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The MGA Casino License – Complete Guide 2024
Malta Gaming Authority is the #1 license choice for many European players. MGA Casinos offer unlimited bonuses, fast payments, and tax-free winnings – without game restrictions or safety concerns. Let us help you find the best new MGA casino with our guide!
List of the Best MGA Casinos 2024
Table of Contents
Malta is the home for almost all the big casino brands we have online. Today, there are 1000+ casino sites to choose from. So, what makes for the best MGA Casinos? This is a very tough question, as the answer is very individual depending on what you value the most as a player.
Is it for example big and favourable bonuses? Fast withdrawals at no cost? A huge section of games? The top MGA Casinos have all these things, and that’s what makes them the best. They apply to a very wide audience of players and it shows that they’re willing to listen to their players.
In the list above, you can find some of the best MGA Casinos on the market right now. We update the list every week with the latest top offers. We are quite picky so not every new MGA casino will make the list. Quality is more important than quantity!
MGA Casino 2024 – Classic Table to Compare Operators
This table include all the most important information about an MGA casino for those looking for a new site to join. It helps you compare different MGA casinos since it shows what you get as first deposit bonus, which payment methods you can use and also if the operator offers any type of cashback or rakeback. The last column tells you if sports betting is provided too, or just casino gaming. We hope this table helps in your hunt for new MGA casino 2024!
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | Cashback | Payment Methods | Sports Betting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slotshammer (NEW!) | 150% up to 150€ (Slotsoo only) | 10% cashback on weekends | Astropay, Jeton, Flexepin, Mifinity, Jeton Cash, Cashlib, Bank Transfer | Yes |
| Nords Casino | 150% up to 150€ (Slotsoo only) | 10% cashback on selected days | Astropay, Cashlib, Jeton, Neosurf | Yes |
| Arctic Casino | 10 super spins | 10% cashback & 30% rakeback | Visa, Mastercard, Astropay, Cashblib, Jeton, Mifinity | No |
| Casino Universe | 125% up to 250€ | 10% cashback (20% for VIPs) | Visa, Mastercard, Mifinity | No |
| Winzie | Up to 1000 free spins | No | Krofort Instant Banking, Revolut, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Play | Yes |
| Betnflix | 150% up to 150€ (Slotsoo only) | 10% cashback on selected days | Astropay, Cashlib, Jeton, Neosurf | Yes |
| Ultra Casino | 100% up to 200€ + 20 Free Spins | No | Visa, Mastercard, Astropay, Jeton, Mifinity | No |
| iBet | 100% up to 50€ + 50 Free Spins | 2% rakeback & 5% cashback | Visa, Mastercard, Flykk, Astropay, Mifinity, Neosurf | Yes |
Introduction to Malta Gaming Authority
Malta Gaming Authority was one of the first gaming authorities to start offering international licenses for online casino businesses. They were formerly named Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) but changed the name in 2015.
Today, MGA is one of the biggest and most widely respected licenses. Those interested in the license need to meet many strict requirements to prove that they are serious and have the money required. In this way, MGA can guarantee the safety of the casino.
Malta offers four different license types for operators:
- Casino games, slots, lotteries, and virtual sports.
- Betting on sports and other events.
- Commission-based games like poker and betting exchange.
- Other skill-based games
The annual license fee is 25 000€ and the casinos also must pay a compliance contribution. Now, it should be noted that any casino that obtains an MGA license is a casino you can initially trust. If they were to break any of the rules they would get a warning followed by a suspended license. This gives us some extra safety when playing online.
MGA Statistics, Annual Report and Fact Sheets
When Malta Gaming Authority got it’s new look in 2023 they also changed a lot on their website and some documents just disappeared. Here we list the most important documents and old files that we want to preserve. These statistics and reports help you learn more about MGA casinos.
- MGA Numbers Statistics from Annual Report We deleted all the pages with corporate mumbo jumbo and only saved the pages with interesting statistics from the online gaming industry. Did you know that MGA issued 133 licenses in 2022?
- MGA Fact Sheets compressed The facts sheets have all you need to know about Malta Gaming Authority and also how to open a new MGA casino (if you want to go from player to business). Save it on your phone so you can read it when you don’t have internet.
MGA Casino Sites: The Main Benefits
EU players can enjoy many advantages at a casino with Malta license:
- Multiple deposit bonuses and cashback
- Loyalty free spins and VIP rewards
- Participate in competitions and tournaments
- Instant deposits and withdrawals without fees
- Automatic verification via your online bank
- Casino games from all the popular providers
- Play slots quickly without interruption
- A full selection of live dealer game shows
- Receive help from MGA in case of disputes
Since the casinos operate from Malta, they follow the island’s rules and conditions about how things should be run. MGA online casinos can for example offer how many bonuses they want, and they don’t have any rules about delays between spins when playing slots. They can also offer all the different types of casino games available in 2024.
This has made it an attractive choice for European players living in countries where the local license (or monopoly casino) has a lot of strict rules. Just take a look at the search data in Google, with queries such as “uudet MGA kasinot“, “online casino mit mga lizenz” and “MGA casino without Swedish license” becoming more popular.
But it is not just about more bonuses and less restrictions. Casino sites licensed by Malta also offer a high level of safety. If a site is acting shady and refuse to pay out your winnings for example, you know that the gaming authority will have your back.
Frequently Asked Questions - Casinos with MGA License
What is a MGA Casino?
A MGA Casino is a casino that has been licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority. This is one of the safest and best licenses in the world, and many of the top international casinos use this license.
How many Malta casino sites exist in total?
Today the MGA Licensee Register holds more than 1100 domains. Many sites are owned by the same company and thus sharing license. You are allowed to take part in a welcome bonus on each site.
Where can I find the Best MGA Casinos 2024?
You can find some of the best MGA Casinos here at Slotsoo. We regularly update our list of recommended casino sites with the hottest options on the market right now.
Which New MGA Casinos 2024 can You Recommend?
Every new mga casino in 2024 that meets our quality requirements will be added to the new MGA casinos section in this guide. Check it out to see our recommendations.
What countries can play on MGA licensed casinos?
It is unfortunately impossible to answer that question. This is up to each casino to decide. You can usually find all the excluded countries in the terms and conditions of the casino that you’re trying to play at. Another way to find out is simply to try and register and see if your country is available in the list.
What documents do you need to play on MGA Casinos?
Usually proof of ID, address and payment is enough to complete the KYC verification. In 2024, many sites offer the option to verify your account automatically via your internet bank. Read more details in our guide.
How can I make a complaint about an MGA online casino?
If you have a problem that cannot be solved with the casino company, you can lodge a complaint with Malta Gaming Authority to get help. We talk about it more in detail here.
Bonuses for Everyone
At MGA Casinos we find more forms of Casino Bonuses than anywhere else in the world:
- Bonus without deposit
- Welcome package
- Reload bonuses
- No wager free spins
- Weekly promotions
- Mystery bonuses
- VIP & loyalty rewards
- Cashback on losses
One of the best things about MGA Casinos is their laws and regulations when it comes to bonuses. Here you’ll find no restrictions, and every bonus form is allowed. This means that you’ll find awesome Loyalty programs, free spins rewards, and mystery bonuses.
Casinos have freedom to reward their players in creative ways, and it easier it easier for them to stick out among the crowd. Those who really enjoy playing with bonuses make a good choice to search for MGA Casinos.
New MGA Casinos Worth Trying
Many casino sites are released in Malta every week, but not all of them are worth the attention. Some of them don’t last longer than a couple of months before they have to shut down due to low interest from players. Here we have handpicked every good new MGA casino from 2023 or 2024:
Slotshammer
This new MGA casino 2024 was launched in mid-January and offers more than 2700+ slots. You can deposit using Astropay, Mifinity, Jeton, Cashlib or regular bank transfer. Slotshammer likes to have many irons in the fire because here players can enjoy some promotion every day of the week (free spins, cashback, reloads, sports bonuses etc). And when you join the casino via Slotsoo you unlock a boosted 150% welcome bonus! (you will see this bonus option after you register when you go to deposit. The website and welcome email only show the standard offer)
Nords Casino
Nords is one of the newest MGA casino featured on Slotsoo. It was launched in November 2023 and is heavily inspired by the Nordics, with images showing northern lights and vikings. Lot of extra fun is offered in the form of slots tournaments and daily promotions. Nords Casino offers many modern payment methods, so there is no need for squirrel skins. Follow the link below and take part in our exclusive 150% first deposit bonus!
Lucky Jungle
This new MGA licensed casino was launched in August 2023 and offers instant bank payments. Of course, you can play Gonzo’s Quest, Book of Dead and other jungle adventure themed slots at Lucky Jungle. After the initial welcome bonus, newcomers can enjoy extra free spins on their next five deposits.
Winzie
MGA-licensed Infiniza Limited seems to have an infinite amount of casino ideas up their sleeve. Every month the company release a new site just in time for payday. Winzie was launched in July 2023 and works the same as the rest sites – with quick bank payments and games from all the top providers- just the look is different. We don’t complain though, cause a new site means you can take part in another welcome bonus package!
Arctic Casino
Brace yourself, winter is coming – with many new MGA casino sites. Arctic Casino was launched in summer 2023 and wants to be the new home for players in the North. Here, you get rewarded no matter if you win or lose, thanks to generous rakeback and cashback offers. Oh, did we already mention you get super spins after you make your first deposit?
Why Choose a New MGA Casino?
There are many reasons to choose a new MGA casino, but the main reason is to take part of a new welcome bonus. It’s hard to beat the value of this welcome offer. New customers at MGA casinos normally receive between 100%-200% as a first deposit bonus, while reload bonuses for existing customers rarely exceed 50%.
We are always excited when we get the news that a new mga casino will be released. Not just because of the bonus, but also to see if they offer something truly innovative that has never been seen in the industry before. Most often it’s just a new skin of an existing MGA casino, but sometimes we are positively surprised.
Old MGA Licensed Casinos that We Still Recommend
Finding new mga casino sites is a must for long-time players hunting for new welcome bonus offers. But many old MGA casinos offer so good loyalty bonuses that they shouldn’t be ignored in the hunt for the best value for your money.
And if you are a rookie to the casino world then you shouldn’t limit yourself to new mga licensed casinos only. New doesn’t automatically mean better. As a matter of fact, old MGA casino actually tend to offer a smoother experience since they already have established processes and routines in place. And the selection of games and payment methods tend to be more complete, too.
Below we list some of the greatest MGA casinos of all time that are still active:
Svenplay
The MGA licensed casino Svenplay was launched in 2019. It’s more or less the same thing as Svenbet (Winner of the Slotsoo Awards 2023), but with a Malta license instead of a Curacao license. In addition to tax free winnings, Svenplay offers special bonuses for every day of the week.
Casimba
Lions seem to be a popular theme for casinos. The MGA casino Casimba saw the daylight in 2017 (a year after Leo Vegas). We wouldn’t call them a copycat though. Casimba offers a good welcome bonus and lot of promotions. Their pick a random slot is a nice feature for when you feeling indecisive.
Justspin
Justspin is the second oldest casino in PressEnter’s portfolio (formerly known as Betpoint). This MGA licensed casino is a lot more slots focused than its older sibling 21.com. Your first deposit comes with a 100% match bonus, plus 500 free spins to the classic slot Fire Joker.
Casino with MGA License: Accepted Payment Metods
These are the most popular payment options on MGA Casinos right now:
- VISA
- MasterCard
- Revolut
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Astropay
- Apple Pay
- ecoPayz
- eZeeWallet
- Trustly
- Zimpler
- Sofort
- Finshark
- Instant Bank
- PaySafeCard
- Siru Mobile
- Jeton
- Mifinity
- Neosurf
- Krofort
As you can see, it is possible to pay with credit cards, e-wallet, direct bank payment, prepaid card, and pay by phone options. The availability can differ depending on where you live. Players from some countries are only offered one option, while others can choose between ten different payment methods.
Usually, the casinos don’t charge any transactions fees. And if your bank is in Euro, you don’t have to worry about currency conversion fees either. The deposit and withdrawal limits vary per casino. For example on Casino Universe the minimum amount is 10€ for both deposits and withdrawals.
Malta Casinos with Trustly and Other Instant Bank Alternatives
The Swedish payment provider Trustly has spiked in popularity in the realm of online casinos during the last decade. Today, it’s offered at almost all MGA online casinos, allowing direct payments from one bank account to another in just a few minutes. The transactions go through Trustly, providing an extra level of security when paying online.
In 2015, the company released a completely new service called Pay N Play, which would prove to change the casino experience forever. This service allows you to deposit and play online instantly without having to register. Thanks to players verifying themselves via their bank, this service also made it possible to receive withdrawals without having to send in documents.
Here you´ll find some of the very Best Casinos with Trustly 2024 on the market right now. In recent years many competitors have appeared, giving players even more choice. The German payment solution Sofort, and Swedish Zimpler, Finshark and Brite Payments, are just a few of them. Having several instant bank options to choose from is good. Then you don’t have to be sad if a Malta casino no longer can accept Trustly payments from players in your county.
KYC Verification Requirements at MGA Licensed Casinos
Online gambling is a money-heavy industry, with millions and billions moving around from one account to another. Because of this, all license providers have security rules in place to prevent money laundering of funds received from criminal activity, identity thefts and other fraudulent behaviour.
These rule frameworks are called KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering). All online casinos are required to follow these, or they risk heavy fines and losing their license. The KYC verification rules are the most relevant to regular players, and the ones that cause most headache for those unprepared (casinos don’t like to mention this hassle either since it is bad marketing).
MGA Casinos will usually do a KYC verification right after registration, or at the time of the first withdrawal request. Some sites let you complete this verification automatically via your bank, while others will ask you to send in documents.
If/when your total transactions hit the security limit (around 2300€), extra verification might be required, even though you already verified yourself using bank identification. So, playing at a Pay N Play Casino might not free you from having to send in documents completely.
The Most Common Documents Needed
The KYC check at an online casino with MGA license usually includes:
- Proof of identity
Photo of your valid passport, driving license, or other ID card with picture. Take a photo of each side and make sure all four corners of the document are visible. - Proof of address
Copy of a utility bill less than 3 months old, or a recent letter from the bank or government. Note that a mobile phone bill or a rental contract are usually not accepted. - Proof of payment
This might also be needed depending on what method you’re using. It can be screenshots from your internet bank / e-wallet, showing the deposit and the account holder info.
We recommend you to check that you have all these documents ready, or easily available, before you start to play. This will avoid unnecessary delay and stress in the future. Rarely, but not never, a selfie holding your ID might be required. Then you need to take a photo with your phone’s camera, where both your face and the ID is visible.
Also, remember to only make payments in your own name. If you try to use your friend’s or your partner’s bank card, your casino account will be blocked and you have to go through some annoying extra verification checks.
If you spend a lot of money on the same site, you might be obliged to complete a SOW (Source of Wealth) questionnaire. So, avoiding this could be a motivation to pick out a new MGA casino from our list.
Bitcoin and Crypto Payments at MGA Casinos
It is very rare to find an MGA online casino offering Bitcoin or other crypto currencies in 2024. This might change in the next few years (or months even), so those wishing to play with crypto soon could be able to do so within the EU.
Currently, the Malta Gaming Authority is having ongoing trials in selected markets. This project is called the Sandbox Regulatory Framework and was launched in 2019. Operators interested in offering crypto payments have been able to take part in the trials by contacting the authority. The trials seem to be mostly targeting Norwegian players based on our research.
Visit this link to read more about the Sandbox project: https://www.mga.org.mt/mga-publishes-amendments-to-its-sandbox-regulatory-framework-2/
Game Selection at MGA Online Casinos
If you like a big and varied selection of games, you will definitely not be disappointed when playing on Malta-licensed online casinos. When playing on these sites it’s not at all unusual to see several thousand different titles from all the best game providers in the industry. And you can enjoy all type of casino games too, from progressive jackpot slots to live dealer game shows.
The games come with high RTP and you know for sure that they are 100% fair. This is because Malta Gaming Authority also has a B2B-license, that game providers are required to get if they want to be featured on the casino sites. The provider needs to prove that their games have been tested by an independent organisation such as eCOGRA, to ensure they are giving the stated return to player.
Available Game Providers on Malta Casino Sites
Did you know that Malta is the home of many big game providers? And many more have offices on the island, even though their headquarter are in places such as Sweden, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, and Austria. Now in 2023, the following providers can be found at most MGA casinos:
- NetEnt
- Evolution
- Microgaming
- Playtech
- Play’n GO
- Pragmatic Play
- Red Tiger
- Big Time Gaming
- Yggdrasil
- Betsoft
- No Limit City
- Push Gaming
- Relax Gaming
You might notice that some of the providers are not available for you. This might be because you live in a restricted territory. You can test to see if the situation is different on another site. But luckily there are plenty of games to keep everyone entertained, even with some of them being unavailable.
Innovative functions offer fast gameplay
In 2024, many online casino games offer smart functions, such as auto-play and turbo spins, to please players that enjoy the speed. Some licenses have decided to ban these innovative functions, since they fear it will give players tunnel vision and make it easier for them to develop problems.
MGA bases its responsible gaming policies on proper research and currently there are not enough scientific studies made about these functions to show any correlation. So for now, these are available. Meaning you don’t have to wait 3 seconds or 5 seconds between every round if you choose a Malta casino.
A Malta License Provides Security
Checking up that a casino has a valid license before you register and start playing is one of the most important things to do. A license is a form of evidence that the casino in question is serious and holds up to all the strict regulations and demands that the license holder has.
A casino without a license can run their business any way they want, with pirated slots, lower RTP, bad terms and conditions, or simply by just not paying out any winnings. For this reason, you should always verify that the casino has a license before you start playing.
MGA is one of the biggest and best licenses on the market right now. If you see that a casino has this license in the bottom of the page, you can almost always be completely safe. But we do recommend ensuring that the license is legit by visiting the license provider’s website.
How to Verify that a Casino Has a Valid MGA License
We think that this is the best way to confirm a casino’s MGA license:
- Copy the domain name of the website (for example “https://www.ibet.com”)
- Search for it in the MGA license register (https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/licensee-register/)
- Click to view the company’s Dynamic Seal of Authorisation
- Check that the Status of the License is saying “Licensed” (Green color text)
- Now you have confirmed that the site is secure. Have fun!
Via the license authorisation page you can also find the company’s contact information, what providers they are using, plus a list of what other domains they are operating under the same license.
This is a good idea when you have a favourite casino, but would like to find a new similar site so that you can take part in another awesome welcome bonus. Likewise, if you have got a bad experience from one Malta casino site, it’s good to check which sites you should avoid.
Another way to verify the license is by locating the license number in the casino sites’s footer. This number is in the format (MGA/B2C/123/YEAR). Copy the number and hit search. Hopefully Google (or your preferred search engine) will show up the authorisation page as one of the first results. If you do it this way, make sure to check that the web address is correct.
Of course, you can avoid all the above hassle by scrolling to the beginning of this page and just pick a site from our list of the Best Malta Casinos. 😉
Contact Malta Gaming Authority
If you would like to contact Malta Gaming Authority, this can easily be done by sending them a mail to info.mga@mga.org.mt. They will do their best to answer your questions or thoughts in a timely manner.
However, if your question is related to a specific operator, for example if you have a twist with an MGA Casino, then you’ll need to fill out the form on their website. If you send them a casino complaint via email it will be ignored.
MGA Operators Are Required to Offer Customer Support
If you were to encounter any problems or questions when playing on an MGA Casino, you can always contact the site’s customer support. All MGA Casinos must offer some form of customer support, and most of them have a Live Chat.
If the problem can’t be solved with the casino directly, you can always turn to the Malta Gaming Authority for help with the issue. This creates an extra layer of security when you know that an authority is watching over the casinos you’re depositing money into.
How to File a Complaint about an MGA Casino
To get help with a dispute against a Malta licensed operator, please follow the steps below:
- First, try to solve the issue directly with the casino
- Fill in the complaint form
- Include a proof of identity (ie. copy of passport)
- Wait for MGA to get back to you
The third step is optional, but the license provider might request identification, so you save time by sending it straight away. Also make sure to fill in all the fields properly and give all the details about the case. Normally, you will get a decision within 30 days.
Before sending the complaint, please double-check that the casino in question is licensed by the MGA. You can find the license information in the casino’s footer and in the Terms and Conditions.
Sometimes, a site holds several licenses. Which one you are under depends on multiple factors, such as the type of games you play and your country of residence. It is not that uncommon for sites to have a separate license for casino and betting for example.
Here at Slotsoo, we only list serious MGA casinos. We test the sites and update our reviews regularly. If we find out that a casino is causing players trouble, we will investigate the matter, remove it from our lists, and replace it with better alternatives.
MGA Casino without Local License
As this guide has shown you, the MGA license is very powerful. With just one license, businesses can reach 20+ countries. Considering this, it is no surprise that many MGA casinos choose to skip applying for the local licenses completely.
In the European Union we have freedom of movement for people, services, goods and capital. As a player, you are free to give your money to an MGA casino instead of a locally licensed option. And the tax authority cannot treat you different for this. If winnings from slots are tax-free at the local casino, then it is also tax-free at MGA online casinos. Any claim otherwise goes against the union’s basic principles.
Or does it? Real money gambling and other “less honourable” industries are often seen as exceptions from the freedom of movement principle. Countries are allowed to close off their gaming markets, but only if it is for citizen protection reasons. If the local gaming license or the state-owned monopoly have aggressive ad campaigns to get its citizens to play more, then the protection criteria is not met and it goes against EU law.
For example, Germany and Austria have both said MGA casinos without local license are not allowed to take money from their citizens, while Malta argues that it’s allowed thanks to EU. This has led law firms in the region to target unlucky casino players with promises to get all their losses refunded (for a small fee, of course).
Some players see this as a chance to play almost risk free. If they win, then the casino will pay out winnings without problems. And if they lose, then they can contact lawyers for a chance to get their money back.
The Maltese gaming framework, in turn, is in full conformity with EU law and is based on the freedoms afforded to an entity established within the internal market.
Malta Protecting Their Casino Industry with Bill 55 (Article 56A)
Malta is obviously not a fan of these mass lawsuits that goes against the nature of online casinos, and which threatens one of the island’s main industries (13% of Malta’s GDP). On the 16th June 2023, Malta’s president George Vella gave his final approval of the Bill 55, which was accepted by the maltese parliament earlier that month.
The Bill 55, also known as Article 56A, is not a new law per se, but a clarification of existing laws. It states that “the court shall refuse recognition and, or enforcement in Malta of any foreign judgment”. This basically gives MGA casinos legal right to accept players from other EU countries and to ignore the ongoing lawsuits from the German and Austrian courts. At least according to Malta’s point of view.
Who is right? It’s too soon to tell, since we need to wait for EU’s ruling on this controversial bill 55. If Germany and Austria for once end up on the winning side of the history, then it’s likely that other countries will follow suit. For example, Swedes might start ask for refunds from MGA casinos without Swedish license with the help of the court decision. And so might the Dutch and Finnish players, too.
If the court decide Malta is correct, then gaming authorities in other countries might start blocking access, or make playing on MGA sites as hard and unattractive as possible in other ways. It’s an interesting case for sure, that will have a big effect on the European igaming industry. We will keep this MGA casinos guide updated with the latest info.
- DE/A: You are not allowed to accept players from our country.
- Malta: Yes, I am. EU has freedom of movement.
- DE/A: Our courts order MGA-licensed casinos to pay back losses to players.
- Malta: No, I only listen to EU law. *Introduces article 56A that say MGA casinos can ignore foreign lawsuits*
- DE/A: You can’t do that. We will complain to the EU commission.
- Malta: Ok.
MGA Compared to Other iGaming Licenses
Thanks to the fact that the Malta Gaming Authority license was one of the first iGaming licenses to be released, they’re also one of the strongest today. Many players feel more secure when playing on MGA Casinos and that’s the primary reason that the license has become so sought after by casinos.
Of course, the low company and gambling taxes that the Mediterranean island offers also is a big motivation. This is actually why Malta became Europe’s biggest iGaming hub in the first place. In many cases, entrepreneurs were forced to move abroad since it was illegal to operate an online casino in their home country.
This is the reason why Malta has so many Nordic immigrants and expats. Both Finland and Norway still have strict state monopoly on gambling, while Denmark and Sweden recently have introduced their own licenses (DGA and SGA). Scandinavian players are free to play on casinos with MGA license, thanks to the open market policy within EU / EES.
Malta wouldn’t be what it is today (in better and worse), if it weren’t for all the northerners deciding to start gambling businesses here. In fact, when you look at the biggest Malta casinos and game providers in 2024, you will find that many of them were established by Swedes (Unibet, Betsson, Casumo, Leo Vegas and Evolution just to name a few).
UKGC and Gibraltar Were Popular Options until Brexit
In the 2000’s and 2010’s, the British gambling license from UK Gambling Commission was also a very popular option globally. This license is stricter than MGA and can for the reason be seen as a bit more secure. However, in recent years many players feel there has become to many rules. For example, UKGC has banned credit card payments and the autoplay function.
Another example is when the Gambling Commission asked operators to remove some cartoon themed slots for being too “child-friendly” in 2017. This included big favourites such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Reactoonz from the Swedish providers Netent and Play’n GO.
There are also other licenses from British jurisdictions, such as Gibraltar, Alderney, and Isle of Man. These are not as well-known or respected as the main one. After Britain decided to exit the European Union, many players deem them to be in the same league as the Curacao and other non-EU licenses.
Curacao and Other Licenses from the (Wild) West
Malta’s biggest competitor on the global online gambling market is Curaçao. This Caribbean island has also been in the game for long, but it doesn’t have as good reputation as the previous ones we mentioned. Instead, it could be compared to the Wild West in terms of laws and regulations.
This is because The Curaçao Gaming Control Board has outsourced the licensing and supervision to its four master license holders. Meaning the quality and security can vary greatly depending which of the four companies the casino operator has its sub-license from.
Therefore, you need to be more careful with these sites. We know many good Curacao casinos that has the same high quality as a casino using MGA. But we also know many sites we wouldn’t touch with a stick.
There are also many other American licenses, some more dubious than other, that accepts European players. But because these don’t offer quick payments at a low cost, they are not very popular.
Many new players mistakenly think that Curaçao offers tax free winnings for Europeans, but this is not correct. The island was a Dutch colony for almost 200 years, but in 2010 it became independent from the Netherlands. It’s not a part of the EU Economic Area, meaning EU players are required to pay tax. The rate varies per country but is usually around 30 percent.
EMTA a New Alternative to MGA Online Casinos
For long, Malta Gaming Authority was the go-to license provider for online casinos wanting to target all EU players without having to apply for several local licenses. This was especially true after Brexit, when UKGC and Gibraltar casinos lost their ability to offer tax free winnings.
But when one door closes, another one opens. Estonia saw the opportunity to become a new hub for the online casino industry. It quickly attracted entrepreneurs with low taxes and less bureaucracy. Now many newcomers decide to skip applying for the MGA license and choose to become an EMTA licensed casino instead. This is true even for many companies registered in Malta.
Malta vs Estonia Comparision
From a player’s perspective, when comparing the Estonian and the Maltese license, you can see that they are very similar. Especially when it comes to the benefits:
- 0% tax on winnings
Thanks to the European Union, players have the freedom to choose where they play without tax repercussions. - No bonus restrictions
Some Scandinavian licenses have restricted the casinos’ ability to reward players with bonuses, but this is not the case here. - Instant bank payments
Direct bank transactions have become the new normal, especially for people living in the Northern Europe. - High consumer protection
Both the Malta Gaming Authority and the Estonian equivalent have promised to help in player disputes and offer easy ways to file a complaint. - Responsible gaming
Players who need it, can set their own limits, or take a break from a specific site. Eesti Maksu ja Tolliamet also offers a license-wide self-exclusion option.
There are currently no other alternatives to MGA within the EU that we can recommend. Obviously, if your home country has their own license system, we advise you to stick with the locally licensed casinos. The gaming taxes your government gets from these companies will go towards improving things where you live. But in the end, it’s up to each and every person to make their own decision. 🙂
