Malta, with its 316 km², is one of the tiniest countries in the world, but it is a powerhouse in the online gambling sector, with hundreds of MGA betting sites open to Indian gamblers. Many bettors prefer choosing Malta betting sites due to the higher security measures compared to many other licenses.
Today, hundreds of betting sites in India are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), one of Europe’s most respected interactive gambling authorities. Let us teach you about Malta’s sports betting, online casinos, and gambling laws.
Malta Betting Sites Pros and Cons
Pros
- High player security
- Available to Indian players
- Globally well-recognized
- Must obey strict European laws
- Fair gaming
- Operator accountability
Cons
- Cryptocurrency not supported
- No regulations for advertising
About The Malta Gambling Authority
Malta was the first EU country to establish a specific regulatory authority for online gambling in 2004. By holding betting sites and Indian casinos accountable and forcing them to complete stringent security, anti-fraud, and quality inspections in order to acquire licenses, one of the world’s tiniest countries restored legitimacy to a thriving business that had previously been viewed with mistrust.
The Malta Gaming Authority now controls hundreds of online bookmakers, gaming sites, betting exchanges, and software providers.
With many of the world’s largest gambling organizations headquartered in the tiny Mediterranean nation, bettors have virtually endless possibilities. It also means that any company offering sports betting or casino games with a Maltese license is safe and well-regulated. The license is known for for good betting sites promotions, safe gameplay and fair games, among others.
A Global License
Without Malta and its advantageous tax policies, the EU would not have one of the world’s most advanced online gaming and betting businesses.
Some nations require the usage of a national license, such as Spain, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, but Malta has done an incredible job for markets that yet does not have a national license, like India. Gamblers from other countries, including Norway, Japan, Canada, Brazil and Ireland, often prefer MGA betting sites over sites licensed in Curacao, for example.
The Most Popular License Worldwide
The online gaming market is the most popular in Malta. According to KPMG, ‘Malta accommodates almost 10% of the world’s online gaming operators,’ an astounding figure for an archipelago nearly five times the size of Greater London.
While it does not host major sporting events, Malta is home to one of the most important online gaming industry events, the Summit of iGaming (SiGMA). This is a global conference for the iGaming elite, with dozens of exhibitors showcasing their latest games or technologies, including Ladbrokes, LeoVegas, ComeOn!, and many more.
In March 2015, the country staged its inaugural European Poker Tournament in the welcome seaside resort of St. Julian’s. It was the largest EPT festival ever conducted, with over forty tournaments underlining Malta’s key role in the gaming landscape.
Safety in MGA Betting Sites
Malta was the first jurisdiction to regulate online gambling, enacting the Lotteries and Other Games Act in 2004. Malta was able to establish its position at the vanguard of the business by being the first to arrive, and it still is today. The current legislative structure was put in place when the business was mostly uncontrolled, establishing an official norm for others to follow.
Malta’s gaming rules are well-known for being tight and regulated, and the MGA takes pleasure in maintaining high levels of transparency, fairness, and honesty. The gaming authority works to prevent crime and corruption, as well as to safeguard minors and vulnerable players from the risks of gaming.
In particular, MGA-licensed bookies are controlled and governed by a set of legislation that is always changing and modifying. Because it is the centre of the action, the skills, data, and information required to formulate the aforementioned regulations are easily accessible.
Strict European Regulations
The European Union is known for having strict rules and regulations, and since Malta is a member nation, it must obey such rules. Therefore, the Malta-licensed gambling sites must undergo strict safety measures that provide extra safety for the player.
They work with responsible gambling organizations such as GamCare, Gambling Therapy, and Gamblers Anonymous to aid those who require professional treatment. Furthermore, they place a high value on privacy protection. Protocols like the GDPR have long ago been implemented.
After all, failing to comply has severe penalties. The license of an MGA bookie can be revoked as the ultimate penalty. In practice, this indicates the bookie’s operations are over.
MGA Preferred by Top Payment Methods
Financial companies want to know that their clients are following the law. The MGA seal is proof enough to open numerous doors for bookmakers and entice many clients. Furthermore, an MGA license opens the door to some fruitful collaboration with the top payment providers. You can expect fast processing times, and some of the fastest withdrawal betting sites in India have an MGA license.
After all, when you go online, the quality of the odds and betting specials is everything. No two punters are the same, and no two sportsbooks are the same, as long as the same person does not run them.
How to file a Complaint with the MGA?
- Visit the Malta Gaming Authority’s official website.
- In the top right corner, click the “Support” Button.
- Select the “Online Gaming Support” Button.
- On the screen, a form will display. Fill out all of the information, including the date, contact information, and account information.
- Make sure you EXPLAIN the nature of the occurrence CLEARLY. Please include any supporting screenshots or papers.
- Click “Submit” to send in your complaint.
The Malta Gaming Authority handles all complaints entirely on its own. The MGA is notorious for its handling of complaints. The tough aspect is not filing a complaint; it is waiting for a response, which can take a long time. The MGA declared a few years ago that there would be an expansion in staff with this goal in mind. Still, you should expect some time to pass before addressing your issue.
All complaints, however, are addressed sooner or later, so if you have an issue with a bookmaker operating under an MGA licence, you should file a complaint.
How to Obtain an MGA License?
Compared to other countries, the procedure for getting an MGA gambling license is extensive and severe. This is because MGA betting and casino licenses are extremely prestigious, necessitating extensive inspections and protocols. In this part, you will learn more about the Malta gaming license criteria, which include the following:
- Every applicant and the owner must have a valid good conduct certificate no more than three months old.
- All applicants/owners must provide original bank references no more than three months old.
- Passing a fit and appropriate test.
- A thorough business plan.
- All game servers and operations must take place in Malta.
- All third-party agreements and gaming software details.
- An audit of software and compliance.
- Notarized copies of all passports of the applicants/owners.
As you can see, any applicant needs to jump through quite a few hoops to obtain an MGA license. This adds to the operator’s safety and, in the end, makes it safer for you as a player.
FAQs
Are MGA-licensed betting sites safe for Indian gamblers?
Absolutely! The Malta Gaming Authority maintains stringent rules and regulations on its licensees and is one of the licensing jurisdictions that will intervene in disputes when necessary. Read our extensive section on how safe MGA-approved betting sites are for more information.
Is obtaining an MGA license difficult?
In layman’s words, not much. It is not as complex as obtaining an online betting license in the United Kingdom, Sweden or Spain. Furthermore, it is more crucial to keep the license, maintain a good reputation, and have a satisfied customer base than it is to gain it. In our perspective, operators who have held an MGA license for several years can be deemed fair, dependable, and legitimate because they have exhibited consistency.
Can I play at an MGA betting site if I live in India?
Yes, you can! The MGA license is a global license, and Indian players are welcomed with open arms. However, standard gambling rules still apply, so keep in mind that not all states allow online gambling and the bookmaker must allow transactions in Indian Rupees.
Can bookmakers have several licenses?
They can, but this comes with additional costs, additional rules to follow, and more stakeholders who must be satisfied with the operator’s actions. Some bookmakers have gone to great lengths to get licenses from the MGA, UKGC, Sweden, Australia, and Spain. They don’t stop there, with Denmark and the United States as the next test grounds.
Can I claim a bonus in a MGA casino?
You sure can! Most MGA-licensed casinos and bookmakers offer new and loyal customers a bonus. Some will even give you a bonus upon registering on the website, and you can find all no deposit bonus betting sites here.
Summary
The emergence of the betting sector in Malta is a success story that continues to progress from one level to the next and from strength to strength. Without question, Malta has emerged as the main location for many operators in the online Malta betting sites business. Malta’s online gaming sector and betting businesses Malta have been steadily increasing in Europe.
Seconded by Gibraltar and the United Kingdom, gambling enterprises in Malta have established themselves as Europe’s online gaming capital. And in the not-too-distant future, Malta gambling enterprises will be known as the Silicon Valley of the betting and casino industry.
Arjun Jindal | Last Modified: August 11, 2022
