Eve Luneborg
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is one of the most recognised gambling regulators in Europe. They’ve been active since 2001 and have over 500 licensees. If you’ve played at some of Ireland’s most popular live casinos, you’ve probably seen their logo in the website footer.
When a casino obtains an MGA licence, it means they’ve passed strict checks to ensure they are secure and fair. For you as a player, it’s a sign that the casino is trustworthy.
The MGA is based in Malta, a small European Union (EU) member state, which means they follow all EU laws and directives. That makes the MGA one of the most respected licensing bodies for online gambling available to players in Ireland.
The MGA operates under the Maltese Gaming Act, which was updated in 2018. This law gives the MGA the authority to issue licences, regulate casinos, and take action against non-compliant operators.
The MGA’s legal framework is clear and strict. It covers online casinos, poker rooms, live casinos, fantasy sports, betting sites, and lottery games. This allows you to access many types of gambling under the protection of the MGA. For live casinos in particular, the MGA licence ensures the games are streamed fairly and run by trained dealers.
The Maltese licence has one unique aspect not found in most other gambling licences issued in Europe. It is valid not only within Malta but also from Malta. This means that as long as an operator has an MGA licence, they can offer gambling services to players in multiple jurisdictions, provided the casino’s operations are based in Malta. This aspect is why a licence from Malta is considered an ‘international’ licence, rather than a local or national one.
The MGA has, over many years, built a strong reputation in the online gambling industry. It is known for setting high standards for operators and is regarded as one of the major names in licensing. The MGA is also influenced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and often implements regulations similar to those enforced by the UKGC.
Malta’s gambling licence has long been the preferred option for casino operators looking to accept international players while maintaining a reputable image. For many years, the only real alternative has been a Curaçao licence, which has historically had a less robust reputation.
For you as a player, an MGA licence should be seen as a trust signal. You can be confident that the regulator monitors the casino’s operations and ensures compliance with applicable laws. For Irish players, it is considered one of the safest licences to play under, aside from the local licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
Player protection is one of the MGA’s key responsibilities. When a casino is licensed by the MGA, it must hold player funds in accounts separate from the casino’s operational funds. This means your money is protected, even if the casino becomes insolvent. The site must also use secure systems to safeguard your personal information and payment details.
Another essential aspect of the MGA’s gambling regulations is its focus on fair games. All licensees must have their software audited by approved third-party testing companies. For example, if you’re playing a live game show with digitally controlled bonus features, the random number generator behind the results must meet fairness standards.
If you have a dispute with an MGA-licensed site, you should first contact the casino. If the issue remains unresolved, you can escalate the matter to an independent third-party arbitrator. All MGA-licensed casinos must offer arbitration to ensure impartial dispute resolution.
The MGA places strong emphasis on responsible gambling. All operators with an MGA licence must provide tools that help players stay in control. These include:
You can use these tools at any time. If you feel you’re gambling too much or too often, the casino must allow you to set limits or take a break. If an operator fails to comply, the MGA may intervene.
It is also mandatory for all employees at licensed online casinos to complete annual responsible gambling training. This applies to all roles, including support staff and executives.
Obtaining an MGA licence is not a quick or inexpensive process, which is why some newer operators avoid it. Applicants must complete multiple steps, each involving detailed checks. These include:
Even after a licence is issued, operators must undergo regular audits and reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.
Once licensed, casinos must adhere to a range of ongoing obligations, including:
Operators must also pay licence fees and taxes on time. The MGA verifies timely and accurate payment.
The regulator also requires monthly reports detailing player accounts, transactions, winnings, and complaints. These reports help the MGA monitor compliance and operator conduct.
The MGA has the authority to take enforcement actions when operators breach rules. These actions can include:
The severity of the action depends on the nature of the violation. For minor technical issues, the MGA may allow time for correction. For serious breaches such as fraud, non-payment of players, or failure to enforce responsible gambling policies, the licence may be suspended or revoked immediately.
All enforcement actions are listed on the MGA’s website. You can view a public record of suspended or cancelled licences and the reason for each decision. This transparency is a key part of the MGA’s regulatory approach.
Eve Luneborg – Live Casino Specialist at LiveCasino.ie
Eve Luneborg has been part of the online casino industry since 2014, when she moved to the sunny shores of Malta to pursue her passion for gaming.