Malta Gaming Authority

Malta Gaming Authority is the main casino authority in Europe. Since the millennium, small Mediterranean state has developed into a Mecca for online gambling companies. Sports betting and casino providers are a dime a dozen in Malta.

However, anyone who believes that the companies have chosen Malta because of tax-saving models is very much mistaken. Online casino sites prefer Malta due to strict and clear regulations. Gaming providers who can show an EU license from Malta Gaming Authority are definitely considered safe and reputable.

Without a regulated framework, safe gambling on the internet is not possible. Every player should only play with provider that can present an official license from a regulatory authority.

One of the best known and most respected regulatory authorities is Malta Gaming Authority, also known as MGA. In the following we have taken a close look at the authority and its activities. MGA regularly checks the providers and makes sure that they comply with all legal requirements. This is not the case with a non-regulated provider, which is why you should only play in casinos with an official licence.

What exactly is Malta Gaming Authority?

MGA is the competent gaming authority of the country of Malta. Government body is responsible for close scrutinizing all providers in the field of casinos, sports betting, lotteries and other gambling services, so only reputable brands are allowed to provide their services in Malta.

To be precise, Maltese authority looks at different areas. Casinos must not only have a financially sound background, but also a serious industry knowlegde. Moreover, MGA licences are only granted if the operators comply with the rules on player protection.

Work of the authority is by no means over when the licence is awarded. Instead, the casinos are regularly checked during ongoing operations, so that possible “black sheep” can be quickly sorted out by withdrawing the licence. Another major area of responsibility of the authority is the fight against cyber crime, for which gambling is an extremely interesting topic.

How the MGA operates?

When casino provider wants to offer his gambling services in Malta, must first obtain permission from the MGA. Without this, it is not permitted to offer gambling in the country. For this purpose, contact is made with the authorities, who then examine the applicant in various ways.

MGA examines whether the company complies with all the requirements of the Maltese laws in the field of gambling. If this is not the case, of course no licence will be issued. The background of the company is also checked.

No criminal activity may be detected here, at the same time the owners of the gaming operator must be reputable and have a clean criminal record.

The third important point is the financial aspect. Every gambling provider must of course have a financial backup, so winnings are paid out to the players. Here, the authorities are of course looking very closely, as the MGA would not be interested in a quick bankruptcy of the operator.

Advantages of online casinos with MGA license

Playing in licensed casinos has some advantages for the players. Every player can place bets with complete peace of mind and be sure that the gambling in this casino is fair. But what does that mean in detail? We show it!

Protection of the players

All online casinos must adhere to certain standards if they want to get a license from the Maltese authorities. One of the standards is an encryption of the data, which is implemented with SSL protection. To be precise, through this protection, all sensitive data of the players are encrypted during transmission.

For example, if customers make a payment at the casino or enter name on a form, criminals never have access to this data. At the same time, providers have to comply with other data security regulations, which relate to the data storage. In other words, if a gaming provider is licensed by Malta Gaming Authority, this promises the highest level of security and maximum protection against cyber attacks.

Fair gaming

Gambling should always be fair and every player should be able to start with real chances of winning. To ensure that this can really be guaranteed, all games in the casinos are checked. No matter whether roulette, blackjack or slot machines: Every game is examined for its fairness.

Random number generator lets the games in the casino run independently. In the past, there have certainly been providers who have manipulated RNG in their favor. This cannot happen, thus payout odds of the games are regularly checked.

If no correct values are found, this would be tantamount to cheating and provider would lose license. Every player can therefore be sure that there is a real chance of winning at an online casino licensed by MGA and that the conditions are fair for all players.

Player money secured

One of the financial requirements for obtaining the Maltese licence is that players’ money must be kept separate from the casino’s assets. Funds that the provider uses on a daily basis are therefore stored differently from the amounts deposited by the players.

This promises enormous protection for all customers, as in the event of a cyber attack, it is highly probable that only the money from the operational business would be affected. In addition, this separate storage brings another advantage. If casino is in financial difficulties, players’ funds are not affected by a possible insolvency and can be repaid to them.

Accordingly, this is an enormously important requirement without which a provider will not receive a license from the Maltese authorities.

Casino monitoring

Without a controlled monitoring of online casinos, the market would go haywire. After all, gambling providers could do whatever they wanted. For the players this situation would be almost unbearable. After all, there would be no place to which players could turn in case of conflicts with the provider. 

If problems arise, every player can contact the Maltese authorities and present individual case. By the way, this makes a lot of sense from a financial point of view, too. After all, legal action against a provider in Malta would entail enormous costs for players from UK. At the same time, chances of success in court would be very poor.

Without help of the Maltese Lotteries and Gaming Authority, players would be in a much worse position and have to accept the decisions of the providers without resistance.

Check if casino has MGA license?

As every player should only play in licensed casinos,  question naturally arises as to how these providers can be identified. First of all, you can check our website. Any casinos that are listed with us can be considered trustworthy and reputable. With these providers, fair conditions are always worked with and all of them require the necessary licenses.

In addition to this, website of Malta Gaming Authority can be accessed, where you can find a list of all licensed casinos. You can also find more detailed information about the respective providers.

A casino’s website must also display the MGA logo. But be careful, as logo can of course also be placed on their website quickly by operators who do not have a licence from the Maltese authorities. Accordingly, players should always check whether the licence number of the authority and the licence number on the casino’s homepage match. If not, this may indicate a fraud or an error.

Which problems can be reported to MGA?

There are several reasons why players can turn to the Maltese authorities. In general, contact can always be sought if the players feel they have been treated unfairly. If the payout amount is not correct, this is a case for the authorities. In addition, Malta Gaming Auhority is also contacted because players feel that they have been treated unfairly by the bonus terms and conditions of a provider.

Additionally, MGA is responsible for complaints regarding IT security, data protection, verification or terms and conditions. In short, players can contact Maltese authorities with all kinds of problems and concerns.

How can I complain?

In general, it is very easy to complain to Malta Gaming Authority about the operator. Directly on the MGA website find a contact form which can be filled in within a few moments. Players can describe case and screenshots. The more precise description, the easier it is for the authority to react.

At the same time, MGA also points out on its homepage that players should always seek direct contact with the provider in order to discuss the problem directly. If this does not lead to a solution, the help of the authority can be called upon. There is of course more information on this topic, which is why we recommend a direct visit to the MGA complaint page.

Malta Gaming Authority history

Malta Gaming Authority was founded in 2001. At that time Malta passed a law that was intended to regulate lotteries and games of chance. The MGA was established as the official control authority, which is also responsible for licensing the providers.

Over the years, the Authority has built up a first-class reputation and is regarded as one of the most competent points of contact. This is also the reason why players consider the licensing of this authority to be enormously trustworthy. In addition to casinos, lotteries and sports betting, the area of responsibility now also includes fantasy sports, poker and other games of chance.

Summary

The importance of a license for an online casino is huge, because every player can rely on a reputable provider with license. Malta’s authorities have been doing a first class job for many years and ensure that players are offered a secure environment.

If you play in casinos licensed by MGA, you definitely have nothing to fear. We also recommend our alternative guides to the workings of the UK Gambling Commission and the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner.