If you would like to start a company in the gaming sector of Malta, this article is for you. Information about the business license for a casino opening, regulations, and compliance is found in the lines below, mentioning that you can start a collaboration with our Maltese specialists in company formation, who can cover all the formalities.
Table of Contents
Can foreign investors set up casinos in Malta?
Yes, by opening a company first and getting the casino license required in Malta.
Which Maltese authority regulates the gaming sector?
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
What types of gaming licenses can be obtained in Malta?
- B2C – Business to Consumer, which serves players and is obtained by operators in Malta,
- B2B – Business to Business, which must be obtained by gaming suppliers and software providers.
NOTE! A B2C license is divided into various gaming types and can be solicited if you want to open a casino in Malta, offer betting games, bingo, etc.
What are the fees for B2C licenses in Malta in 2026?
- EUR 5,000 as a non-refundable application fee,
- EUR 25,000 as a standard annual fee.
What are the steps for getting a gaming license in Malta in 2026?
- set up a company in Malta, preferably a limited liability company,
- pay the minimum share capital according to the type of games, for instance, EUR 100,000 for a casino in Malta,
- pass the criminal background checks,
- provide the source of funds,
- appoint qualified personnel in key positions (compliance officer, data protection officer, etc.),
- present the business plan to the MGA in Malta, and don’t forget to add information about the company policies, financial forecast, procedures, etc.,
- pay the application fee, etc.
IMPORTANT! There is a 60-day technical window provided by MGA for technical system review. For this, one should appoint an MGA authorized auditor who must verify the payment integrations, security systems, certifications, etc.
What due diligence checks are done by the MGA for a gaming company?
Investigations are done for:
- company shareholders,
- key staff,
- Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO),
- directors,
- source of funds, etc.
NOTE! Those wanting to open a casino in Malta will have to prove integrity, financial stability, qualification to operate such a business, etc.
You can also watch the video below on how to register a casino in Malta:
What are the mandatory AML requirements for opening a casino in Malta?
- customer due diligence,
- implementation of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering policies,
- transaction monitoring and many more.
OBSERVATION! If there is a suspicious activity report or the policies & procedures are not properly implemented, the company can be drastically fined, and the operations cancelled.
What is the taxation of a gaming company in Malta?
- 35% corporate income tax rate – casino owners can claim a 6/7ths tax refund from the Malta Tax and Customs Administration,
- 15% corporate income tax rate under certain conditions and with no tax credits or refunds.
What is the time frame to get a gaming license from the MGA in Malta?
A few months, depending on the complexity, document preparation, and other relevant matters.
NOTE! It is recommended to hire a specialist in the field to take care of the incorporation procedures of a company in Malta before starting a casino here.
We invite international clients to choose our company formation agents in Malta for legal assistance in opening a casino here. We can be contacted by phone or online at any time.