The MGA Casinos are widely recognised as a safe and trustworthy online gambling destination. The Maltese Gambling Authority has conducted a thorough review of these gambling sites before issuing a gaming license. When it comes to licencing and regulating the industry of virtual casinos, few can match the success of Malta’s Gambling Authority (MGA).
There are currently 151 licenced online casinos operating in the European Union, all of which have been tested by the Malta Gambling Authority and found to be trustworthy and secure. This ensures that any player who deposits real money at an MGA online casino can do so with confidence.
Learn more about this organisation and the rules and regulations that govern the licencing of MGA casinos in this article. You will also learn about the best MGA online casinos and what kinds of bonuses they offer.
The Malta Gaming Authority started its operations in 2001 and has been very successful ever since. The MGA was an early regulator of the online casino industry, helping to ensure the public's safety. Malta passed the first European Union regulation of online gambling in 2004.
The gambling industry in Malta is very important to the country's economy. One of the most gambling-friendly governments in the world is located here. The reforms implemented in 2018 significantly enhanced the taxation system. For instance, the tax on gambling was eliminated to prevent double tariffs.
Furthermore, the MGA's international reputation extends far beyond its legitimacy in the eyes of players. For instance, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) allows owners of Maltese licences to advertise their businesses in the British market because the MGA is on the UKGC's white list. The Malta Gambling Regulatory Commission has entered into a number of bilateral agreements with various other remote gaming regulations. These agreements vary from case to case but typically involve sharing information.
The gambling laws established a stable regulatory environment for Malta casinos. When compared to other countries, Malta's regulations on online gambling are clear and easy to understand. Their widespread adoption allowed businesses to begin strategically planning for the future. The jurisdictions of Austria, Canada, Finland, Sweden, and Japan all recognise Malta casinos as legitimate businesses.
These facts make Malta an attractive option for the development of the online gambling market. Because of the GRC's efforts, MGA licensed casinos are among the safest and most reliable in the industry.
Functions of the MGA
New MGA casinos must comply with all local laws, both those governing online and offline play. Casinos are required to take preventative measures and impose restrictions on players whose behaviour suggests they may be developing a gambling addiction in accordance with these guidelines, which are grounded in the principles of player safety and responsible gambling. Here is a full rundown of the roles played by the authority:
Issues permits for any and all forms of gambling.
Controls the conduct of every MGA licensed online casino.
Promotes responsible gambling and checks to see that MGA casinos are following these guidelines.
Defends the interests of online casino players.
Maintains the safety of the player's money and the confidentiality of the transaction at MGA casinos.
Ensures fairness in games and the use of third-party audits.
Keeps tabs on the gaming industry to check on how well MGA licensees are following the rules.
Conducts player-side investigations of complaints made against its casinos.
Responsible for regulating the gambling industry and ensuring that it benefits the Maltese economy.
Bonuses at MGA Online Casinos
The Malta Gaming Authority licence is the most accommodating and productive in the industry. Sixty percent of online gambling establishments have been confirmed to be MGA-approved. The different bonuses are the main reason for this situation. There are multiple benefits available to you at MGA casinos. Promotions that stand out among those offered by MGA casinos include:
Welcome bonus
Legal online casinos are not excluded from receiving the welcome bonus. Unfortunately, each individual is limited to a single bonus. You can get the best casino bonuses at once at an unregulated casino that has an MGA licence.
When you make your first deposit at an MGA licensed casino, you will receive a welcome bonus. Deposit bonuses can reach up to 500% in some cases. In most cases, a MGA casino site will match your minimum deposit 100%.
No deposit bonus
This is our favourite type of bonus for a bettor to receive. In order to make use of the bonus that does not require a deposit, you will not be required to make one. By creating an account at an MGA casino, a player is eligible to receive a deposit bonus that does not require the first investment. However, there are only a few MGA licensed casinos that come with specific wagering requirements associated with no-deposit bonuses.
Before a person can cash in their winnings, they need to satisfy all of the wagering requirements first. The no deposit casino bonus that does not require a deposit can come in the form of cash or free spins, among other possibilities. On the other hand, the vast majority of MGA casinos offer no-deposit bonuses in the form of free spins.
Free spins
The slot machine is the most common venue for awarding no deposit free spins. As many as 300 spins can be awarded to a player at once. The catch is that most online casinos licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) do not offer free spins that are not subject to wagering requirement. In order to cash out your winnings, you must wager on when you will receive the greatest possible benefits.
Reload bonus
After a player has received a welcome bonus from a Malta casino, the casino may offer a reload bonus. Reload bonuses can range from 25% to 500% of the next deposit.
Match-up bonus
The welcome bonus and the match-up bonus are two terms that are frequently interchanged at MGA casinos. However, the two are not the same. Bonuses for making a first deposit are only given to new players. Additionally, a matching bonus is always available. The term "match-up" suggests that the bonus will equal the deposit made by the player. The sum of the deposit is matched 100%.
Cashback
After a loss, emotions are at an all-time low. What if gambling companies suggest recovering some of the money you misplaced? If you lose at a fast payout casino game or a bet, you get some of your money back. In most cases, a cashback of 10% is offered at online casinos licenced by the MGA. If a bettor loses $100, he will get $10 back in cash. MGA casinos offer cashback at varying percentages.
VIP/Loyalty points
All gamblers at some MGA casinos might be treated as VIPs by the casino. Whereas, some MGA casinos have strict requirements to use VIP or loyalty points, others don't. There is a lot of similarity between the two systems, as both require you to amass loyalty points. After the loyalty points have been accumulated for a certain amount of time, you can turn them into real money.
Special bonus
Bonuses for special occasions like birthdays and holidays are common at MGA casinos and online roulette sites. You may have seen massive Christmas discounts or freebies on various online shopping apps. Online casinos licenced by the MGA often feature game-specific bumper bonuses.
Referral bonus
There are a few MGA casinos that offer referral bonuses. These rewards function in a manner similar to the "refer a friend" system. So, let us say you really enjoyed playing at MGA-licensed casino. And you’ve directed your friend as well. There are a few MGA casinos that will give you cashback, free spins, etc.
Reasons Why You Should Play at an MGA-Licensed Casino
There are many reasons why players seek out MGA casinos, and these have a lot to do with the way the authority has successfully found a balance between keeping online gambling safe for players without putting too many restrictions in place. Here are some of the benefits of playing at MGA licensed casino site:
Great Casino Bonuses with Reasonable Requirements
Casino licensed by the MGA give players the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of free bonuses, such as welcome offers, free spins, no deposit bonuses, and cashbacks. In some countries, like Spain, new players can claim attractive bonuses with a reasonable wagering requirement.
Instantaneous Withdrawal and Deposit
When it comes to withdrawing funds, players at MGA licensed casinos typically have the most flexible options.
No Withdrawal Fee
At MGA Casino, we never charge a fee to withdraw your winnings. Although some banks may assess a fee for specific kinds of transfers, the online casino itself does not levy any fees for this service.
Casino contests and tournaments
Regular tournaments at MGA casinos connect players for a social experience that can not be had with a solo activity. The Battle of Malta poker tournament series is just one example of a large-scale event regularly held in Malta's legal and licenced new online casinos, with prize pools that regularly top €3.5 million. The authorities keep a close eye on these competitions to guarantee fair play and a secure environment for all participants.
Various live dealer games
Some regions have not yet developed their online portfolios because few software providers have secured licences there. The opposite is true at casinos that have been granted an MGA licence, with a wide variety of live casino games and other real-time table games available across all platforms. In live casinos, players can choose from dozens of different variations of games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and even Andar Bahar.
The most extensive game providers
The MGA licence is held by the casino industry's most prominent software providers and game suppliers. You can anticipate finding casino games from Play'n GO, Evolution, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil Gaming, and Microgaming, amongst other developers, if you gamble in casinos located on the island of Malta. A significant number of these gaming software developers are actually headquartered in Malta. The gaming options available at these casinos are extensive and varied, and include both slot machines and table casino games, as well as video slots.
Customer Support
The Authority promises to stand by you if you have a complaint against a casino licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority, and it will conduct an investigation into your claims.
How To Find the Best MGA Casino
Looking for the best MGA casino can feel like a rabbit hole adventure when faced with hundreds of licenced sites vying for your attention. On this page, we have compiled a list of the top recommended websites to make your life easier, and we hope that you find it useful. The following are the minimum requirements for inclusion on this page. If you see a casino listed here, you can rest assured that it meets these standards without fail.
1
Superior Resources for Responsible Gambling
The Authority’s standards with respect to responsible gambling are stringent. A minimum deposit casino licensed by it is responsible for making sure nobody under the age of 18 finds their way on the online casino and that all customers have access to responsible gambling sources and tools. Like this, vulnerable players who are at risk of addiction will not find themselves in trouble. In addition, new MGA casinos monitor the amount of time and money a player spends playing, delivering ‘reality check’ prompts to make sure a player doesn’t spend more than they can afford.
2
Game selection
The best licensees provide players with access to hundreds of live casino games, from old favourites to cutting-edge, specialised video slots. Live dealer tables are available around the clock, and they boast high-quality 4K studio filming and seasoned dealers.
3
Fair T&Cs
We keep track of things like wagering requirements, bonus terms, withdrawal terms, and anything else that could have an impact on a player's time spent gambling. Since they have nothing to hide, the best MGA casinos will gladly make all this information easily accessible to their players.
4
Game providers
Something is definitely not right if you do not recognise any of the regulars. At the very bottom of their casino lobby, all new MGA casinos online that have any respect for themselves, will proudly display the logos of the game providers they consider to be the most reputable licensed casinos in the industry.
5
Good user reviews
It is always a good idea to check out what other players have to say about the sites you are considering joining. You should probably skip such online casinos where everyone seems to be complaining and try somewhere else. You can also read casino reviews about trusted casinos on our website.
Payment Methods For MGA Casinos
Reputable casino operators with a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority will have multiple safe and secure banking options for its customers to use when making deposits and withdrawals. Here, you will learn about the most popular casino payment methods for making deposits at MGA-licensed online casinos.
e-Wallets
More and more people are using electronic wallets to deposit funds into their MGA Casino accounts because of how convenient it is.
One of the many benefits of using an electronic wallet is the speed with which money can be deposited and withdrawn. Withdrawals can be made within 24 hours of depositing, and the balance is automatically refilled whenever a deposit is made. No additional steps are required to link your bank account to your casino account. Your own bank account information is not exposed in the event of a data breach, thanks to this measure.
PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are the three most common e-wallets for gambling online.
Players who use electronic wallets to make deposits and withdrawals at certain MGA casinos can take advantage of additional offers and generous bonuses.
Credit Cards
Credit and debit cards can be used for both the initial deposit and withdrawal of any winnings. One of the most popular ways to fund your MGA casino account is with a credit card. Credit card companies like Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express process the majority of online transactions.
Cards' primary benefit is their portability, allowing players to participate from any location where the practise of gambling is legal. Due to the high standard of security at financial institutions, this is a convenient method of making payments. Cards are accepted at all MGA Casino-approved European online casinos.
Cryptocurrency
The use of cryptocurrencies at MGA Casino has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years. Cryptocurrencies offer players anonymity, instant payment processing, and rarely any transaction fees.
When gamblers use cryptocurrencies to fund their casino accounts, the transaction is completely public and verifiable. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum can be used as payment. Many players at Malta-licensed online casinos prefer cryptocurrencies because of the added layer of security and anonymity they provide.
Advantages and Disadvantages Of Malta Gaming Authority License
While having a licence issued by the Malta Gaming Authority is generally regarded as a mark of quality in the gambling industry, not all operators are able to meet the stringent standards set forth by the MGA. But there is no denying the benefits to the MGA casinos that have this certification.
Benefits of holding an MGA licence:
MGA Licences at casinos can be obtained from the regulator for a lengthy time period (between five and ten years) and come in two varieties (business-to-business and business-to-consumer). Both ensure player and operator safety, provide transparent anti-money-laundering policies, and offer secure deposit and withdrawal options.
Promotion of gambling services within the European Union
Payment of licence and tax fees is minimal, and only a percentage of winnings from Maltese gamblers is taxed.
Exceptional licensee-focused customer service.
The MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) also has staff members who have almost two decades of experience in the gaming industry.
Drawbacks:
The majority of European countries will accept an online casino with an MGA licence, but Spain is not one of them. Casinos that want to expand internationally are required by law to obtain licences from the relevant authorities in those countries.
The MGA licence has the additional drawback of being taxed and having to pay for a licence. Despite the fact that other institutions offer commissions that are higher than Malta's. The same holds true for how long it takes to get a licence and how complicated the process is; some organisations are much quicker and less complicated than others.
The requirement that a sizable portion of casino operations be carried out in Malta, where the MGA is based, can be an additional barrier for operators seeking a MGA license.
Alternative Online Casino Licenses
The popularity of casinos that hold a Maltese licence is largely attributable to the fact that many gamblers feel more at ease when playing at MGA licensed gambling sites.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission licence is another one of the most sought after in the industry. This licence is more stringent than the MGA (Malta Gambling Authority), making it a safer option for some online casinos.
The Curacao and Gibraltar licences are two more that are becoming increasingly popular in recent years. These licences do not impose any stringent requirements on the individual who holds them. However, this does not imply that Gibraltar or Curacao casinos online is a scam. You simply need to exercise greater caution, as the actual presence of a licence provides only a limited amount of information regarding the general security of online casinos.
Should players choose MGA Casino?
The choice of the MGA casino by the player depends entirely on personal preferences. It also depends on the country the player belongs to. You can not only play live casino games but also practise sports betting. Malta Gaming Authority offers a number of advantages, such as immediate security and constant checks on game providers and gambling operators.
You might, for instance, be eligible for larger and better bonuses, stricter player protection, significant exemption from stringent national exclusion programmes, no limits on deposits, and no breaks between spins. A casino holding a valid MGA gaming license could be a good choice, depending on your needs. Many MGA casinos offer proven live dealer games and slot machines from popular software providers. At the same time, you can play on any of the gaming devices convenient for you at any new MGA casino.
Conclusion
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is a dependable organisation that oversees and grants gambling licences to online gambling platforms. Those who play at online casinos can rely on the organisation to provide a fair and secure environment. Against all odds, the MGA license has managed to keep the gambling industry free of illegal activity like money laundering and graft.
Players' personal information and financial transactions are protected thanks to the MGA's efforts. Additionally, customers can rest assured that MGA complaints are investigated thoroughly. The role of the regulator includes ensuring that all gaming is conducted in an honest and fair manner. The MGA gaming license ensures that players are treated fairly and responsibly, and the industry as a whole benefits from the organization's efforts.
Trustworthy remote gaming operators include online casinos licensed by the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA). Any gambling site that is found to be in violation of these stringent requirements will be issued a warning and then have its licence revoked.
Playing at an MGA casino is safer than ever before, thanks to all of these measures, and players know they can count on fair play.
MGA Casino License FAQ
How secure is MGA Casino?
Playing at MGA Casinos without a licence from Scandinavia, Germany, or the Netherlands is perfectly safe. A valid MGA licence indicates that all necessary criteria have been fulfilled by the online casino. Players can benefit from the MGA’s standards, especially when compared to those of the German, Dutch, and Scandinavian licensors, who tend to be more generous with bonuses and other perks. For example, different reload bonuses and welcome bonuses, a live casino deposit bonus, or a sports betting no deposit bonus from the best gambling operators who have MGA licenses will definitely please you.
Do winners at the MGA casino have to pay taxes on their winnings?
No, winnings from MGA casino sites are not subject to taxation. Due to Malta’s status as an EU member state, players from other EU countries will not be required to pay taxes on their winnings. Playing at the MGA online casinos will result in the taxation of your winnings if you are a resident of Norway.
Can players from the Netherlands and Germany enjoy games at MGA-licensed casinos?
Yes, players from these regions can play at MGA-licensed casinos with complete peace of mind. None of the countries have implemented a ban on international casinos that operate without the appropriate authorization from the government.
In order to gamble at the MGA Casino, what types of identification are required?
Players are required to provide a username and password during the general registration process at the best MGA licensed casino. In the event that you come out on top, there is a possibility that you will be required to produce specific documents that verify both your identity and the location of your physical address. Some MGA casino operators use Trustly as a payment method. Trustly’s integration with major banking networks enables instantaneous deposits, streamlining the identity verification process for players.
How quickly will I receive my money if I win at an MGA-approved casino?
Wins can be transferred to players quickly at the many MGA casinos with the seal of approval. The quickest methods include using an e-wallet service like Skrill or Neteller. The withdrawal process takes virtually no time at all. You can get your money out of Trustly in as little as 5 minutes, making it a viable alternative to the aforementioned methods.
If I have previously participated in a self-exclusion programme, am I able to gamble at MGA Casino?
If you have participated in a self-exclusion programme at the national level, such as Rofus or Gamstop, you are welcome to continue playing at MGA Casinos. If you have participated in the national self-exclusion programme in the past, this page will provide you with a list of the top MGA casino sites that will still allow you to gamble there.
How do I check the MGA Casino license?
When visiting MGA casinos, you can find the MGA logo at the bottom of the casino homepage. If it is there, it means that it works under the MGAga license. If you need to double check, slots casino MGA (Malta Gambling Authority) offers a database of licensees where you can check whether the gambling sites you have chosen are present. Play at live casino only at verified MGA casinos.
