What gaming services can be licensed in Malta?
Malta offers a comprehensive licensing framework that allows for a wide range of gaming services to be legally operated within its jurisdiction. These services include online casinos, sports betting[1], esports, poker, lotteries, and daily fantasy sports, among others. The Malta Gaming Authority categorizes these services under different license types[2], each tailored to specific gaming activities.
Key Facts
- License categories cover online casinos, sports betting, poker, and lotteries.
- Esports and daily fantasy sports are also eligible for licensing.
- The Malta Gaming Authority provides tailored licenses for specific gaming activities.
Malta, through the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), offers licensing for a wide range of gaming services, making it a leading jurisdiction for online gaming operations. The MGA's licensing framework is designed to encompass various forms of gaming activities, ensuring a regulated and secure environment for operators and players alike.The types of gaming services that can be licensed in Malta include:
Online Casino Games
This category covers a broad spectrum of games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and other table games, as well as live dealer games. Operators can offer these games to players under a B2C license issued by the MGA.
Sports Betting
Operators can provide betting services on various sports events across the world. This includes traditional sports betting, live betting, and virtual sports betting, all regulated under a specific sports betting license.
Poker and Card Games
Online poker rooms and platforms offering card games like poker, baccarat, and others can be licensed in Malta. This allows for both cash games and tournament play.
Lottery and Bingo
The MGA licenses operators to offer lottery-style games and bingo online. This includes traditional lottery games, instant lotteries, and various forms of bingo.
Skill Games
Games that are based on skill rather than chance, including certain types of fantasy sports and eSports, can also be licensed in Malta, provided they meet the MGA’s criteria for skill-based gaming.
P2P and Betting Exchange
Peer-to-peer gaming platforms and betting exchanges, where players bet against each other rather than the house, can obtain licenses to operate legally under the Maltese regulatory framework[5].
Conclusion
The comprehensive licensing options available in Malta cater to a diverse range of online gaming activities. The MGA’s regulatory oversight[6] ensures that all licensed gaming services operate to the highest standards of fairness, security, and responsible gaming, making Malta an attractive location for gaming operators.
- Betting — The act of wagering money on the outcome of events, such as sports matches or horse races.
- License Types — The categories of licenses available for different gambling activities, such as online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries.
- Casino Games — Games of chance played in casinos, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker.
- Exchange — A platform where individuals can buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies for other digital currency or traditional currency.
- Regulatory Framework — A set of regulations and guidelines established by authorities that govern the operation of financial markets and instruments.
- Regulatory Oversight — The supervision by authorities to ensure that market participants comply with legal and ethical standards.
- Malta Gaming Authority. 'Types of Licenses.'
- GamingMalta. 'Esports in Malta.'