If you’ve been exploring online casinos, you may have noticed the term “MGA casino”. This refers to casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The MGA is one of several regulatory bodies that oversee gambling operators.
Some casino sites that accept UK players may also hold an MGA licence. However, they must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to legally operate in Great Britain. Understanding what the MGA does could help you assess how different gambling websites are regulated.
Why So Many Casinos Choose Malta
Malta has been licensing online casinos since 2001. Many companies are based there due to the country’s clear licensing process and regulatory approach. The MGA sets rules for handling player funds, verifying identity, protecting data, and ensuring games are tested.
Independent testing bodies such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI are often used to check that games operate randomly. Malta remains a well-established location for companies that also serve players in the UK.
What Is The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)?
The MGA is Malta’s national regulator for both online and land-based gambling. It issues licences and monitors operators for ongoing compliance.
Licensed operators must meet standards around fund protection, identity checks, data security, and game fairness. The MGA works with accredited labs to test game systems.
In Great Britain, only a UKGC licence provides full protection under UK law. If a site has both UKGC and MGA licences, it may offer added visibility, but the UKGC licence is the one that applies to players based in the UK.
Licence details can usually be verified through the official UKGC or MGA websites.
Are MGA Casinos Safe To Play At?
Casinos licensed by the MGA are expected to meet set financial, technical, and player safety standards. Player deposits must be held separately from operational funds. Game systems are checked by approved third parties to ensure they use Random Number Generators (RNGs).
If a dispute cannot be resolved by the casino, it may be possible to refer the issue to the MGA. For UK-based players, the UKGC licence provides access to UK-based dispute resolution services such as IBAS or eCO.
Dual-licensed casinos (UKGC and MGA) are required to include safer gambling features. These include deposit limits, time reminders, self-exclusion, and temporary account pauses. The UKGC also requires licence holders to submit game malfunction reports and pass annual technical audits.
Why Some Players Trust Malta‑Licensed Casinos More
Malta-licensed operators are subject to monitoring that covers fund segregation, payment handling, data security, and anti-money-laundering checks. Games are required to be independently tested to confirm that outcomes are random.
In 2025, the MGA introduced an outcomes-focused supervision model. This includes risk-based reviews, IT system inspections, and mystery shopping to identify areas for improvement. Operators must provide a clear complaints process with escalation information.
What Are The Main Rules For MGA Casino Sites?
To meet MGA licensing requirements, operators must:
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Verify your age (18+) and confirm your identity
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Keep player funds separate from business accounts
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Use independently tested RNGs for games
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Offer safer gambling tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion
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Provide contact details and information on how to raise disputes
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Protect your data under GDPR or a similar data protection framework
Do UK Players Use Malta Casinos?
Some casino sites with MGA licences also hold a valid UKGC licence. The UKGC licence is the one that provides rights under UK legislation. These dual-licensed sites often display both licence details in the website footer.
Before registering, you may wish to check what games are available, what payment methods are supported, and what safer gambling features are in place. You can also view published Return to Player (RTP) information where available.
Why Do Casino Influencers Move To Malta?
Some casino content creators live in Malta due to its proximity to studios and gambling sector events. The local environment makes it easier to connect with operators and software suppliers.
If an influencer creates content that targets UK audiences, they must reference the appropriate UKGC and MGA licence numbers. UK advertising regulations also require them to include responsible gambling messages and avoid misleading content.
Is Gambling Legal In Malta?
Yes. Gambling is legal in Malta for those aged 18 and over. Operators need a valid MGA licence to offer services legally. They must verify a player’s age and identity before gameplay begins.
Some Malta-based operators also accept players from the UK. To do so, they need a UKGC licence in addition to their MGA licence.
Who Actually Regulates Online Casinos In Malta?
The MGA regulates online casinos based in Malta. It issues and removes licences, checks that operators follow the rules, and audits them regularly.
It also investigates financial processes, technical systems, and social responsibility measures. If players are not satisfied with a casino’s internal response, they may refer the case to the MGA or, in the UK, to a UK-approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider.
What Powers Does The MGA Have?
The MGA has the authority to:
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Approve or cancel licences
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Review company finances and fund segregation
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Audit RNGs and game fairness processes
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Monitor anti-money-laundering and data privacy practices
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Impose fines or penalties where required
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Provide an official pathway for player complaints
How Do MGA Licences Compare To UKGC?
MGA and UKGC licences share some similarities. Both require secure fund handling, game fairness testing, data protection, and access to gambling management tools.
However, the UKGC licence is legally required for casinos offering services to players in Great Britain. It also enforces specific rules around advertising, fair bonus terms, withdrawal timeframes, and safer gambling. Operators must contribute to UK-specific gambling research, prevention, and treatment.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
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