Those who enjoy a spot of online gambling will no doubt have noticed just how many online casinos are based in Malta and/or are regulated by the Maltese gambling authority, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Why exactly is this the case – why is Malta so popular as a host country when it comes to online casinos? Some casinos have no physical basis in Malta but, by obtaining regulation from the MGA, have a legal entry in this jurisdiction, therefore acting in alignment with local jurisdiction.
We explore more below, taking a look at the nature of local laws, taxes, and regulatory requirements that add up to make Malta an attractive proposition for both the casinos licensed there and the gamers coming through their virtual doors!
The Role of the Malta Gaming Authority
First off, it’s important to understand the role of a regulatory body in terms of online gambling and the remit of the MGA specifically.
According to the MGA’s website, the organisation’s role is to:
- Protect vulnerable persons and minors
- Safeguard the rights of players
- Promote responsible gambling in a safe environment
- Ensure the integrity of gaming devices and games
- Keep gaming free of criminality
A Maltese gambling license is widely regarded as one of the best in the world and is an important reason that so many online casinos seek regulation from this body.
Reliable, Straightforward Regulation
Gambling Laws can be extremely complicated, causing a nightmare for the operators of online casinos and making it difficult for users to understand the protection- if any – they have when gambling online.
The Malta Gaming Authority is one of the most popular gambling regulators in the world, largely due to its simple, straightforward laws, which make compliance much simpler as compared to other territories.
The MGA is a robust, stringent regulator, ensuring that the casinos falling under its umbrella comply with strict money laundering and other regulations, therefore giving peace of mind to both the establishments and their customers alike. The presence of a well-regarded regulator is great for the reputation of a country’s casinos, and this has proved to be the case in Malta, which is seeing a proliferation in both online and offline gambling establishments opening their doors.
The above are key reasons for Malta’s flourishing gaming industry and why so many online casinos choose to base themselves, digitally or physically, in the country
Lower Taxes
Under Maltese law, gambling establishments pay lower taxes in comparison with those levied in other countries. As well as increasing potential profit margins, this also makes Malta a particularly attractive prospect for newly established casinos and for those wanting to invest in growth.
For players, this can mean higher payouts and better bonuses!
Gambling in Malta: The Stats
Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world and is the smallest member nation of the EU. It was also the first country in the EU to regulate online gambling and has now become a world-renowned gambling destination. Here are the key facts:
- Malta has helped grow the EU’s gambling industry to nearly $30 billion.
- In 2020 alone, the country licensed 323 online gambling sites catering to overseas gamblers.
- As well as MGA-licensed casinos, Malta is now home to several major software developers, including Evolution Gaming.
- MGA-licensed online casinos can currently cater to players from more than 180 countries around the world, including almost all of the countries within the EU.
What Do I Need to Know About Online Gambling in Maltese Casinos?
While gambling in online casinos licensed by the MGA offers many benefits for members, it’s worth bearing in mind that, at present, Malta-based gambling sites don’t accept crypto, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you wish to deposit funds and/or play with a form of cryptocurrency. As crypto continues to move further into the mainstream and is used by ever-growing numbers of people, it’s very likely that this situation will change in the near future.
MGA-licensed casinos cannot accept players from countries where gambling is illegal or that have particularly strict regulations in place regarding gambling. Due to agreements between the two nations, online casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority also cannot accept players from the USA or reach countries on the Financial Action Task Force or FATF blacklist.
Aside from this, it’s important, just as with any online casino, to ensure that the establishment really does have a license – if you’re not sure, then a quick look at the MGA’s website or an email to them is an easy way to get the answers and reassurance you need.
Why the Online Gambling Industry is Flourishing in Malta
There are many reasons that the online gambling industry is flourishing in Malta, and most of these are beneficial to gamers and to the digital establishments wanting to attract them. A combination of a highly-regarded regulator, clear gambling rules that promote easy compliance, and low taxes make obtaining a Maltese gambling license a great option for many online casinos and are key reasons that, currently, so many casinos seek licensing from this country’s regulator.
For gamblers – whether those looking for a fun flutter, high-stakes rollers, and everyone in between – this often translates into vibrant online casinos that offer a wide range of games, higher limits, easy, straightforward transactions, and plenty of generous bonuses, promotions, and welcome offers to kick things off in the best way possible!
