Malta has become a gambling paradise in the last few decades. Many major gaming companies consider it to be the perfect location due to affordable taxation laws. However, the true reason Malta provides the ideal operating environment is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license.
The MGA gaming license meets all the standards of a high-end online gambling license, and it’s sanctioned by the EU. Thus, you’ll be able to find many online casinos who were lucky and competent enough to obtain this popular license. There are many reasons why online casinos are gravitating towards Malta and its gaming license, but it’s not the only option for offshore sites. Many instant withdrawal casinos choose to obtain their licences from Curacao for similar benefits as those we will discuss below. These sites often have to head offshore for their licence, as they primarily use crypto to give players faster access to their winnings. Crypto-based gambling sites usually struggle to apply for licences in the US and UK, for example, and so have to turn to places like Malta and Curacao instead.
It’s a symbol of player trust
Unless this is your first rodeo, you already know that the Malta Gaming Authority is the ‘gold standard’ of casino regulation. Even the best online casinos that hold this license are regularly inspected to ensure that player safety procedures are being respected. Therefore, players know that they have every chance to enjoy their favorite games in a safe way.
But the Authority doesn’t stop there; they go one step further to ensure all online games are examined by licensed testing organizations. This way, they give access to fair games that fully rely on a Random Number Generator, so players don’t have to worry about rigged slots and table games.
That being said, it’s common knowledge that Malta’s gambling license is among the most difficult ones to obtain. Online operators have to comply with strict rules if they want to operate under MGA. Thus, players have the security of knowing they are putting their trust and money into one of the best casinos on the market.
It stays on top of trends
Even though the MGA license is one of the most coveted online gambling licenses in the world, they don’t let that stop them from constantly evolving and improving. This regulatory body is always willing to adapt its gaming legislation to future trends, and the finest example of that came in 2018.
Malta Gaming Authority was quick to notice new and emerging trends in online gambling, such as the introduction of virtual currency. They had no problems revising their gaming regime and introducing a new set of online gambling laws that would cater to crypto players. Therefore, players who gamble in MGA-licensed venues can gamble by using various cryptocurrencies—such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and others—if they choose to do so.
The 2018 changes went beyond crypto gambling, as they aimed to simplify the licensing process and ensure a higher level of protection for players and operators. The MGA changed the licensing procedure so that it includes only two types of licenses – B2B and B2C.
The validity period for licenses has also been changed; thus, online casinos have to renew their license every ten years, instead of five. Moreover, a different fee structure has been introduced, and it now includes a cap on the variable license fee.
Malta is a jurisdiction of choice for iGaming operators
Low gaming fees and taxes are great, but they are not the only reason why casino operators choose to go for a Malta gambling license. iGaming operators can enjoy a host of other benefits after choosing Malta, such as a low corporate income rate. If certain criteria and individual circumstances are met, businesses can enjoy a corporate income rate of 5%.
When it comes to revenue that’s derived from licensable gambling services, gambling operators get to benefit from a rate of 5% of the Gross Gaming Revenue. They are also expected to pay taxes on revenue from Maltese customers only, which is a huge benefit.
Finally, Malta has a stable economy, so business operators don’t have to worry about any major economic and political disasters. Since the country is so popular when it comes to gambling, it has a huge workforce that brings years of experience to the table. All newly-registered casinos should have a fairly easy time finding the right professionals for vacant job positions.
The bottom line
All future gambling operators who want to obtain a license from the Malta Gaming Authority might feel like they have to jump through hoops to get it. But holders of a Maltese license get to enjoy quite a few perks, such as its onshore status in Europe. It allows all operators who are Malta-registered to advertise across the EU, opening up a huge pool of potential website visitors.
The Malta Gaming Authority is also fully compliant with EU legislation, and it abides by strict anti-laundering laws. By choosing MGA-licensed casinos, players know their rights will be respected and their privacy intact. Since having this license is seen as a vote of confidence on a global scale, casino operators know they won’t have to work that hard to leave a good first impression – the license does a good enough job on its own.
