Malta Online Casino License: What iGaming Software Operators Need to Know in 2025

In 2025, the online gambling market is showing steady growth, accompanied by increasing regulatory pressure. Entrepreneurs looking to launch their own online casino face a strategically important question: where and under what conditions should they obtain a license?

The choice of jurisdiction impacts everything for your casino platform:

• the ability to work with payment systems and banks,

• reputation among players and affiliates,

• the potential to access regulated markets in the EU and the UK,

• the cost of business operations and legal compliance burden.

Amid dozens of offshore and semi-legal options, the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) license remains one of the few that combine trust, access to payments, and legal status for online casino software and white label casino projects targeting the European market. However, it is far from a one-size-fits-all solution. The license demands a high level of compliance, transparency, and financial capacity.

This material is designed for entrepreneurs planning to launch an iGaming project and seeking to:

• understand how the Maltese license truly differs from alternatives,

• assess costs and regulatory requirements,

• make an informed decision—whether to go through MGA or choose another market entry strategy.

Advantages of an MGA License for Launching an Online Casino

For an operator entering the iGaming market in 2025, the choice of license directly affects strategic and financial capabilities. The MGA license provides not only legal status but also a number of competitive advantages that influence profitability, stability, and scalability.

Access to Payment Systems for MGA-licensed casino platforms and gambling software providers

One of the main barriers for unlicensed platforms is the inability to connect with reliable payment gateways.

The MGA license opens access to SEPA transfers and EU acquiring, e-wallets, open banking solutions, and crypto acquiring through licensed providers (subject to additional regulatory approval).

This reduces reliance on intermediaries, lowers costs, and builds player trust—especially in Europe and Scandinavia.

Legal Access to the European Audience

An online casino holding a Maltese license can legally operate in the European Economic Area (EEA), including Germany, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Poland, and others.

This allows for:

• launching localized marketing campaigns,

• cooperating with European CPA and Revenue Share partners,

• running legally compliant Google Ads campaigns (in countries where allowed).

Higher Conversion and Player Trust

In contrast to the “grey” market dominated by offshore casinos without real regulation, holding an MGA license directly influences user behavior: higher first-time deposit (FTD) rates, higher average spend, and improved retention rate and LTV.

A player seeing the MGA logo in a website footer knows their data is protected, payouts are regulated, and games are tested in independent labs.

Scalability and Investment Potential

A business with an MGA license:

• is easier to structure legally,

• has a transparent valuation for investors,

• suits white-label models and franchise systems.

How Much Does an MGA License Cost and What Are the Requirements for Online Casino Owners?

One of the biggest misconceptions among new iGaming entrepreneurs is underestimating the complexity and cost of obtaining an MGA license. It’s not a mere formality—it’s a legal process involving audits, due diligence, infrastructure obligations, and ongoing supervision.

Launching an online casino software solution under the MGA license requires time, financial investment, and legal effort. The result, however, is a solid foundation for a scalable and fully compliant gambling business.

Key Costs for Obtaining an MGA License

Total startup budget for launching an MGA-licensed casino: €120,000–€200,000, excluding marketing and traffic expenses.

Core Requirements for Online Casino Owners in Malta

To apply for an MGA license, you must meet a set of mandatory conditions:

1. Local Legal Entity Registered in Malta

A company must be incorporated in Malta, with a physical address and a resident director.

2. Complete Documentation Package

• Detailed business plan with a 3–5 year financial model,

• AML/KYC policy, payment processing scheme, responsible gaming policy,

• Platform architecture (gaming system, data handling, backups).

3. Due Diligence for Key Persons

All decision-makers (Beneficial Owner, CEO, CFO, CTO) must pass due diligence checks:

• No criminal records,

• Proof of qualifications,

• Source of funds verification.

4. Technical Infrastructure Implementation

The platform must be able to:

• record all gaming transactions,

• secure user data,

• store logs for 5 years,

• integrate with MGA’s monitoring system.

5. Certification Process

All games must be tested in accredited labs (GLI, iTech Labs).

Random Number Generators (RNG) are subject to mandatory audits.

Timeline for Obtaining an MGA License

Note: If you use a white-label solution, some infrastructure obligations can be fulfilled by the provider. However, you must still go through all legal steps—MGA does not issue “rental” licenses.

Risks and Challenges for MGA-Licensed Online Casino Owners

Despite its high reputation and strategic benefits, the MGA path comes with operational, legal, and financial challenges. Entrepreneurs must understand that MGA is not a “technical pass,” but a full-fledged regulator with strict compliance standards and associated costs.

1. High Entry and Maintenance Costs

Setting up under MGA requires €120,000–€200,000 in investment before launching marketing.

Ongoing annual costs include: license renewal, audits, and maintaining a compliance/legal team.

Conclusion: MGA is financially viable only with a strategic LTV/ROI model over 12–18 months.

2. Complex Compliance and Bureaucracy

Any change in company structure, platform, payment system, or bonus policy must be approved by MGA.

Regular submissions include:

• Financial reports,

• Game session logs,

• AML transaction reports,

• Platform security audits.

Conclusion: A full-time compliance officer (MLRO or similar) is mandatory—not a part-time role.

3. Technical Infrastructure Requirements

Hosting must be in an MGA-approved certified data center.

Servers must:

• store logs for 5 years,

• encrypt personal and payment data,

• have backup and DDoS protection systems.

4. Lengthy Approval and Review Periods

MGA audits both the company and key individuals, down to the source of capital.

The process may take up to 6 months, requiring:

• additional documentation,

• interviews,

• technical revisions.

Conclusion: This is not a “30-day launch” license. Projects must be planned at least 6 months ahead.

5. Strict Penalties for Violations

Violations of KYC/AML, late reports, or delayed payouts may lead to license suspension, revocation, or fines up to €100,000.

6. Marketing Restrictions

Marketing must comply with:

• European gambling advertising laws,

• GDPR and ePrivacy,

• Transparent bonus requirements (no “fine print” or misleading offers).

Conclusion: Focus on quality traffic over aggressive bonus funnels.

Is It Worth Launching a Casino Under MGA License in 2025?

For any white label casino or casino platform, the MGA license remains one of the most respected regulatory approvals in the iGaming industry. However, this license is not just a legal document—it defines your strategic direction, regulatory obligations, and target markets. In 2025, licensing in Malta is less about trend and more about aligning with a long-term business model.

Who Should Launch Under MGA

• International B2C casinos targeting the EU, Canada, Japan, and Latin America;

• Projects with a 12–24 month ROI model;

• Owners willing to maintain transparent corporate structures, disclose funds, and embrace regulatory oversight;

• Startups with teams or partners experienced in licensing and compliance;

• Investors aiming to create legally sound, scalable, and monetizable assets.

Who Should Avoid MGA in 2025

• Those looking for a “quick and cheap” launch with minimal infrastructure;

• Operators targeting jurisdictions where MGA is not recognized (e.g., Poland, France, some U.S. states);

• Projects with flexible or offshore ownership structures (nominees, trusts);

• Teams lacking experience in payments, legal, and cybersecurity;

• Projects relying on aggressive promotions that breach advertising or bonus transparency rules.

Conclusion

An MGA license is a tool for mature projects where legality, trust, and transparency matter—to partners, banks, payment providers, and players. In 2025, launching under Malta’s license is justified if:

• You have a clear strategy and can sustain operations for 12–18 months;

• You aim for regulated markets and brand value;

• Your priority is sustainability, scalability, and legitimacy—not quick turnover.

If this doesn’t align with your current strategy, it may be wiser to start with an alternative jurisdiction and migrate to MGA as your business grows.