance with the licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, established more than two decades ago.
A land-based venue must be located at least 75 meters away from schools and places of worship such as churches, and 50 meters from other gambling venues. While the above-mentioned is valid for all MGA casinos, one thing that differs based on the nature of the entity are the restrictions established by the license. Once the license is obtained, then there are operational requirements they must meet, such as having each game approved by the MGA and strictly forbidding underage gambling.
If you are looking for casinos accepting Swedish players, Norwegian or Finnish gamblers, head to NordicBet. Founded in 2002 and Malta-licensed, it targets Scandinavia, but also has a version in English. Ratings online for this gambling destination are very high, and responses from the registered regulars are positive.
