All jurisdictions
MGA · Tier 1
Malta
The default tier-one license for European-facing operators. Long history, well-understood compliance bar, EU passport for cross-border activity.
At a Glance
- Setup
- from approx. €55k
- Annual
- from approx. €25k
- Timeline
- 4–6 months (typical)
- Tax
- 5% gaming tax (Class B1)
- Markets
- EU + EEA passporting; selective rest-of-world
- Tier
- 1
UNVERIFIED — figures for guidance only. As of 10 June 2026. Verify with the regulator before making licensing decisions.
What works here
Opportunities
- +EU market access via service-provider model
- +Established banking relationships across the EU
- +Recognised by major payment partners and game studios
- +Predictable regulator timelines once filings are complete
What to watch
Watch-outs
- !Substance and key-personnel requirements taken seriously
- !Recent FATF and FIAU audit cycles tighten AML expectations
- !Capital and reserve requirements scale with class
Permitted Verticals
CasinoSportsbookPokerBingoLottery