Horst WickinghoffEntrepreneurs looking to obtain a gambling license in Malta face a comprehensive set of requirements before approval is granted. At DW&P Dr. Werner & Partners, we guide international businesses through this entire process, assisting with the preparation of all necessary documentation to ensure full compliance with current statutes and laws.
Once established, license holders on the island must interact with several key institutions: the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Malta Remote Gaming Council (MRGC), Gaming Malta, and the Responsible Gaming Foundation. Covering every detail of these bodies would turn this blog post into a dense legal thesis. To keep things practical, I will focus on the essentials of the MGA and MRGC here, and cover Gaming Malta and the Responsible Gaming Foundation in a future article.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
The MGA holds a vast area of responsibility. It regulates all gaming sectors under the Lotteries and Other Games Act of 2001. Its primary role is to ensure that licensed companies comply with their legal obligations. This includes maintaining a fair and transparent gaming environment, protecting player rights, and safeguarding minors and vulnerable individuals.
The Authority is also responsible for preventing corruption, money laundering, and other criminal activities within the sector. In practical terms, the MGA issues licenses and ensures tax compliance. New businesses in the gambling sector will find themselves working closely and intensively with the MGA during the setup phase.
Malta Remote Gaming Council (MRGC)
Launched in 2005 as an initiative of the MGA, the MRGC aims to ensure a dynamic regulatory environment for remote gaming. Its members represent various stakeholders in the industry, including lawyers, operators, and internet service providers. The Council’s main objective is to serve as an ongoing discussion forum that provides feedback to the MGA. This feedback loop allows the Authority to adapt effectively to the latest industry developments.
