Why Are Casinos Registered in Malta? Guide to MGA Casinos
Ever come across an online casino and spotted “licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority” in the small print? You’re not alone. Some casino sites used by people in the UK show this licence, even if they are not based here.
If you’re curious about how gaming licences work, it might help to know why Malta may appear.
In this guide, we explain why so many online casinos set up in Malta, how the MGA licence works, and what that means for UK players and safer gambling standards. Read on to learn more.
Why Do So Many Online Casinos Choose Malta?
Many online casinos choose Malta because the country put proper rules in place for internet gambling early on. Malta began regulating online gambling in 2001, giving operators a clear legal framework and a regulator that understands the sector. Over time, this created a hub of experienced providers, technical testing firms, and customer support teams, which makes it easier for new and established brands to run a compliant operation.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) sets out detailed requirements for fairness, data protection, financial stability, and customer support. Operators are audited and monitored, so the approval is not a one-off. This kind of structure appeals to companies that want consistent regulations, regular oversight, and access to a broad network of suppliers.
For anyone in the UK, there is one key point to remember. To accept customers in the UK, a site must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Some operators hold both licences, using the MGA for wider international markets and the UKGC for the UK.
If you do decide to give online casino games a go, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)?
The MGA is the government regulator responsible for gambling companies based in Malta. It licenses online casinos, sportsbooks, bingo sites, and other gaming businesses, and then supervises them through ongoing monitoring and reviews.
Its work covers several areas. It checks owners and senior managers are suitable to run a gambling business, requires proof of financial strength, and insists on technical testing of games and platforms. The MGA also sets out rules for handling personal data and payments and expects operators to deal with complaints in a fair and timely way. If a company falls short, the regulator can issue fines, suspend activities, or revoke a licence.
If a customer has an unresolved dispute with an MGA-licensed site, the regulator provides a channel for raising a complaint. That extra layer of oversight is a big part of why the MGA label appears so often across the industry.
How Does an MGA Casino Licence Work?
An MGA licence shows that a casino has been assessed against standards laid out in Maltese law. Before a licence is approved, owners are vetted, finances are reviewed, and detailed plans of how the business will operate are examined. The platform itself must be tested to confirm that game outcomes are generated randomly and that the systems cannot be manipulated.
Independent testing laboratories check the software, with results shared with the regulator. Operators must also demonstrate strong controls for preventing financial crime, including customer verification and transaction monitoring, and they need robust data protection measures. Once live, casinos report key metrics to the MGA and undergo periodic audits so the regulator can confirm those controls continue to work in practice.
Licence terms can influence a casino’s set-up. For example, a site might work with approved game studios that meet the MGA’s testing standards, or use payment services that support the regulator’s verification and security requirements. That is why game catalogues and payment options can vary between sites and markets.
What Makes MGA Casinos So Trusted?
MGA casinos earn trust through independent checks and clear accountability. Before launch, their platforms and games are examined by recognised testing bodies to confirm results are random and that advertised rules match how games actually function. After launch, audits continue, and the MGA can demand evidence at short notice if concerns arise.
There is also transparency. The MGA maintains a public register of active licences, and its enforcement actions are published, which helps players see whether a brand is in good standing. Operators must protect personal and payment data using industry-standard security and keep customer funds separate from operating cash so withdrawals are not affected by day-to-day expenses.
If complaints are not resolved by the operator, there are set processes for escalation, including the option to involve the regulator. Taken together, these measures give players a clearer view of how a casino is run and what happens if something goes wrong.
How Does the MGA Protect UK Players?
The MGA’s rules focus on fairness, security, and clear customer information. Sites licensed by the MGA must show how their games are tested, explain how they handle payments and data, and make policies easy to find. They also need visible tools for taking a break and straightforward ways to close an account if someone feels their gambling is becoming harmful.
Underage access is treated seriously, with checks to confirm identity and age. Marketing is expected to follow standards that prevent misleading claims and to avoid targeting children or vulnerable groups. If a dispute cannot be resolved with the casino, the MGA can step in to review the issue for sites it regulates.
For people in the UK, the UKGC is the primary authority. UK customers should use operators licensed by the UKGC, sometimes alongside the MGA. In practice, that means UK players benefit from the UK’s protections while also seeing the broader technical and operational standards that come with a Malta licence.
Key Requirements Every MGA Casino Must Meet
Player Safety and Fair Play Rules
Casinos licensed by the MGA must prove that games use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) so outcomes cannot be predicted or altered. Independent specialists test and re-test these systems, and Return To Player (RTP) information must match how the games work in reality.
Onboarding and payments must include identity and age checks, plus monitoring to detect and report suspicious activity. The MGA also expects operators to oversee their game and payment providers, not just their own in-house systems.
Responsible Gambling Measures
MGA-licensed sites must provide practical tools that help customers to manage their play in line with their preferences and budget. These include deposit limits, time reminders, timeouts, and self-exclusion options that are easy to find and simple to use.
Staff are trained to identify signs of harm and to follow internal policies when concerns arise, such as contacting a customer or applying restrictions. The regulator reviews these policies and can ask for evidence that they are being followed. Clear signposting to support services is required, and communications with customers should encourage sensible play without misleading claims.
How Do MGA Casinos Compare to UKGC Casinos?
MGA and UKGC licences share the same goal of protecting players, but they apply in different ways. The MGA regulates companies based in Malta and sets broad standards for many international markets. The UKGC regulates gambling in the UK and sets rules tailored to the UK, which all legal UK-facing sites must follow.
For UK users, a UKGC licence is essential. It brings market-specific safeguards such as compulsory participation in schemes like Gamstop, strict verification before gambling is allowed, and rules on how funds are held and withdrawn. The UK also bans credit card gambling, which shapes the payment methods available on UK sites.
MGA-licensed casinos follow robust fairness and security standards, but their exact features can differ by country. Some game titles, promotions, or payment options may vary because each regulator and market has its own requirements. If a site holds both licences, it will apply the UK rules to UK customers and the MGA framework where relevant elsewhere.
In short, Malta’s system helps operators run a compliant business across borders, while the UKGC sets the rules for gambling in the UK. Understanding how the two approaches fit together could make it easier to choose a site that is legal for you and meets the standards you expect from an online casino. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.