Malta is the unofficial capital of online betting, online gaming, or in short, online gambling in general. It’s been the centre of attention for betting aficionados and sportsbook operators for years. In case you were looking for a list of online betting sites licensed in Malta, this is the real deal. We may not have them all listed, but we sure have the ones that are worth your time and money.
This list will only grow further! Note, some of the sportsbooks you see displayed here, are also licensed by the leading UK Gambling Commission. First thing’s first, the best 7 bookmakers licensed in Malta, followed by a “detailed overview” of Malta-licensed bookies’ limits and reach.
Top 7 Betting Sites Licensed by MGA
United Kingdom
Japan
Germany
Sweden
Chile
Peru
Argentina
Bolivia
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Paraguay
Dominican Republic
Uruguay
Nicaragua
United Kingdom
These are the cream of the crop, the finest out of all bookies licensed by the MGA, irrespectively of whether they have a UK license as well or not.
Unibet – a Betting Innovator based in Malta
We keep Unibet on our radar for various reasons, but most importantly, we like them because they’ve shown a strong sense of integrity. In addition, they have an extremely strong brand presence, and they’re popular among punters that like to keep things simple, but once the action starts, a plethora of betting markets is unveilled.
Based in Malta, but it also has a UKGC license. In other words, it’s the complete package. Sure, it’s not as big as bet365, but it sure can put up a decent fight!
Japan
Germany
Sweden
Chile
Peru
Argentina
Bolivia
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Paraguay
Dominican Republic
Uruguay
Nicaragua
Bet-at-home – Distinct from Its Peers
Bet-at-home is the “mature” guy among adolescents. With more than a decade on the market, it has quite a lot to talk about. It has an exceptional IP recognition system which is a feature, to say the least. In our experience, UK punters do not get the same treatment as all other punters. To be precise, they see fewer bonus offers. To answer your question, yes, it also has a UKGC license, but most of its customers are based in mainland Europe.[select_bonuses object=”35″ bonus=”1456″]
Redbet – A Casino, A Betting Site, a Poker Destination
There’s more action than meets the eye. Redbet holds the record for the fastest payout in online gaming and betting history. With only a few seconds for a payout of well over the €100,000 mark, Redbet is without a doubt one of the finest bookies based and licensed in Malta. A welcome bonus is provided, and both the UK and EU nationals can take advantage of it. Just make sure you’re at the correct department. It can get a confusing, especially if you’re new to Redbet. After all, it’s not just a betting site, it’s much more than that!
These 3 betting sites can single-handedly entertain millions of punters from across Europe, but the rest of the world as well. As it turns out, the Maltese online betting license has brought them success, but they’ve also paid their fair share by giving back to the community, making frequent donations to responsible gambling agencies and contributing to further development of responsible gaming practices.[select_bonuses object=”33″ bonus=”1442″]
A Haven for Online Sportsbooks and Online Casinos
If it wasn’t for Malta and their favourable tax policies, the EU wouldn’t have been one of the most advanced online gaming and online betting markets in the world. When we say the EU, we mean the EU as a whole. Sure, there are countries that mandate the use of a national license, such as Spain, Denmark and the UK, but Malta has done an amazing deal for markets other than these, such as Austria, Germany, Ireland and markets out of the EU, like Canada, New Zealand, and once even Australia.
The MGA logo has imbued many punters with the trust they need in order to completely give in to the sportsbook, and bet with confidence. There are hundreds of online casinos licensed in Malta, but our point of focus are online betting sites.
Frankly speaking, the MGA license is light years ahead of the eGaming Authority of Curacao, yet it still lags behind the leading, trend-setting UKGC. Regardless, it’s enough for us to consider an online sportsbook legit, authorized by all legal criteria. From this point on, betting site reviews, or sportsbook reviews can be a reliable indicator which bookie to join.
With an MGA Betting License to Global Reach
The Malta Gaming Authority is big in the EU, but it’s also “ground zero” for bookies who market odds in South America, Canada and New Zealand. Not so long ago, MGA licensed betting sites were big in Australia as well. Nevertheless, due to change in regulation, Aussies now bet at bookies authorized by the Australian authorities.
“Global reach” might be saying too much. That being said, even a decent list of EU countries require bookies to obtain their national licenses before they start entertaining customers. Among others, these include the UK, Denmark, Spain, Italy, with rumours that Sweden and a few other countries will join them. Our personal opinion, instead of creating new regulatory bodies which will make the whole industry more complex, governments should just establish responsible gambling agencies which will make sure everything’s in check. After all, it’s their residents that need protection, the bookies are paying for them and they’re paying their share of taxes to the EU as a whole.
Malta Based Bookies in the Shadow of UKGC Giants
Besides being one of the most competitive, and lucrative market for betting sites, the UK is also considered as the proving grounds for bookmakers that have rightfully earned the label “betting giants”. In order to access the UK audience, sportsbook operators need to obtain a UK license, which is seen as the ultimate indicator that a betting site is safe and reliable. Leading bookies like William Hill, Unibet and or bet365, have all made sure they have both the MGA and UKGC seal of approval.
Nevertheless, let’s not forget that the MGA has an alternative based in Gibraltar, the GBGA, which is where many UK bookies have based their operations, because at one point in time, it was the perfect setting for UK and EU facing bookies. So, the MGA is in place when a bookie entertains an EU customer, and the UK when and if a punter is based in the UK.
United Kingdom
How Safe are Betting Sites Licensed in Malta?
In short, enough. In detail, MGA licensed bookies are regulated and governed by continually evolving and 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 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 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 an MGA Complaint – Online Betting & Gaming
Unlike the UKGC, the Malta Gaming Authority deals 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 time. 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 way 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
- Visit the Official Malta Gaming Authority Website
- Click/tap on the Support Button in the Top Right Corner
- Click on the Online Gaming Support Button
- A Form will appear on the Screen
- Fill out all the details such as date, contact details, account details
- Make sure you CLEARLY explain the nature of the incident
- Upload any supporting screenshots or documents you have
- Submit the Complaint!
Pros- Frequently Updated Legal Standards
- Well-recognized in and out of the EU
- Staple for New Operators
- Emphasis on Customer Protection
- Approved by the Authorities
- Mandatory GDPR
Cons- No Access to Some Markets
- No Advertising Regulations
- Protection of Vulnerable Groups
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’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all sportsbook”. Almost all the biggest and most recognisable bookmakers are licensed in Malta, so punters really are spoiled for choice here. What we’ve done to make things easier for our readers is narrow it down to our picks for the top 7 MGA licensed betting sites. All you need to do is take your pick, and sign up!
Are MGA licensed betting sites safe?
Absolutely! The Malta Gaming Authority imposes strict rules and regulations on their licensees, and are one of the licensing jurisdictions that will get involved in disputes when necessary. For more information, read our detailed section on how safe MGA licensed betting sites are.
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 and the US as the next proving grounds.
Is it difficult to obtain an MGA license?
In layman terms, not very. 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 who have had an MGA license for years can be considered fair, reliable and legit, as they have demonstrated consistency.
