Malta Gaming Licence: Application Process & Support

Remote Gaming Application Procedure

Prior to granting a remote gaming licence, the Lotteries and Gaming Authority applies a rigorous application process which is made up of the below processes. Since June 2011, the application process was harmonised into one singular stage.

Pre-Application

Before submitting an application, applicants are requested to undergo a pre-application process with one of the LGA’s Licence Relationship Executives who will ensure the application is correctly developed and all the key elements are present. This aids in speeding up the licensing process as this way there would be no missing or incomplete information, that generally slows down the whole process.

The Application Process

Since June 2011, the application process was harmonised into one singular stage. Applicants submit all the required information in one step as the LGA commits to analysing all the provided information through multiple internal process streams. At this stage the LGA assesses whether the applicant:

1. Is fit and proper to conduct gaming business;

2. Is correctly prepared for a business strategy perspective;

3. Has the operational and statutory requirements to meet the legal obligations excepted by Maltese Law;

4. Has correctly implemented what has applied for on a technical environment before going live.

Please find hereunder a full check list of all the items:

1. Fit and Proper

The LGA conduct a fit and proper exercise by assessing all information related to those involved in financing and management and on the business viability of the operation. The Authority also conducts probity investigations with other national and international regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies.

2. Business Planning

The Authority conducts an in depth financial analysis of the applicants business plan. The applicant’s business plan is expected to have a detailed forecast of the operation, inclusive of marketing and distribution strategies, HR plan and growth targets.

3. Operational and Statutory: Requirements

The applicant is examined on instruments required to conduct the business. This includes the examining incorporation documents, games, business processes related to conducting the remote games, the rules, terms, conditions and procedures of the games, the application architecture and system architecture of the gaming and control systems. The three components constitute the desk-based audit of application requirements and is completed within 12 to 16 weeks. Assuming all information is complete there is little iteration, if at all, between the LGA and the applicant. Inconsistent and low quality applications will be dropped and the applicant will be subject to re-application.

4. System Audit

Once the above three areas are successfully completed the LGA will inform the applicant that the application was successful and the applicant is invited to implement onto a technical environment prior to going live. 60 days are allowed for the applicant to complete the operation, after which the application will be considered as suspended and subject to re-application. Within those 60 days the applicant may request an external systems audit (performed by an independent 3rd party and contracted by the LGA) against a fixed market price).

The systems audit will audit the live environment against the proposed application. The Authority at this stage expects minimal deviation from the application. Significant changes to the gaming system will require the applicant to re-apply through a new application.

The Authority issues a five year license on successful complete of the certification process.

For iGaming Services including, Remote Gaming in Malta, Gaming Tax and Licence Fees, Malta Corporate Taxation and Key Official Services; kindly forward your query to remotegaming@csbgroup.com