The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was created to regulate all forms of gaming in Malta, including remote gaming operations. In April 2004, the Regulations were published, making Malta the first EU member state to regulate remote gaming.
Key Features
The Regulations are divided into four classes depending on which type of operation companies fall under and include licenses for Business to Consumers (B2C) operators as well as Business to Business (B2B) operators.
The remote gaming regime applied by the MGA is both technology- and game-neutral, therefore encompassing any type of gaming offered by means of distance communication (including, but not limited to, internet, digital TV, mobile phone technology and telephony). Any game offered by means of distance communication, which can be securely managed and is compliant with the Regulations, will be reviewed and considered for licensing by the MGA.
There are four classes of license available to operators in Malta, as follows:
- Class1 – For operators managing their own risk on repetitive games. This class covers casino-type games.
- Class 2 – For operators managing their own risk on events based on a matchbook. Under this class operators can offer fixed odds betting.
- Class 3 – For operators taking a commission from promoting and/or betting games. This class includes peer-to-peer games, poker networks, betting exchanges and online lotteries.
- Class 4 – To host and manage remote gaming operators, excluding the licensee themselves. This is intended for software vendors who want to provide management and hosting facilities on their gaming platform.
Licenses are granted for a period of five years and licensees must have the core part of their online operation physically located in Malta.
Legal Requirements
|
Requirements |
Description |
|
General |
|
|
Company, Limited partnership |
|
Yes |
|
Share capital or equivalent |
|
|
€100,000 (Class 1 & 2) €40,000 (Class 3 & 4) |
|
Directors |
|
|
2 |
|
Yes |
|
No |
|
Shareholders |
|
|
2 |
|
Yes |
|
No |
|
Service Providers Required |
|
|
Yes |
Tax Treatment
Companies incorporated in Malta are considered to be ordinarily resident and domiciled in Malta and are subject to income tax on their worldwide income. The standard rate of Maltese corporate income tax is 35%.
Duration to Set Up
About 2 months
Distinctive Benefits of Licence
- Attractive fiscal environment
- Generally fast regulatory approval environment
The Valsen Advantage
- End to end comprehensive service
- Speedy and efficient service
- Expert advice on structuring options
- Dedicated ongoing compliance support
- Extensive network pool of service providers