Guide to Online Betting in Malta

Guide to Online Betting in Malta

Posted on February 24, 2024 by in Gambling
Guide to Online Betting in Malta

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea that has become a hotspot for online betting enthusiasts and operators. Malta has a long history of gambling, dating back to the 19th century when the British introduced horse racing and lotteries. Today, Malta is home to some of the biggest names in online gaming, such as Betfair, Unibet, and William Hill, thanks to its favourable gambling laws, rigorous licensing process, and oversight by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

If you are interested in online betting in Malta, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know, from the legal status of different types of gambling, to the best online betting sites licensed in Malta, to the taxes and fees you may have to pay as a player or an operator.

Legal Status of Online Betting in Malta

According to the Gaming Act of 2018, all forms of online gambling are legal in Malta, as long as they are offered by operators who hold a valid license from the MGA. The MGA is the sole regulator of online gambling in Malta and is responsible for ensuring that all licensed operators comply with the rules and standards of fair play, consumer protection, and responsible gaming.

The MGA issues four types of licenses for online gambling activities:

  • Type 1: Games of chance played against the house, such as slots, table games, and live casino games.
  • Type 2: Fixed-odds betting, such as sports betting and virtual sports betting.
  • Type 3: Peer-to-peer games, such as poker, bingo, and betting exchanges.
  • Type 4: Controlled skill games, such as daily fantasy sports and esports betting.

Each license has a validity period of 10 years and can be renewed for another 10 years. The license fee varies depending on the type of license and the annual revenue of the operator. For example, a Type 1 license costs €25,000 per year for operators with a revenue of up to €3 million, €30,000 per year for operators with a revenue between €3 million and €5 million, and €35,000 per year for operators with a revenue above €5 million.

Best Online Betting Sites Licensed in Malta

Malta is home to hundreds of online betting sites licensed by the MGA, offering a wide range of gambling options for players of all tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for sports betting, casino games, poker, bingo, or fantasy sports, you will find plenty of choices in Malta.

However, not all online betting sites are created equal. Some may offer better odds, bonuses, customer service, or payment methods than others. To help you find the best online betting sites licensed in Malta, we have compiled a list of some of the most reputable and popular ones based on our own research and experience.

Here are our top picks for online betting sites licensed in Malta:

  • Playzee: This is one of the best online casinos in Malta, offering a huge game collection from top software providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, and Evolution Gaming. You can play slots, table games, live casino games, jackpots, and more. You can also enjoy daily offers and a generous welcome bonus of up to €1500 plus 150 free spins.
  • Casumo: This is another great online casino in Malta that also offers sports betting. You can choose from thousands of casino games or bet on your favourite sports events with competitive odds. You can also join the Casumo Adventure program and earn rewards as you play. As a new player, you can claim a welcome bonus of 100% up to €300 plus 20 free spins.
  • LeoVegas: This is one of the most renowned online casinos in Malta that also has a sportsbook section. You can play hundreds of casino games or bet on various sports markets with ease on your desktop or mobile device. You can also access many live-dealer games with HD streaming and professional dealers. As a new player, you can choose from four different welcome bonuses depending on your preference.
  • Betsson: This is one of the most established online gambling sites in Malta, offering casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and more. You can enjoy a diverse and high-quality gaming experience with Betsson, as well as many promotions and tournaments. As a new player, you can claim a welcome bonus of 100% up to €1000 plus 101 free spins.

Taxes and Fees for Online Betting in Malta

One of the main advantages of online betting in Malta is that players do not have to pay any taxes on their winnings. This means that you can keep all of your profits without having to worry about any deductions or declarations.

However, this does not mean that online betting is tax-free in Malta. Operators have to pay a 5% tax on their gross gaming revenue (GGR) to the MGA, as well as a compliance contribution fee that ranges from 1.25% to 4% of their GGR depending on the type of license and the revenue bracket. These taxes and fees are used to fund the MGA’s operations and to support responsible gaming initiatives and social causes.

Conclusion

Malta is one of the best destinations for online betting in the world, thanks to its liberal and progressive gambling laws, its reputable and strict regulator, and its attractive tax regime. Players can enjoy a wide range of online gambling options from some of the best operators in the industry, without having to pay any taxes on their winnings.

If you are looking for a safe, legal, and fun online betting experience in Malta, you can choose from any of the online betting sites licensed by the MGA that we have recommended in this guide. You can also check out our other guides for more information on online gambling in different countries and regions.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about online betting in Malta:

  • Is online betting legal in Malta?
  • Yes, online betting is legal in Malta as long as it is offered by operators who hold a valid license from the MGA.
  • What are the best online betting sites licensed in Malta?
  • Some of the best online betting sites licensed in Malta are IZIBET Online, Playzee, Casumo, LeoVegas, and Betsson.
  • Do I have to pay taxes on my online betting winnings in Malta?
  • No, you do not have to pay any taxes on your online betting winnings in Malta as a player. However, operators have to pay a 5% tax on their GGR and a compliance contribution fee to the MGA.
  • How can I get a license for online betting in Malta?
  • To get a license for online betting in Malta, you have to apply to the MGA and meet their requirements and standards. You also have to pay a license fee and an annual fee depending on the type of license and your revenue.
  • How can I contact the MGA if I have any issues or complaints?
  • You can contact the MGA by phone at +356 2546 9000 or by email at info.mga@mga.org.mt. You can also visit their website at Home – Malta Gaming Authority for more information.
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