A Guide to Find The Best Malta Online Casinos

An Introduction to the Gambling Environment of Malta

Malta online casinos are platforms that are typically licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, one of the most recognised and reputable bodies in the world, and a standard for EU online casinos. MGA casinos host players from around the globe and boast safe and reliable payment methods and responsible gambling measures to keep you and your money secure.

Established in 2004, the Malta Gaming Authority has grown to be one of the most renowned licenses for online gambling. As a result, most players prefer online casinos in Malta because of their trustworthiness, reputation and top-notch security. Players in Malta must be 18 years or older to register at a Maltese online casino.

Is It Legal To Gamble In Malta?

As a gambling hub, it comes as no surprise that playing at Malta online casinos is perfectly legal. Nobody will run into legal troubles or be dealt hefty fines.

It’s also a favourable region for casino operators, thanks to low taxes. A Maltese casino license automatically allows operators to offer their services to other EU states, too, with no worries of additional fees or particular legalities.

The online gambling scene in Malta is a massive driver of the growth of the economy, and when Malta joined the European Union in 2004, the country was further able to stabilise its markets.

Regulation, Law And Gambling Age At Malta Online Casinos

Malta in its own right has a renowned regulatory body in the form of the Malta Gaming Authority. Previously called the Lotteries and Gaming Authority, the MGA is controlled by Malta’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, which governs both online and land-based gambling in Malta. What’s more, the MGA owns the Remote Gaming sector which provides overseas casinos with online licenses authorised for use in Malta.

Unlike plenty of other countries, Malta has established a complete set of online gambling laws, creating a solid regulatory framework. Amongst these laws, you’ll find:

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act
• Gaming Act
• Lotteries and Other Games Act
• Consumer Affairs Act

Malta was the first country to regulate online gambling when it adopted the Lotteries and Other Games Act. In being the first, Malta secured its position in the industry and the legislative structure in place today now sets a standard for others to follow.

The Malta gambling scene’s regulations are known to be structured and strict, with the MGA priding itself on openness, honesty and fairness. The authority strives to protect players and operators from corruption and crime while protecting vulnerable and underage players.

To play at Malta online casinos, locals must be 25 years or older, while all other nations may signup from the age of 18.

Malta Online Casinos Authority, Licence And Jurisdiction

For operators wanting to legitimately operate Malta online casinos, there are 4 licenses that are issued under the Remote Gaming Regulations. They are:

• Class 1 License – allows for remote gambling activities.
• Class 2 License – permits foreign betting houses to operate.
• Class 3 License – allows remote reputable online casinos that cater to Malta players to promote themselves.
• Class 4 License – permits management and hosting of offshore websites that are safe for Maltese players.

Why do you need to know about this? Well, it’s important to only play at legit, secure Malta online casinos where your money and your private information is secure.

Malta’s legal body is big on license holders’ social responsibility. To operate a genuinely safe online gambling platform, casino operators must exercise policies targeted at controlling and eliminating the risks of gambling addiction.

All the best Malta online casinos that we recommend ensure high levels of player protection, prevention of money laundering and provably fair gaming.

Playing Online In Malta Is As Safe As Can Be

As you can see, a Malta-licensed online casino is nothing to scoff at. There’s a rather long list of criteria that must be met by the operators, and all Malta online casinos are subject to regular checks. It’s for these reasons that Maltese casinos are considered some of the safest in the iGaming industry.

Features Of Maltese Online Casinos

One of the reasons that Malta online casinos attract players from around the world is the superior protection.

Below, we highlight some essential features of the online casinos recommended on this page.

• Honest and reliable – sites with an MGA license are reliable and trustworthy since they must obey strict rules and regulations put in place in the interest of both players and operators.
• Scam protection – your data is highly secured thanks to world-class technology.
• Fair terms – Maltese online casinos offer lucrative bonuses with fair terms.
• Customer support – MGA online casinos provide helpful and responsive customer support via Live Chat, email, contact form, helpline or a combination of these.
• Selection of games – what really makes Malta online casinos stand out is the selection of games. You’ll find overflowing lobbies of popular and exciting games with plenty of different ways to score a win.

The Greatest Casino Games In Malta

What we have yet to mention is that not only does the Malta Gaming Authority license operators, but it also licenses software developers who provide their games to online casinos in Malta and abroad. As a result, you can look forward to some of the most engaging and sophisticated games in the world.

The best software developers you’ll find at Malta online casinos include the likes of Yggdrasil, NetEnt, Microgaming and Evolution Gaming.

As a result, players can look forward to the hugest range of casino games in categories such as:

• Video slots
• Jackpot slots
• Blackjack
• Baccarat
• Craps
• Keno
• Roulette
• Video Poker
• Lottery
• Scratch Cards

Malta Casino Slots

Maltese players have a wealth of games at their fingertips, especially when it comes to slots. Luckily, slots make up the majority of the selection at Maltese casinos, which means you can expect to find hundreds upon hundreds of different titles in all sorts of themes to play – and you can even try slots out for free in casino’s demo mode to get a feel for them. Three of the most popular titles amongst Maltese players are:

• Starburst
• Immortal Romance
• Mega Moolah

Abundant Blackjack Options

Owing to its high return to player rate and simple rules, blackjack is hugely popular at online casinos, with many variants available. This just adds to the appeal as Maltese players can experience a variety of gameplay. Some of the best titles include:

• Classic Blackjack Gold Series
• Blackjack MH
• American Blackjack

Roaring Roulette Variants

Roulette has got to be one of the most iconic casino games, and you can enjoy it in a myriad of ways online. No matter your preferences, you’re sure to find your favourites at Maltese online casinos. Popular games amongst players in Malta include:

• European Roulette
• Lightning Roulette
• French Roulette
• American Roulette

Never Miss The Live Gaming Action

As you can see, there are all types of interactive games to be played at Malta online casinos. One of the most popular categories, though, is the Live Casino section.

This is where things get especially interesting. While Live Casino studios can be found around the world, Malta is home to some of the most popular. Each studio hosts a selection of elegant, professional dealers, all fully trained in the casino games they host.

Even more interestingly, Malta has an academy, the Online Live Casino Academy, where you can take a two-tiered course to combine the skills of live dealers and croupiers.

Some of the best software developers and operators that have Maltese Live Dealer studios include:

• Evolution – 50+ live games
• Medialive – 15+ live games
• Portomaso Gaming – 10+ live games

Playing Maltese Live Dealer Games

Live Casino studios in Malta offer a high level of professionalism, so you just know that your favourite games are in safe hands. You can choose anything from Live Blackjack and Live Roulette to Poker, Live Craps, Super Sic Bo Live, Monopoly Live and a whole lot of other fun games.

Why do players choose live casino games? There are a few reasons:

• Experienced native-speaking dealers
• The ability to monitor gaming activity
• The chance to chat with other players
• High definition, real-time streaming
• Low and high roller tables

Maltese On-The-Go Gaming Fun

Everything is mobile these days, isn’t it? Most of us read the news, follow social media, watch videos and do business on our mobile devices. So, it makes sense that on-the-go gaming is a popular pastime amongst Maltese players.

Make sure that you choose an operator that has strong mobile compatibility. Fortunately, there’s no need to download dedicated casino apps these days. HTML5 technology makes it possible for you to play your favourite casino games in your device’s browser. We recommend ensuring you have a secure and stable internet connection, though.

You Bet On It! Sports Betting, That Is

Like online gambling, online sports betting is perfectly legal in Malta, provided an operator has the right licence from the Malta Gaming Authority. It’s one of the best licenses a sportsbook can get, offering up superior player protection and real oversight.

After a rise in recurring match-fixing and numerous suspicious bets, the Malta Gaming Authority set up the Sports Integrity Department in an effort to combat the manipulation of competitions and matches. It’s hoped that this department will successfully fight such issues and maintain the reputation of Malta online sportsbooks.

Make It Rain, Maltese Casino Bonuses

Bonuses and promotions are how online casinos stand out from their land-based counterparts. Pretty much every site that we recommend offers some sort of bonus for joining as a way to boost your budget right out the gate.

But finding the best bonuses at Malta online casinos can be confusing and time-consuming. To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a list of the best bonuses worth looking out for, such as:

• No deposit bonus – a small reward for creating a new player account or for regular players. These are rare offers, but great for getting the feel for a site with no risk to your own bankroll. Take note, no deposit bonuses typically come with high wagering requirements.
• Welcome bonus – usually a once-off match deposit bonus or tiered bonus, this is the best way to get started at Malta online casinos.
• Free spins – free spins may be rewarded to new players or existing players as part of a promotion or when a new slot title is released.
• Reload bonus – a match deposit bonus up to a certain amount that the casino gives you for topping up your account.

There are a few things that make a bonus worthwhile, or worth passing up.

Terms, Conditions And Wagering Requirements

If you’ve yet to take advantage of bonuses at Malta online casinos, the terms may seem long and tedious. But never skim over them. Pay attention.

One of the big things to look out for is the wagering requirement – the number of times you must wager either your deposit, the bonus funds or both before you can withdraw your winnings. The lower the requirements, the better.

You’ll also want to look out for factors like the promotion’s validity period, caps on winnings, minimum and maximum deposit, game restrictions and whether or not any deposit methods are exempt from an offer.

Native Customer Service Is A Plus

We play at online casinos because we want to enjoy it. Should you run into any issues or have a question, you want to know that it can be solved professionally and swiftly. That’s why customer service in your preferred language is a must and an important factor in deciding which casino to play at.

Since English is the most spoken language in Malta, you’re safe, since all our recommended online casinos offer support in English and several other languages.

Stick To A Budget, Play Responsibly

If you look at Malta online casinos, you’ll notice that the majority of them have a seal from a third-party organisation that handles problem gambling. Gambling Therapy, GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous, for instance, all deal with responsible gambling so as to help Maltese players.

Players also have a choice of responsible gambling tools at their disposal, and while these may differ from casino to casino, they often include:

• Self-assessment tests
• Reality check
• Time limit
• Deposit limit
• Loss limit
• Cool-off period
• Self-exclusion

This just goes to show that the Malta Gaming Authority stands firm when it comes to playing responsibly. That said, we want to point out that the MGA isn’t enforcing these laws to the same extent as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, where casinos that are not registered with Gamstop risk losing their online gambling licence.

Yet, the Malta Gaming Authority takes responsible gambling seriously, and in 2014 they launched the Responsible Gaming Foundation to protect players in Malta. The aim of the foundation is to create awareness around problem gambling and provide support for players at Malta online casinos.

Prevention Of Underage Gambling

A big part of responsible gambling is to prevent underage gambling. One of the strict regulations Malta online casinos must adhere to is KYC (Know Your Client) verification checks. Under the country’s gambling laws, players who deposit €150 in a period of 180 days must verify their name and provide proof of address.

It’s up to the casino operators to conduct KYC checks, rather than local authorities. To complete the verification process, you need to provide a proof of identity in the form of a driving licence or valid passport. You’ll also need to provide a copy of a recent bank statement or utility bill.

The aim of these verification checks is to prevent underage gambling and protect casinos against money laundering. So, while it might seem like a nuisance, it is essential in the gaming environment.

We suggest having your documents ready when you sign up at Malta online casinos to speed up your first withdrawal request.

Online Casinos In Malta And The Future Of The Industry

There is no doubt that the Malta Gaming Authority will continue to prove its transparency and trustworthiness.

For gamers, you can enjoy top-notch games, convenient and secure payment methods, reliable customer support and plenty of bonuses and promotions at online casinos in Malta. All the sites we recommend on this page are fully licensed, offer multilingual interfaces and are compatible with smartphones and tablets.

Best of all, when you play at a Malta online casino, you just know it has to meet high standards. In any case, our team of experts have reviewed each site on this page and given it ratings based on:

• Licence and regulation
• Security
• Customer support
• Variety of games
• Payment methods
• Bonuses and promotions
• Mobile compatibility
• Responsible gambling

So, when you choose to play at one of the casinos we recommend, you can rest assured you’re getting a secure, safe and super-fun gambling environment – be it in Malta or an offshore casino.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – What is it?

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is a regulatory body that is responsible for the oversight of the gaming industry in Malta. The MGA was established in 2001, and since then it has become one of the most respected and well-regarded gaming regulators in the world.

MGA Responsibilities

One of the main responsibilities of the MGA is to issue licenses to gaming operators who wish to offer their services in Malta. To be eligible for a license, operators must meet strict criteria that are designed to ensure that they are operating in a responsible and transparent manner. These criteria include requirements related to financial stability, technical standards, player protection, and fair play.

In addition to issuing licenses, the MGA also has a number of other responsibilities. These include:

• Monitoring the activities of licensed operators to ensure that they are complying with the terms of their license and the laws of Malta
• Carrying out audits and inspections to ensure that operators are meeting the necessary standards
• Investigate complaints and take action against operators who are found to be in breach of their license or the law
• Collaborating with other regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies to combat illegal and unethical practices in the gaming industry

The MGA has a number of different departments that are responsible for different aspects of its work. These include the Licensing and Compliance Department, which is responsible for issuing and monitoring licenses, and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Unit, which is responsible for carrying out inspections and audits.

One of the key strengths of the MGA is its commitment to player protection. The MGA has a number of measures in place to ensure that players are treated fairly and that their rights are protected. These include the requirement for operators to have robust responsible gaming policies, and the provision of tools and resources for players who may be at risk of developing a gambling problem.

The MGA is also known for its strong focus on innovation and the development of new technologies. The MGA has a dedicated Innovation and Technology Department, which works with operators to help them develop and implement new technologies in a responsible and sustainable manner. This includes the use of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

Creating jobs in Malta

In addition to its regulatory activities, the MGA also plays a key role in promoting Malta as a hub for the gaming industry. The MGA works closely with the Maltese government and other stakeholders to promote the country as a destination for gaming companies, and to attract investment and talent to the sector.

One of the ways in which the MGA promotes Malta as a gaming hub is through its participation in international events and conferences. The MGA regularly attends events such as the ICE Totally Gaming conference, the Malta iGaming Seminar, and the European Gaming Congress, where it showcases the strengths and capabilities of the Maltese gaming industry.

The MGA is also active in the development of industry standards and best practices. The MGA has established a number of working groups and committees that bring together industry stakeholders to discuss issues of common concern and to develop recommendations for improving the industry. Some of the topics that these working groups have addressed include responsible gaming, player protection, and the use of new technologies.

Overall, the Malta Gaming Authority is a key player in the global gaming industry, and it is widely respected for its commitment to responsible and transparent practices. The MGA is an important partner for gaming operators, and it plays a vital role in promoting Malta as a hub for the industry.