Malta Jurisdiction

Malta is a European iGaming hub and a leader in the remote management of globally-distributed ICT services. Today, Malta is established as a serious and well-regulated jurisdiction that is home to many internationally-recognised online gaming operators. CSB Group has been involved in the iGaming industry since its inception in Malta.

A “One-Stop-Shop” iGaming Services Provider in Malta

CSB Group offers a 360° approach to iGaming operators by effectively assisting them with setting up / re-locating their iGaming operation to Malta. The Group is backed by a highly skilled iGaming advisory team who professionally assists with various iGaming services, from incorporating a company in Malta, support with opening a bank account, tax advice, to the submission and pursuance of the Malta iGaming licence applications with the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

Our 360° approach is an important value proposition that CSB Group is uniquely able to offer to its clients who can satisfy all their requirements from under one roof. The Group is aware that clients have individual requirements and it is therefore the Group’s policy to provide a service that is tailor-made to each client, both initially and on an ongoing basis year after year.

Malta Online Gaming Licence Types

Under the Remote Gaming Regulations, the Malta Gaming Authority may issue a business-to-consumer or business-to-business licence. The Gaming Service licence is a B2C licence and is meant for those offering or carrying out a gaming service. There are 4 types of B2C Gaming Service Licence. The Critical Gaming Supply licence is the B2B licence for those providing or carrying out a critical gaming supply. Under the relevant licence type, licensees may offer one or more game types. Some of these include roulette, poker, bingo, betting exchange, lotteries and virtual sports games.

Malta Gaming Tax and Licence Fees

There are a number of Malta Gaming Tax and Licence Fees and Remote Gaming Regulations that the client needs to be aware of prior to applying. Malta offers very advantageous tax rates and our tax advisors can help you maximise on this important benefit and optimise your tax position.

Malta Remote Gaming Licence Application

Our iGaming advisors will smoothly guide you throughout the whole process required to obtain a Malta iGaming Licence. Prior to submitting an iGaming licence application, CSB Group reviews the application documentation to ensure all is in line with MGA requirements and liaises with the MGA on an ongoing basis to keep its clients updated on the progress of their application.

Key Function Services

As required by the MGA, an iGaming licensee needs to appoint a person who is physically present in Malta who can take on a Key Function role. Such person would have important roles and responsibilities performed in connection with the gaming activity. CSB Group can offer the required services that cover such important roles as prescribed by the Authorisations and Compliance Directive.

Regulatory Compliance

One of the key responsibilities that forms part of the Key Function role is compliance. Our regulatory compliance specialists can expertly support you with fulfilling your business’s regulatory obligations.

IT Auditing and Assurance

Those gaming operators seeking to be licenced or to maintaining an active licence with the MGA need to carry out systems and compliance reviews. Our iGaming and IT experts can help you build the required audit plan as per statutory review requirements.

Co-location and Hosting Services

Malta offers highly advanced solutions to gaming operators who want to ensure that their business is built on a premium IT infrastructure. Via our strategic local partners, CSB Group offers co-location and hosting advice to facilitate our clients’ operations.

E-Commerce and Online Payment Solutions

Online gambling is classified as high-risk category and therefore requires specialised solutions to ensure safe transactions. With a rich network of local suppliers, CSB Group can put you on the right path to efficiently find the best solutions available.

Company Incorporation Services

CSB Group is a leading Corporate Service Provider in Malta with a strong team that is able to promptly provide company registration services that ensure an effective EU based solution.

Accounting and Payroll Outsourcing

As part of our 360° approach, our clients can avail of professional accounting and payroll services provided by a team who would already be familiar with the iGaming operation forming part of our esteemed client portfolio.

Virtual Financial Assets and DLT Assets

As an authorised VFA Agent, our iGaming Advisory services can assist licensees interested in making use of the Virtual Financial Assets and Distributed Ledger Technology Assets as part of their iGaming operation.

Sourcing of Employees

Setting up a remote gaming operation is also about finding the right talent that will represent your successful team. Malta is blessed with an abundant workforce that is English-speaking and skilled in iGaming. VacancyCentre, a specialist recruitment agency powered by CSB Group, facilitates your recruitment process and ensures you find the right candidates in the least time possible.

Serviced Office Space by Regus

Finding the right working space can be costly and time consuming, however, with the solutions offered through our associated brand, Regus, a gaming company can avail of serviced office space of high-standards and located in premium business areas. At an affordable all-inclusive fee, such hassle-free solution will only require anyone to just plug in and start working in no time.

Commercial and Residential Real Estate

Malta Sotheby’s International Reality is a CSB associated brand through which our clients can be professionally assisted with finding the right commercial or residential property available for sale or rent.

The iGaming Industry in Malta

Over the past years Malta has successfully established itself as a leading, serious and well-regulated European online gaming jurisdiction. Today the gaming industry in Malta is the 3rd largest economic sector whereby it is also responsible for more than 7,400 full-time equivalent jobs, which represent 4.8% of the local workforce.

The Regulator of the Malta Gaming Jurisdiction

The Gaming Industry in Malta is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) who is mainly responsible for granting gaming licenses, monitoring and supporting gaming operators and ensuring that gaming is fair and transparent to the players.

It is a priority for the MGA and the Maltese Authorities to sustain the industry by ensuring a sound jurisdiction that is able to adapt to the evolving Gaming ecosystem while ensuring responsible gaming and protection of players. The country’s pro-active approach does not only guarantee the sustainability of the industry but acts as a springboard of opportunity for further growth, regulatory focus and most importantly embrace innovation across multiple fronts. Till end of 2019, more than 298 licences where issued by the MGA.

Blockchain Technology and the iGaming Industry

In the wake of Malta’s enactment of three acts of law in relation to Blockchain or other Innovative Technological Arrangements, ICOs and Virtual Financial Asset Services, the MGA has recognised the rapid interest from gaming operators to incorporate Virtual Financial Assets (VFAs) and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) into their operations. It is the MGA’s strategic mission to maintain its reputation as a leading iGaming jurisdiction by embracing this revolutionary innovation. In its proactive approach the MGA issued a Sandbox Framework that explores the use of Blockchain technology by iGaming operators within a controlled regulatory environment. 

Frequently Asked Questions about iGaming Services in Malta

What are the benefits of having a Malta Gaming License?

Over the past decade, Malta has established itself as the leading iGaming Jurisdiction worldwide. Apart from an extremely robust regulatory framework, a pro-active regulator and a general can-do approach, the island has also built one of the best iGaming ecosystems to support its licencing regime.

What services will a gaming operator need to outsource when setting up in Malta?

Whilst various operators have different requirements and needs, the decision to outsource is very much dependent on the operator size and growth prospects for its Malta operation. CSB Group provides a variety of outsourced services which can complement any iGaming operator in setting up in Malta.

What legislative framework is in place in Malta?

In Malta, Gaming legislation is based on a three-tier framework which includes a ‘Parent’ or ‘enabling’ Act at first level. (Gaming Act, 2018 – Chapter 583 of the Laws of Malta) This is Passed through Parliament and regulates all forms of gaming in Malta. The Parent Act also enables the establishment of the regulatory authority and establishes the general principles of specific sectors of gaming.

The Second tier or ‘Regulations’ is published by Legal Notice by the Minister responsible for the Malta Gaming Authority, on the MGA’s advice, it outlines the detailed requirements for the granting of licences and relates to specific horizontal matters.

The third tier is made up of Directives and other binding and non-binding instruments. These instruments contain the detailed processes and requirements and are published by the MGA and amended from time to time, ensuring that the law responds to technological advancements in a timely manner.

Who issues iGaming licenses in Malta?

Remote Gaming Licences in Malta are issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.