Malta is synonymous with strict and highly regulated sites and is considered perhaps the most respected jurisdiction for online casinos alongside the UKGC…
Malta was one of the first countries to regulate online gambling seriously, and today the MGA license is still considered one of the most prestigious in the industry. It’s a name that carries weight, especially in Europe, where Malta-licensed casinos are often held up as the gold standard in terms of compliance, fairness, and player protection. But is it a good fit for crypto casinos? Well… not exactly. In fact, the MGA doesn’t allow direct crypto gambling at all. But there are some workarounds which we’ll get to shortly.
How to spot one? Look for the MGA badge at the bottom of a casino site (in the footer) and check it against the online register to make sure it’s legit. Think of it like 2FA but for casino license verification.
33 Casino Sites with an MGA License in July 2026
Tested from Sweden in December 2025. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits.
Tested from Sweden in December 2025. KYC verification required for withdrawals.
Tested from Sweden in October 2024.
Tested from Sweden in September 2023.
Tested from Sweden in May 2023.
Latest test from Sweden in March 2025.
Tested from Sweden in January 2024.
Latest test from Sweden in March 2024. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits.
Tested from Sweden in April 2026. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits.
Tested from Sweden in July 2024. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits.
Tested from Sweden in July 2023. Supports BTC and ETH deposits.
Latest test from Sweden in January 2025. Supports USDT deposits.
Re-tested from Sweden in August 2024. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits.
Latest test from Sweden in March 2025.
Re-tested from Sweden in January 2024.
Tested from Sweden in June 2024.
Tested from Sweden in February 2024.
Tested from Sweden in March 2024.
Tested from Sweden in May 2025. No KYC required at signup.
Tested from Sweden in June 2024.
Tested from Sweden in June 2024.
Tested from Sweden in April 2024.
Tested from Sweden in June 2025. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits.
Tested from Sweden in October 2024. Supports BTC deposits.
Re-tested from Sweden, February 2025. Supports BTC deposits.
Tested from Sweden in October 2024. Supports BTC deposits.
Tested from Sweden in December 2025. No KYC required at signup.
Tested from Sweden in February 2025.
Tested from Sweden in December 2025.
Tested from Sweden in April 2025.
Tested from Sweden in June 2025. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits. No KYC required at signup.
Tested from Sweden in October 2025. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits.
Tested from Sweden in August 2025. Supports BTC, ETH and USDT deposits.
Facts & History: What’s Important to Know
MGA’s focus is on transparency, fair play, and a strong player complaints process. They audit games, regulate bonuses, monitor anti-money laundering practices, and even approve the software providers casinos are allowed to use. It’s real regulation, not just a rubber stamp – something that many have thrown at Anjouan as a jursidiction. One reason for that status is the way Malta integrated its licensing into EU law. Because it’s an EU member, a Malta license allows casinos to legally offer their services to players across the EU under the principle of freedom to provide services. Exceptions to this started to arise when local licensing frameworks came into play in countries like Norway and the Netherlands.
Where it all began
It all started back in 2001, when Malta became the first EU member state to formally regulate online gambling. This was a bold move at the time—most countries were either ignoring the internet boom or outright banning online betting. But Malta saw the opportunity early, not just to generate tax revenue, but to position itself as a global hub for digital gambling companies. The original regulator was called the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA), and it wasn’t until 2015 that it rebranded into what we now know as the Malta Gaming Authority.
Still, for a long time, a Malta license was seen as the gold standard, especially compared to offshore jurisdictions like Curacao or Anjouan. Malta hasn’t been immune to criticism though. There have been isolated scandals over the years, including concerns about links to the Mafia in Italy and debates about how closely the regulator monitors license holders.
MGA forbids direct crypto deposits
If you’re a purist crypto gambler who wants true wallet-to-wallet betting, Malta isn’t for you. The MGA does not currently allow operators to hold player balances in crypto or to settle bets in digital currencies.
A few crypto-friendly operators have found clever ways around this. One common workaround is to use crypto payment processors that convert deposits into fiat instantly, so players can still pay with Bitcoin or USDT, but technically the casino never handles crypto. It’s a grey area, but one that many players accept if they want the trust and structure of an MGA casino but still want to use digital coins. Examples of the payment processors you’ll find on some of the Malta casinos listed above is MuchBetter. The more famous MiFinity is less common on these casinos and is still much more frequently found on hybrid sites with Curacao licenses.
Comparison to Curacao and Anjouan
The truth is, MGA is not built for speed or ease. Nope, it’s built for long-term stability and legal compliance. Getting licensed in Malta takes months, not weeks. The process is rigorous: background checks, financial audits, game testing, compliance interviews, responsible gambling plans. The full works, so to speak.
Compare that to Anjouan, which can issue a license in a matter of days with minimal checks, or even Curacao (under the new GCB system), which is trying to strike a balance between accountability and accessibility.
So who’s MGA best for? Operators looking to target regulated European markets, offer peace of mind to cautious players, or attract long-term investors. You won’t find anonymous no-KYC casinos here, and the bonus restrictions are fairly tight too. But what you do get is real security and trust.
How much does it cost to get?
Setting up a casino under a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license definitely isn’t the budget-friendly option. You’re looking at over €25,000 just to cover the basic licensing and application fees, plus another €10,000 to €15,000 annually in compliance, data, and supervision costs. But that’s just scratching the surface. You’ll also need to appoint local directors, build out a proper compliance team, and submit a full business plan alongside detailed financials, software certifications, and audited processes. A physical office presence in Malta is mandatory, too.
Then there’s the capital requirement. Ouch. Most operators will need anywhere from €100,000 to €300,000+ just to get off the ground, and if you’re aiming to go compete with the high-street brands, you could easily be looking at a total launch cost north of €500,000. For starters. It’s a serious commitment, and MGA doesn’t hand out licenses lightly.
Official Pages
You’re able to see the full register for casinos licensed under the MGA at: https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-register/
On that page you’ll also be able access the other MGA pages to learn more about the license and additional things too. There’s information readily available for both operators as well as players, and it’s super professional.
What are the Pros?
+ Extremely well-respected in the industry
+ Offers strong player protection and dispute resolution
+ Ideal for targeting Europe and regulated markets
+ Casinos are held to high technical and ethical standards
+ Games and providers are tested and certified
What are the Cons?
– Direct crypto not allowed
– High compliance and setup costs
– Long application process (months, not weeks)
– No room for anonymity (KYC is strictly enforced)
– Limited innovation due to strict rules
Are Malta casinos worth trying?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for the cream of the crop when it comes to safe payments, proper dispute resolution and responsible gaming tools then there are few better than casinos licensed in Malta. Admittedly, it’s been harder for crypto operators, especially before MICA came into effect, and it still seems like a rather small jurisdiction for those that like to make deposits with cryptocurrencies. Still, quite a few hybrid casinos try and changes are no doubt coming. Check the toplist above to find one that catches your eye!
How can I verify the correct license?
You can find licensing information in the footer of most MGA casino sites, or verify it directly at the official MGA register. The license number will start with an ‘MGA/B2C/’ prefix and will be linked to a specific operator. It will NOT be linked to a specific URL, or a specific brand.
FAQ: What you need to know
Below are some of the most common questions related to the MGA license.
What is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)?
The Malta Gaming Authority is a government-run regulator that oversees online gambling operations. Established in 2001, it was the first EU regulator to issue online gaming licenses and has become one of the most respected licensing bodies in the industry. If a casino is MGA-licensed, it means they’ve gone through serious vetting and regular audits.
How much does it cost to get an MGA license?
It’s a premium license, and the costs reflect that. The application fees start around €25,000, with yearly regulatory and compliance fees adding another €10,000–€15,000 minimum. On top of that, you’ll need capital reserves of €100K–€300K and a full team for legal, compliance, and technical operations.
Can players trust MGA casinos?
Generally, yes. The MGA has one of the strongest reputations in the industry. Licensees are audited, disputes can be escalated to the regulator, and casinos face regular checks. If an MGA casino is caught doing something shady, they risk losing their license… and it does happen. That level of oversight makes MGA casinos a ‘safer’ bet than many lighter licensed (or unlicensed anon) sites.
Can I stay anonymous at an MGA casino?
Nope. The MGA requires strict KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures. You’ll need to verify your identity, provide documents for larger withdrawals, and may even face source of funds checks. It’s all part of their AML (Anti-Money Laundering) obligations. So if you’re looking for anonymity, an MGA-licensed site probably isn’t for you. You’re better off with a hybrid (crypto and fiat) casino licensed in Curacao, a no-KYC site licensed in Anjouan, or an unlicensed and fully anonymous brand like LTC Casino.
Do MGA casinos have better responsible gambling tools?
Yep, this is one of their biggest strengths. Players can set deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclude, and even request permanent bans—all of which must be honored by the operator. If a casino fails to enforce these tools, the MGA can issue fines or revoke the license.
What countries are MGA casinos available in?
MGA casinos typically target the EU and Canada, but availability can vary depending on local laws. For example, players in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden now fall under local licensing regimes, and MGA sites may be geo-blocked. But in most of the rest of the world, including markets like Finland, Ireland, India, and more, MGA casinos remain widely accessible.
Is it better than a Curacao or Anjouan license?
It depends on what you value. If you want regulation, transparency, fiat banking, and full legal protections, then for sure… Malta is on a different level. But if you’re a crypto purist looking for fast sign-ups, no KYC, and flexible terms, MGA might feel too restrictive. Sites licensed in Curacao (especially under the new GCB regime) offer a decent middle ground, while Anjouan casinos are usually the go-to for a more ‘libertine’ experience.
