Malta Jurisdiction

Malta holds the distinction of being the first European Union member to successfully regulate online gambling, having done so in 2000. Since then, Malta has proved to be something of a disappointment - while implementing a strict compliance and regulation regime via the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority, there has been little assistance provided for players with grievances.

Malta Overview

Malta is a very small European country that is situated south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is a member of the European Union and is a strong, developed country.

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority is the entity that gives out licenses to gambling companies, and they also rule on any matters that are gaming related. Since being created in 2001, the Lotteries and Gaming Authority has become a respected organisation within the international gaming community, and Malta has managed to make it onto the UK Gambling Commission’s “white list” of countries that enforce standards which allow their licensees to advertise within the United Kingdom.

Malta Licensing Requirements

Companies applying for a gaming license in Malta have four different options to choose from. The first option is for gambling companies that will be providing games that use a random number generator to determine winners. The second option is for sports betting businesses. The third type of license is for gambling advertising companies operating from Malta. And finally, the fourth licensing option is for businesses that manage remote gaming operations.

Any company that applies for a Malta license must have their software tested 6 months prior to opening for business. Companies must also adhere to a strict code designed to protect players. Financially, companies need to pay 2,000 Maltese Lira (Lm) for a license and 3,000 Lm (or 0.5%) in taxes per month.

Complaints and Dispute Resolution

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority handles all gambling issues for Malta-licensed gaming companies. Players who are experiencing a problem with an online operator licensed by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority can contact their Players' Support Channel via email at complaints@lga.org.mt.

Experience has proven that the LGA takes a very "hands-off" approach though, and will encourage players to settle their differences with the casino directly rather than intervening.

Online casinos operating in Malta