Do I need staff in Malta?

The MGA expects genuine substance, including competent key function holders and decision-making in Malta. The exact headcount depends on the size and model of the operation, so it should be scoped with local counsel.

Does an MGA licence let me serve all EU players?

No. Several EU countries operate their own licensing regimes and require a local licence. An MGA licence is strong evidence of regulatory standing, but market access depends on each country's law.

Is it easier to open a bank account with an MGA licence?

Generally yes. EU EMIs, card acquirers and some banks accept MGA-licensed operators that they would not consider with an offshore licence. Approval still depends on your full compliance file.

Should a B2B supplier get an MGA licence?

If you supply critical gaming components to MGA licensees or to regulated markets that recognise MGA approval, a B2B licence can be required or commercially necessary. Map your clients' markets first.

Malta MGA gaming licence, and why banks respect it.

MGA B2C and B2B licences explained: key function holders, system review, substance, timeline and why an MGA licence widens your banking options.

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A Malta Gaming Authority licence is one of the most recognised credentials in online gambling. It is granted under Malta's Gaming Act and associated regulations, and it gives operators and suppliers access to a far wider pool of EU banks, payment institutions and card acquirers than offshore licences. It is also demanding: real substance, approved systems, key function holders and ongoing audits. This guide explains what an MGA licence involves and why it changes the banking conversation.

Short answer

How long does an MGA licence take?

Typically several months. The timeline depends on how quickly key function holders are approved, how complete the business plan and policies are, and how quickly the gaming system passes its review.

Do I need staff in Malta: The MGA expects genuine substance, including competent key function holders and decision-making in Malta. The exact headcount depends on the size and model of the operation, so it should be scoped with local counsel.
Does an MGA licence let me serve all EU players: No. Several EU countries operate their own licensing regimes and require a local licence. An MGA licence is strong evidence of regulatory standing, but market access depends on each country's law.
Is it easier to open a bank account with an MGA licence: Generally yes. EU EMIs, card acquirers and some banks accept MGA-licensed operators that they would not consider with an offshore licence. Approval still depends on your full compliance file.

B2C and B2B licences

The MGA issues B2C licences to operators offering gaming services to players and B2B licences to critical gaming suppliers such as platform providers and game studios. Licences are further defined by game type, such as casino-style games, fixed-odds betting, peer-to-peer games and controlled skill games. Choosing the correct licence type and game categories at the start avoids costly variations later.

What the MGA expects

Applicants need a Malta-registered company, fit-and-proper owners and key function holders for roles such as compliance, AML reporting, risk and technical operations, a system audit of the gaming platform, documented policies on player protection and AML, and evidence of financial standing. The process includes a fit-and-proper review, business plan assessment, operational and statutory requirements, and a system review before go-live. Expect several months from filing to licence.

Substance and cost

Malta requires real presence. Key functions must be filled by competent people, and the regulator expects decisions to be made in Malta, not just a registered address. Application fees, annual licence fees and gaming tax are set by the MGA and Maltese law and are updated over time, so they should be confirmed directly. The ongoing cost of staff, audits and compliance is often larger than the licence fee itself.

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Why MGA helps banking

An MGA licence tells an underwriter that the operator is supervised, audited and subject to player-fund protection rules. That opens doors to EU EMIs, card acquirers and some banks that would decline offshore operators outright. It does not guarantee an account: banks still review ownership, markets, volumes and AML controls, and some institutions exclude gambling completely. But the shortlist is meaningfully longer and the terms are usually better.

How Xavion helps

Xavion Capital works alongside licensed corporate service providers and local gaming counsel in each jurisdiction. We coordinate the licence application, the company structure and the banking file as one project, so the entity that receives the licence is also one a specialist bank or EMI can onboard. No adviser can guarantee a licence or an account, and regulator fees and rules change, so every figure is confirmed with the regulator at the time of filing.

Frequently asked

About comparison & long-form guides.

How long does an MGA licence take?: Typically several months. The timeline depends on how quickly key function holders are approved, how complete the business plan and policies are, and how quickly the gaming system passes its review.
Do I need staff in Malta?: The MGA expects genuine substance, including competent key function holders and decision-making in Malta. The exact headcount depends on the size and model of the operation, so it should be scoped with local counsel.
Does an MGA licence let me serve all EU players?: No. Several EU countries operate their own licensing regimes and require a local licence. An MGA licence is strong evidence of regulatory standing, but market access depends on each country's law.
Is it easier to open a bank account with an MGA licence?: Generally yes. EU EMIs, card acquirers and some banks accept MGA-licensed operators that they would not consider with an offshore licence. Approval still depends on your full compliance file.
Should a B2B supplier get an MGA licence?: If you supply critical gaming components to MGA licensees or to regulated markets that recognise MGA approval, a B2B licence can be required or commercially necessary. Map your clients' markets first.

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Written and reviewed by

Kris — Partner, Xavion Capital

Partner at Xavion Capital. Runs the banking and payment-rails desk: account placement, high-risk onboarding files, and replacement banking after a termination.

Last reviewed

4 October 2026About the desk →

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