About Malta Gaming Authority
What is an Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) (formerly the Lotteries and Gaming Authority) (LGA) is the gaming control board of Malta. It regulates most forms of gambling in its territory, including both land-based (casino, amusement and slot machines, betting offices, fantasy sports, and lotteries) and online gambling services including B2C and B2B services.
The MGA deals with:
Protection of minors and vulnerable persons, while promoting responsible gaming in a safe environment.
Licensing and regulation of the gaming operators.
Guidance and cooperation at all stages of the application process.
Protection of player funds, ensuring that all deposits and withdrawals are secure and enforceable.
Ensure the integrity of games and gaming devices, via audits and independent testing facilities to ensure the randomness of results of all games of chance.
Monitoring of licensee activities to ensure compliance.
Safeguarding of player rights, via investigation of complaints concerning the licensees on behalf of the players.
Monitoring of activities to keep gaming free from criminal activities.
The MGA cannot enforce any operator to return stakes that have been voluntary placed and lost in a fair game, but it can provide advice and assistance in enforcing the deposited money and the actual winnings and aids in dispute resolution with players and its licencees when necessary.
In addition, the new gambling law in Malta introduces “a duty of care for operators”. The MGA license holders are expected to monitor players’ gambling habits, look for signs of problematic behaviour and intervene when necessary.
The MGA licences several well-known online gambling companies. The list of current MGA licence holders is provided at the “MGA Licensee Register”..
