Online Betting Sites Licensed in Malta | 2018

How Safe are Betting Sites Licensed in Malta?

In short, enough. In detail, MGA licensed bookies are regulated and governed by continually evolving, adapting set of regulations. Since it’s the place where most of the action takes place, the expertise, the data, the information needed to develop the aforementioned regulations, are all easily available.

They are associated with responsible gambling agencies the likes of GamCare, Gambling Therapy and Gamblers Anonymous, in an effort to help those who need professional assistance. Moreover, they put a great emphasis on privacy protection. Protocols like the GDPR have long ago been implemented. After all, failure to comply results in hefty penalties. The ultimate penalty an MGA bookie can suffer is to have the license revoked. In practice, this means an end for the bookie’s operations.

In addition, an MGA license paves the way for some pleasant cooperation with the leading payment providers. Financial service institutions want to be reassured that their clients are in line with the law. The seal of MGA is a proof enough to get open many doors for the bookies, and to attract many customers. After all, once you go online, it all comes down to the quality of the odds and the betting promotions. No two punters are alike, and no two sportsbooks are identical, as long as they’re not operated by the same operator.

The Bitcoin Capital and Blockchain Technology Hub

Malta is set to become the EU hub for Blockchain technology and business which one way or another are related to cryptocurrency, Bitcoin for the most part. This can’t go unnoticed as there are online betting sites that have already adopted the increasingly popular, yet at times infamous cryptocurrency. In all honesty, we expected more out of bookmakers, in terms that they would be keen on Bitcoin. However, UK betting sites have turned a their shoulder at the growing and ever expanding Blockchain technology. Needless to say, Malta has a different opinion on this matter. That being said, with the exception of illegal, unauthorized betting sites, MGA licensed sportsbook are the ones that show a strong affinity for Bitcoin. In other words, yes, Malta is where most legal, licensed Bitcoin sportsbooks are currently based.

Where does this end? Considering the opportunities brought by Blockchain, we can expect an increase in the number of payment providers, faster and better performing sportsbooks, which eventually results in a more competitive betting market. Punters are without any doubts going to benefit the most. The MGA has a strong foothold in the gaming and betting industry in the EU, and this only reassures the punters and the operators that the industry is here to stay.

How to File a MGA Complaint - Online Betting & Gaming

Unlike the UKGC, the Malta Gaming Authority is dealing with complaints 100% on its own. There isn't a body like IBAS in the UK, which takes care of players and bettors. With that being said, the MGA is infamous when it comes to dealing with complaints. Lodging a complaint is not the difficult part, it’s the response which you have to wait for quite some times. A few years ago, the MGA announced that there will be an increase in the staff with this objective in mind. Needless to say, things didn’t turn out the MGA expected.

However, all complaints are dealt with sooner or later. The key problem is the too long waiting period. It’s safe to say the MGA is understaffed, it’s biting more than it can chew. We’re not going to go into greater detail on their internal policies on this matter, but we can say that we’re not happy with their approach when it comes to expansion and quality assurance.

Step-by-step guide - Lodge a complaint at MGA

1. Visit the Official Malta Gaming Authority Website
2. Click/tap on the Support Button in the Top Right Corner
3. Click on the Online Gaming Support Button
4. A Form will appear on the Screen
5. Fill out all the details such as date, contact details, account details
6. Make sure you CLEARLY explain the nature of the incident
7. Upload any screenshots, documents you have
8. Submit the Complaint!

Pros & Cons of Bookmakers based in Malta

Top 7 Online Bookmakers Licensed in Malta

1. Unibet
2. Bet-at-home
3. redbet
4. 10bet
5. Sportingbet
6. Interwetten
7. Betfair

Malta Betting Sites FAQs

Which is the best MGA licensed bookie?

It all comes down to personal preference, but if you’re asking us, there are 3 betting sites licensed in Malta that we’d like to recommend, and not in any particular order. Unibet, Bet-at-home and Betfair have proved to be worthy leaders in the field, in a way. They’ve demonstrated consistent high performance across all areas.

Can bookmakers hold numerous licenses?

Of course. Then again, this comes with extra costs, extra regulations to follow, and more stakeholders which have to be happy with what the operator is doing. Some operators have gone the distance to obtain MGA, UKGC, Australia and Spain licenses. They don’t stop there, with Denmark at the US as the next proving grounds.

Is it difficult to obtain an MGA license?

In layman terms, not that much. It’s not as difficult as obtaining a UK or a Spanish online betting license. Moreover, it’s important to keep the license, maintain a good reputation and a happy customer base, than to just obtain it. In our opinion, operators which have had an MGA license for years can be considered fair, reliable and legit, as they have demonstrated consistensy.