Maltese online casinos for Real Money
Malta Casino Guide
Getting Started
Malta is one of the countries most associated with the online gambling industry. For the most part, it is known for the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), a licensing and regulatory body that ensures that many of today’s most respectable online casinos are offering a trusted, fair, and secure service to their players. Of course, there is more to Malta than its gambling body.
What if Maltese players want to wager on games for themselves? Are citizens and residents of Malta allowed to play gambling games, and are they allowed to join the online casinos that their country licenses? It is time to take a closer look at what this EU member state has to offer in terms of gambling.
Malta’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Gambling has been legal in Malta since 1922 when the country first passed its Gambling Act. Several amendments have been made since then, but the general rules remain the same. Malta was one of the first countries to legalise online gambling, too, doing so way back in 2004.
Malta’s gambling law is divided into four types of betting – Type 1 consists of games of chance against the house, Type 2 involves games of skill against the house with elements of chance, Type 3 involves games of chance against other players, and Type 4 involves purely skill games.
Malta has four licensed land-based casinos, and virtually all forms of betting are legal in the EU member state. Can the Maltese gamble, though? The short answer is yes. Maltese players are invited into land-based gambling outlets, and they are welcome at any online casino that has an MGA license. Many UKGC-licensed sites also accept players from Malta, so Maltese players are spoilt for choice in terms of where and what they can play.
The important thing to remember here is that Malta’s population is considerably small. Therefore, MGA-licensed casinos wouldn’t be able to stay afloat if they relied solely on Maltese players. It is certainly understandable that Malta-licensed casinos cater to players based outside of the country. However, to even the playing field, Malta’s players can easily join offshore casinos, too. This isn’t what the Maltese gambling authorities want, but it is within EU law for Maltese players to do so.
Who Regulates and Licenses Maltese Casino Sites?
All online casinos, land-based gambling enterprises and even many offshore casinos are regulated and licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, or MGA. Licenses fall into two types – B2B and B2C. The former is a license for casino software providers, while the latter is a general online gambling license for operators of betting sites.
The Malta Gaming Authority is, by and large, a thoroughly well-run licensing and regulatory body, though. Online casinos operating with an MGA license and typically trusted on par with those with a UKCG license, and we have no reservations about recommending MGA-licensed betting sites to our readers. In fact, the UKGC values the transparency of MGA licenses so much that they are amongst those sites on a whitelist which can legally accept players from the UK.
Make no mistake about it, though – it is not easy to obtain an MGA license. Casinos that have obtained MGA licenses must maintain high standards to keep them. They must not overly promote gambling; they must have responsible gambling policies and tools and be affiliated with problem gambling programs. On top of this, they must feature RNG-certified games and be fair. The same rules apply to sportsbooks, casinos, poker sites, bingo rooms and any other form of online gambling site. More recently, the MGA has begun to license selected crypto casinos.
Malta’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Anything and everything are fair game in Malta. Maltese bet on sports, casino games, table games, slots, video poker, instant win titles, lotteries, bingo, poker, and live dealer games. There isn’t one type of game that scores more highly than others, with most Maltese online casinos supporting thousands of games from dozens of top-tier software developers.
The MGA licenses most major casino software providers. Every company from iSoftBet to EveryMatrix, SoftSwiss, Playtech, NetEnt and more have obtained gambling licenses issued out of Malta. This helps as it ensures that all these casino software providers can technically offer their games to players at Maltese and Malta-licensed online casino sites.
Who Can Play?
In short, most players can have a stab at online casinos in Malta. Unlike other EU countries, these are not “national licenses” in the way that Belgian or Swedish licenses work. An MGA license can be awarded to any online casino operating anywhere in the world. There are strict requirements that must be met to claim one, but these sites can then offer their services to players in a broad array of countries.
Malta’s casinos are effectively globally trusted sites, and they are known to be playable in a wealth of languages, using scores of payment methods and different currencies. They are the definition of truly global casinos.
Online Casino Payment Options
Online casinos in Malta offer a variety of payment methods tailored to the needs of their players. While many payment methods are common internationally, there are some options exclusively available to Maltese players. Here is a categorized list of the most common payment methods for online casinos in Malta, including credit/debit cards and cryptocurrencies.
Credit/Debit Cards:
- BOV Cards: Bank of Valletta (BOV) is a leading Maltese bank that offers Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Players in Malta can use BOV cards for secure and convenient transactions at online casinos.
- HSBC Malta Cards: Another popular banking option for Maltese players, HSBC Malta also provides Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards for seamless online casino payments.
E-Wallets:
- APS Premier: APS Bank is a Maltese bank providing an e-wallet service called APS Premier. This digital wallet allows Maltese players to make safe and fast transactions at online casinos without revealing their banking information.
Local Bank Transfers:
- SEPA Transfers: The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is a payment integration initiative that simplifies bank transfers between participating European countries. Maltese players can use SEPA transfers to deposit and withdraw funds from their online casino accounts.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin (BTC): As a popular cryptocurrency worldwide, Bitcoin is accepted by many online casinos in Malta. Players can make secure, anonymous transactions with low fees using Bitcoin.
- Ethereum (ETH): Another widely-accepted cryptocurrency, Ethereum offers fast transactions and smart contract capabilities, making it a preferred option for some Maltese players at online casinos.
- Litecoin (LTC): Known for its faster transaction times compared to Bitcoin, Litecoin is also accepted at several online casinos in Malta, offering a reliable alternative for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Prepaid Cards/Vouchers:
- MaltaPost Cashlink Card: Issued by MaltaPost, the national postal service, the Cashlink Card is a prepaid card that can be used for online payments, including at online casinos. It offers Maltese players a secure and convenient way to deposit funds without sharing personal financial information.
Mobile Payments:
- BOV Mobile Pay: Bank of Valletta offers a mobile payment solution called BOV Mobile Pay, which allows Maltese players to make instant transactions using their smartphones. This secure and convenient method is compatible with various online casinos.
Please note that each online casino may offer a unique set of payment methods, so it’s essential to check the available options at your chosen casino before making a deposit or withdrawal.
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F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Malta?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Malta. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is responsible for regulating and licensing online gambling operators in the country. For more information on the licensing and regulation process, visit our Licensing and Regulation guide category.
2. What types of online gambling are available in Malta?
Malta offers a wide range of online gambling options, including online casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lottery games. To learn more about various casino games and their requirements, visit our Casino Games & Requirements guide category.
3. Are winnings from online gambling taxable in Malta?
Winnings from online gambling in Malta are generally not subject to income tax for players who reside in Malta. However, it’s always a good idea to consult a local tax professional for specific advice on your situation.
4. What payment methods can I use to deposit and withdraw at Maltese online casinos?
Maltese online casinos accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. For more information on different payment options, visit our Payment Methods, Banking Methods page.
5. Can I play at online casinos using Maltese currency?
Most online casinos that cater to players in Malta accept Euros (EUR), which is the official currency of the country. Some online casinos may also offer the option to play in other currencies.
6. Are online casino games fair in Malta?
Yes, licensed online casinos in Malta are required to use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure the fairness of their games. To learn more about how RNGs work and their importance in online gambling, visit our Software and Technology guide category.
7. How can I ensure my safety and security while gambling online in Malta?
When gambling online in Malta, it’s crucial to play at licensed and reputable online casinos. For tips on maintaining your safety and security, visit our Safety and Security guide category.
8. Can I play live dealer games at Maltese online casinos?
Yes, many Maltese online casinos offer live dealer games. These games provide an immersive and interactive gaming experience. For more information about live dealer games, visit our Live Dealers, Live Dealer Games page.
9. Is there a self-exclusion program for problem gamblers in Malta?
Yes, Malta offers a self-exclusion program for problem gamblers. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has implemented a national self-exclusion register that allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed online gambling operators in the country. For more information on problem gambling and self-exclusion, visit our Problem Gambling guide category.
10. Are there any resources available for responsible gambling in Malta?
Yes, there are resources available to promote responsible gambling in Malta. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) provides information and support for responsible gambling practices. Additionally, local and international organizations offer help and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. For more information on responsible gambling principles and advocacy, visit our Responsible Gambling Principles and Responsible Gambling Advocacy guide categories.