What is MGA license?
The MGA license from the Malta Gaming Authority is the leading reputable European gaming license - a B2C or B2B authorisation that unlocks EU-facing operations, tier-one payment processing, and top game providers. Expect a 3–6 month process, real capital and substance requirements, and meaningful ongoing compliance.
License types and what they cover
The MGA issues B2C licenses across four game types (casino/RNG games, fixed-odds betting, controlled-skill games, and lottery-style games) and B2B critical-supply licenses for platform and game suppliers. One corporate group commonly holds a B2C license through a Malta operating company, with the technical platform certified separately. The license covers operations from Malta into markets that accept it - note that several EU states (Germany, Netherlands, and others) now require their own national licenses regardless of an MGA authorisation.
Requirements founders should price in
Malta company with real substance (local key functions - compliance, MLRO), share capital of €100,000 for casino/betting classes, fit-and-proper vetting of UBOs and key persons, certified platform and games, segregated player funds, and a system audit before go-live. Costs: application and license fees plus compliance contribution based on gaming revenue, professional fees for the application, and ongoing audits - realistic first-year all-in budgets start around €200,000–300,000. Timeline: 3–6 months when documents and platform certification are ready.
MGA vs Curaçao - the standard trade-off
MGA buys reputation: mainstream PSPs and banks, top-tier providers, EU advertising options where allowed, and player trust. Curaçao buys speed and cost. The common path: launch on Curaçao, reach steady revenue, then add MGA for scaling into Europe - running both in parallel with separate entities. Going MGA-first makes sense for teams with institutional backing targeting European players from day one; going Curaçao-only caps you out of several serious markets and payment rails.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an MGA license cost?
Fixed fees are moderate (application ~€5,000, annual license fee ~€25,000), but the real cost is the package: €100,000 share capital, Malta substance, platform certification, audits, and professional fees - realistic first-year budgets of €200,000+ for a B2C casino.
Does an MGA license cover all of Europe?
No. It is respected EU-wide but several member states run mandatory national regimes (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and others) requiring their own licenses to target their residents. MGA covers Malta-based operations into markets that accept it.