Malta B2B license

Have questions? We're here to help!

Message us on Telegram or WhatsApp for fast assistance!

A Malta B2B license, officially known as the Critical Gaming Supply Licence, is granted by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) for companies supplying gaming software or related services to other businesses. This license covers a wide range of activities—from casino and betting systems to control infrastructure and technical support—serving as a foundation for B2B operations in the gaming sector. Backed by clear rules, a robust regulatory process, and recognition across the EU, the MGA B2B license helps suppliers meet compliance and client requirements with confidence. Here you will find practical details on license types, requirements, timelines, and the benefits Malta offers as an iGaming hub.

Malta B2B License: Bringing Your Gaming Supply Business to Europe

What Is a Malta B2B License?

A Business-to-Business (B2B) license from Malta allows companies to provide critical gaming supplies. This includes the development and management of gaming software or back office solutions supporting online casinos, sports betting platforms, lotteries, and other games of chance or skill. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the national regulator for both land-based and remote gaming activities. Their reputation makes the Malta B2B license one of the most valued in the gaming industry.

Who Needs a Malta B2B License?

If your company supplies software that generates, handles, or stores essential regulatory records for gaming operations—either as standalone software or within a system—you will need a B2B license. This also covers businesses that manage the key elements of online games from Malta or deliver services through a Maltese company.

Examples of activities requiring a B2B license include:

  • Supplying casino game engines or platforms.
  • Running back office tools, player account management systems, or game aggregation services.
  • Providing peer-to-peer poker or sports betting technology to other licensed operators.

Types of Activities Covered

Malta’s B2B license covers different types of gaming products. These are grouped as follows:

  • Type 1: Casino games (including live casino), lotto products, virtual sports, poker versus the house.
  • Type 2: Fixed odds betting, including live sports betting.
  • Type 3: Pool betting, betting exchanges, commission-based games, peer-to-peer poker and bingo.
  • Type 4: Controlled skill games.

Once your business is licensed, you can offer multiple product categories under one license, with approval for each vertical.

Corporate Group Licensing

If your business is part of a corporate group, you can apply for a single group B2B license. The parent company must control more than 90% of the group entities through shares or voting rights. The group’s designated company becomes responsible for compliance and reporting.

  • Reputation and Trust: MGA is a respected regulator with international recognition.
  • Market Access: Enter the European Economic Area and work with partners world-wide.
  • Business Friendly: Onshore jurisdiction with direct access to capital markets and global payment solutions.
  • Flexible Operations: Add new gaming products or expand services without repeating the licensing process.
  • Favorable Tax: Net effective corporate tax in Malta can be as low as 5% for eligible structures.

Regulatory Requirements

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a company incorporated in Malta or in another EU/EEA country.
  • There are no restrictions on the nationality of shareholders or beneficial owners.
  • Shareholders, directors, and key function holders must pass an MGA approval process.
  • The minimum share capital required is €40,000.

Malta B2B license: Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a questions?

Can't find the answer to your question? Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
What is a Malta B2B license (Critical Gaming Supply Licence)?

A Malta B2B license, also known as a Critical Gaming Supply Licence, allows companies to supply or manage gaming software, technical systems, and related services to other businesses in the gaming industry. It does not cover direct consumer-facing operations—only business-to-business activities.

Who issues the B2B license and what is the legal framework?

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issues B2B licenses under the Gaming Act of 2018. The MGA is the national regulator responsible for licensing, supervision, and compliance in the gaming sector.

What services can be offered under a B2B license?

A B2B license allows companies to provide game software, back office systems, technical infrastructure, and management services for casino, betting, lotteries, controlled skill games, and more. You can cover multiple game categories in one license, but each vertical needs MGA approval.

Who can apply for a Malta B2B license?

Any company registered in Malta, the EU, or the EEA can apply. There are no restrictions on the nationality of beneficial owners. All directors, shareholders, and key employees must pass the MGA’s “fit and proper” checks.

What are the main financial requirements for a B2B license?

Applicants must pay a non-refundable €5,000 application fee and have a minimum share capital of €40,000 fully paid before the license is granted. Annual fees range from €10,000 to €35,000, depending on revenue and game types.

How long does it take to get a B2B license and how long is it valid?

The application and review process usually takes 4 to 6 months. Once issued, the license is valid for 10 years and can be renewed if the company remains compliant with MGA rules.

What are the ongoing compliance obligations for B2B license holders?

License holders must submit annual reports, undergo random and scheduled audits, and maintain strong anti-money laundering (AML) controls. The MGA also requires regular due diligence and compliance with technical, operational, and consumer protection standards.

What is the tax regime for Maltese B2B gaming companies?

Licensed B2B gaming suppliers based in Malta benefit from an effective 5% corporate tax rate, thanks to Malta’s tax refund system. Most B2B gaming supplies to other licensed gaming companies are VAT exempt.

Can a corporate group hold a single B2B license?

Yes, if one parent company holds at least 90% of the shares or voting rights in its subsidiaries, the group can have one B2B license. One group entity must handle all regulatory payments and reporting.

How is the Malta B2B license recognized internationally?

Malta’s license is well respected in the EU and often accepted by other regulated jurisdictions. MGA may grant recognition notices to companies holding equivalent European licenses, granting similar rights within Malta.

  • Fact Value/Description
    Regulator Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
    Legal Basis Gaming Act, 2018
    License Category Business-to-Business (B2B) Critical Gaming Supply
    Number of MGA B2B Licenses (2025) 100+
    Total License Base (players, approx.) 13.9 million+
    Malta iGaming Companies (2024) 300+
    Share of Global Online Casinos 10%
    Main Language & Jurisdiction English, EU/EEA regulated
    Validity Period 10 years (post-2018 overhaul)
    Main Sectors Covered Remote Gaming, Land-Based Gaming
    Corporate Tax – Effective Rate 5%
    Minimum Share Capital (B2B) €40,000
  • Type Description Examples
    Type 1 Casino games, lotteries, games of chance played against the house Roulette, blackjack, live casino, house poker, lotteries, virtual sports
    Type 2 Fixed-odds betting (including live) Sportsbook, live betting
    Type 3 Pool betting, peer-to-peer games, commission-based games, lottery messenger services Betting exchange, peer-to-peer poker/bingo, secondary lotteries, commission games
    Type 4 Controlled skill games Fantasy sports, skill-based card games
  • Revenue Level Annual License Fee
    Type 4 only €10,000
    ≤ €5,000,000 €25,000
    > €5,000,000 but ≤ €10,000,000 €30,000
    > €10,000,000 €35,000
    One-time application fee (all types) €5,000 (non-refundable)
  • Step Description Est. Duration
    Company registration Incorporate in Malta/EU/EEA 1-2 weeks
    Application submission File documents, business plan, application fee
    Fit and proper test MGA checks background of beneficial owners/directors 2-4 weeks
    Business & operational review Assessment of finances, internal structure, compliance 2-4 weeks
    Systems review Tech, software, anti-fraud, game fairness, KYC/AML 2-4 weeks
    MGA decision/approval Final review and license grant 1-2 weeks
    Estimated total timeframe End-to-end process from prep to license issue 4–6 months
  • Requirement Detail
    Incorporation Company registered in Malta or another EU/EEA state
    Share Capital At least €40,000 paid up
    Key People Directors, shareholders, and key functionaries must pass MGA checks
    UBO Nationality No nationality restrictions on ultimate beneficial owners
    Control in Corporate Groups Parent must control at least 90% of subsidiaries (by shares or voting rights)
    Physical Presence Registered office in Malta required
    MGA Approval on Vertical Changes New game verticals/products need prior MGA approval
  • Benefit Description
    EU/EEA Passporting Access to European and some global markets without double licensing
    Tax Advantages Effective 5% corporate tax, possible VAT exemptions
    Strong Reputation Prestige and high recognition, trusted by partners and payment providers
    Technology-Neutral Cloud-ready, crypto/blockchain friendly, supports fast innovation
    Regulatory Stability Predictable requirements, ten-year license validity
    Scalability Multiple game types/verticals allowed under one license
    Regulatory Aid & Mediation MGA formal mediation function, collaborative regulator
  • Obligation Description
    Compliance Contribution Based on game type/vertical, calculated per type
    AML/CFT Checks Strict KYC and anti-fraud (AML) requirements
    Player Protection Policies Responsible gaming, fair play, complaint procedures
    Regular Audits On-site and desktop audits (e.g., 54 on-site in 2021)
    Reporting Financial, operational, suspicious transaction reports
    Vertical Approvals Prior MGA approval for each additional product vertical
  • Year Event
    2001 MGA (then LGA) founded, first to regulate online gambling in EU
    2004 Malta joins EU, first comprehensive EU member state regulation
    2017 Gaming Act overhaul announced, focus on flexibility and future-proofing
    2018 New Gaming Act: reduced to two license types, 10 year license, single license covers multiple
    2021 54 compliance audits, 230 desktop reviews, covering 65.5% of all licensees
    2024 Over 300 online gambling companies in Malta, over 10% of the world’s virtual casinos
  • Company/Platform License/Recognition Notice Services
    St8.io MGA B2B Recognition Notice (2024) Aggregator/platform for online games
    Splash Tech MGA B2B Supplier License (2025) Jackpot engine and engagement features
    3 Oaks Gaming MGA B2B Recognition (2025) Casino games provider/platform
  • Feature B2B License B2C License
    Target Clients Only businesses (operators/platform/providers) End users (players)
    Activities Allowed Software supply, platform, management, systems Direct gaming/betting services to players
    Minimum Share Capital €40,000 Game type dependent (ranges €100,000–€240,000)
    Tax Treatment 5% effective tax, VAT-exempt 5% effective, but subject to gaming taxes
    AML/Player Protection Policy Focused on institutional controls Direct player KYC, AML, fair play, complaints
    MGA Product Approval Needed Yes, by vertical/game type Yes, by vertical/game type
    License Term 10 years 10 years
  • Document Type Details/Content Needed
    Company Incorporation Papers Memorandum & Articles, Certificate of Incorporation, registers
    Business Plan Activities, target markets, revenue projections, risk assessment
    Fit and Proper Forms Details for directors, shareholders, UBOs, key functionaries
    Financial Forecasts Balance sheets, capital injection plans, solvency
    Systems/IT Architecture Software stack, server locations, game fairness, RNG descriptions
    AML Policy Documents KYC procedures, anti-fraud, record keeping
    Game/Vertical Descriptions Product breakdown, player journey, compliance for each vertical
  • Indicator Value/Description
    Share of Country’s GDP (gaming industry) 12%+
    New iGaming Applications Per Year (approx.) 100
    Largest EU iGaming Jurisdiction? Yes
    Cloud/Blockchain/Tech-Friendly? Yes; future-proofed regulations
    Exchange Controls or E-wallet limits? None for Malta businesses
    Key Regulatory Focus Areas Player protection, AML, fair advertising

Stay in Touch with Us

We are always available

Our team ensures your UAE business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.

Offices map
Estonia
Ukraine
Cyprus
UAE
United States

Cyprus, Limassol

Franklinou Rousvelt, 170 Limassol Chamber, 3048, Limassol, Cyprus

Estonia, Tallinn

Harju maakond, Tallinn, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tuukri tn 19-315, 10152

UAE, Dubai

Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ukraine, Kiyv

Kyiv, Azov Regiment Heroes Street 12, 04212

United States, New York

228 Park Ave S, New York City, New York, 10003, United States

Get in Touch

Leave your inquiry, and our legal team will get back to you as soon as possible. Initial consultation is free of charge and confidential.

Select a topic
Select a topic
Company Formation
Accounting Support
Crypto Licenses
Citizenship and Immigration
Partnership
Other
This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.