Top Reliable MGA Casinos

Adhering to stringent regulatory standards, the best MGA casinos operate with a consideration for players’ best interests. MGA-licensed casinos are committed to fair and transparent gaming and offer a reliable online gambling experience. Explore the distinctive features of casinos overseen by the Malta Gaming Authority and identify websites that suit your gambling preferences.

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Ideal for high-rollers seeking guaranteed and prompt processing of large payouts

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The most prominent game providers prefer working with MGA casinos

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Transparent bonus offers with clearly disclosed terms and conditions

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Author
Barb
Emre
Editor
Emre
date
Last Updated
03/12/24
time
Read Time
11 mins

Revpanda has been operating in the iGaming industry for many years, building strong relationships with online casinos, sportsbooks, and affiliates and supporting their brands’ marketing and growth. We not only help businesses reach new milestones but regularly engage with industry leaders at key events, thus solidifying our position in the market.

With our deep understanding of the sector from direct access to the latest insights, we are able to provide accurate, relevant, and unbiased content that our readers can rely on. Our editorial team follows a strict policy and guidelines and are dedicated to ensuring every article is backed by thorough research and prepared with integrity, helping you make informed decisions with confidence as a result.

When you choose Revpanda as your partner and source of credible information, you’re choosing expertise and trust.

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Benefits and Drawbacks of Playing at MGA Online Casinos

Renowned for being able to operate in a highly demanding regulatory environment, the best MGA online casinos offer reliable services. However, those stringent regulatory requirements also give rise to some challenges for players to be aware of. Analyse the pros and cons of playing at MGA casinos to make an informed decision.

Pros Pros
Pros Security and player protection are top priorities
Pros Fair bonuses with clear conditions
Pros Perfect for casino pros seeking timely withdrawals of large amounts
Pros Top-notch casino games from world-renowned software providers
Pros A variety of globally recognised payment methods
Pros Unrivalled responsible gambling tools
Pros Easily accessible dispute resolution channels
Cons Cons
Cons MGA casinos may not be available in some jurisdictions
Cons High compliance costs may negatively impact investment-heavy innovations
Cons Dispute resolutions may take longer due to the MGA's serious approach to complaints
Cons Cryptocurrencies are still not widely accepted by MGA casinos

Overview of MGA Casinos: Regulatory Standards and Licence Types

The first jurisdiction to regulate online gambling in the European Union, Malta is an online gambling pioneer, often dubbed the iGaming capital of the world. The small Mediterranean island country has become synonymous with a comprehensive regulatory framework where only the top online casino sites can operate, establishing unrivalled credibility with players. Here’s an overview of key milestones to better understand MGA-licensed casinos:

  • Land-based gambling first became legal in Malta in 1921, following the establishment of the country’s Lotto rules.
  • In 2001, Malta passed the Lotteries and Other Games Act, replaced by the Gaming Act of 2018, becoming the first EU country to establish a legal framework for online gambling and sports betting.
  • Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was created to oversee online gaming and betting in 2001. Originally known as the Lotteries and Gaming Authority, the MGA is considered a Tier 1 online gaming licence granted to operators adhering to strict regulatory standards, guarantee player safety, and comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

The MGA plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the online gaming industry. It issues warnings and enforces penalties for operators not complying with the established standards while protecting players through regular gambling site audits and intervention programs.

Types of MGA Online Casino Licences

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issues four types of Gaming Service (B2C) licences. It also grants Critical Gaming Supply (B2B) licences related to the supply and management of games and casino software. These are the four iGaming verticals the MGA licences:

  • Type 1: Casino, live casino, lotteries, secondary lotteries
  • Type 2: Fixed odds betting, including live betting
  • Type 3: P2P games, pool betting, including betting exchanges
  • Type 4: Controlled skill games, such as fantasy sports

To apply for and obtain MGA casino licences, operators need to pay a €5,000 application fee for a new licence and €5,000 for a renewal. There is a €25,000 non-refundable fixed annual licence fee, as well as a €5,000 annual maintenance cost.

Moreover, companies applying for a licence must have minimum issued paid-up share capital (€100,000 for Type 1 and Type 2 and €40,000 for Type 3 and 4 concessions). The share capital amounts are added cumulatively up to €240,000 for multiple-type licences. So, for online casino startups with limited funds, an MGA licence is probably not the best choice.

MGA Casino Licences at a Glance

Licence Name Foundation Year Jurisdiction Official Website
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) 2001 Malta Malta Gaming Authority

Revpanda: Helping You Understand Casino Licence Providers

As an award-winning iGaming agency with extensive sectoral experience and a distinct blend of skills and industry knowledge, we can effectively guide players through the complex landscape of regulatory frameworks. When assessing casino licence providers, we:

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Seek established and comprehensively regulated environments: To provide players access to world-class casino operators, we present established gaming authorities, such as the MGA and the Isle of Man GSC, where regulators perform strict and meticulous evaluations and set the bar exceptionally high for gambling sites.

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Continuously assess emerging markets: Aligned with players’ best interests, we don’t discard more flexibly regulated landscapes like Curacao casinos. As they often allow operators to offer more enticing gaming options and cater to local preferences by incorporating local payment methods and localised bonus offers, we explore emerging markets through key events and regularly organised webinars with industry professionals.

Why Casino Operators Prefer the MGA Licence

An MGA licence demonstrates reliability and assurance. As a Tier 1 gambling concession on the same level as the Isle of Man GSC, UK Gambling Commission, and Gibraltar Gaming Commissioner licences, it is the preferred casino authentication that convinces players and potential business partners of the quality and dependability of a particular casino operator.

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Exudes Dependability to Big Money Players

Attracting high-rollers is easiest when casinos operate under a reputable licence. Large-stakes players, especially at VIP casinos, want to ensure they will get their substantial winnings each and every time they make a payout request. As one of the most prominent gambling concessions in the industry, the MGA licence establishes that operators have the necessary resources and systems in place to provide a reliable gaming experience.

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Attracts Investors

Investors enquiring about the financials of a casino operator before committing their funds will be instantly convinced of the legitimacy and transparency of MGA-licensed casinos. Moreover, casino operators preparing to undertake an initial public offering (IPO) on stock exchanges, such as Nasdaq or the LSE, won’t face any hurdles when going public. That’s because all the recommendations and audits have already been performed by respected companies.

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Projects Stability to Banks and Software Providers

Some banks, payment processors, and casino game providers refuse to work with operators that have Tier 2 gaming licenses. That is not a problem with an MGA licence. A Malta gaming concession conveys assurance to potential partners, as they are aware that an MGA online casino has already gone through comprehensive compliance checks, so collaborating with such an operator won’t be a risky endeavour.

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Access to Local European Licences

Due to overlapping procedures, completing the process of obtaining an MGA licence enables casino operators to get local European gaming concessions from regulators, such as the Customs and Monopolies Agency in Italy (ADM) more easily. Essentially, casino operators are preapproved for the local licence, and they only have to go through the formalities of getting the concession.

Why MGA-Licensed Casino Sites are Popular with Players

The MGA requires casinos to meet high operational standards and comply with rigorous regulatory requirements. The goal is to protect players and create a safe and transparent gaming environment. So, it does not come as a surprise that MGA casinos are often the preferred option for players.

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"Fit and Proper" Operators

The Malta Gaming Authority performs so-called “Fit and Proper” assessments to determine whether casino operators satisfy criteria such as honesty, integrity, competence, reputation, and financial standing, with a particular focus on the last one. Casinos that don’t get past these due diligence checks cannot obtain a licence.

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Strict Responsible Gambling Requirements

The MGA takes responsible gambling very seriously and regularly conducts website checks to determine if players have access to proper responsible gambling tools or partnerships with organisations such as GamCare or GambleAware. If that’s not the case, the casino operator is first warned, then penalised, and, lastly, risks losing the licence.

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Obligatory ADR Systems

Casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority must engage an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) entity before they start operating under an MGA licence. The MGA’s approved ADR organisations help players resolve disputes with casino operators in a fair and transparent manner.

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Players' Funds and Operational Funds are Reported Separately

The Malta Gaming Authority requires casino operators to report player funds separately when submitting their financial statements in accordance with agreed-upon procedures for B2C licence holders. By keeping player account funds separate from operational funds, casinos provide extra protection to players.

How We Assess and Rank MGA Casinos

Actively participating in prominent industry events dealing with online gambling regulation like the AWC 2024 Panel in Budapest, we are well-qualified to assess and rank MGA-licensed casinos. By leveraging our extensive experience and adhering to our tried-and-tested assessment procedure, we help players find top-quality online casinos with an MGA licence.

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Evaluate the Web Layout and User Interface

We start by analysing how easy it is to navigate the casino site, testing both the desktop and mobile versions. We look for mobile casinos that facilitate both hassle-free desktop and mobile gaming, as well as boast modern and sleek web layouts.

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Assess the Selection of Casino Games

Next, we consider the gambling options available. MGA casinos are renowned for working with the best software providers, so we have high expectations, featuring only operators that offer top-notch online slots and live casino games.

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Examine Bonus Terms and Conditions

MGA gambling sites offer a wide range of casino bonuses, from welcome offers to free spins. As enticing as these promotions seem, they are only as good as the terms they come with. So, we inspect bonus conditions and feature casinos with easy-to-claim promotions.

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Test Payment Methods

Online casinos licensed in Malta work with world-renowned payment processors, such as Visa and Mastercard. We inspect the deposit and withdrawal methods and test transaction times, fees, and limits. Casinos that facilitate easy account top-ups and payouts get top marks.

How to Ensure the Authenticity of a Licence for Safe Gambling at MGA Casinos

Online gaming operators licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority must go through comprehensive compliance checks. However, gaming licences expire. Unfortunately, some fraudulent gambling operators may decide to continue operating even when their gambling concessions are no longer valid. To ensure you aren’t faced with such scenarios, read our four-step guide on how to verify the authenticity of a casino licence.

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Time Needed:
5-10 Minutes
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Device Required:
PC, Smartphone, Tablet
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STEP 1

Locate the Licence Type and Number

Start by going to the official website of the casino you want to join. Scroll down and locate the MGA licence information. Make sure you write down the licensee’s name and the licence number.

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STEP 2

Cross-check with the Official MGA Website

Now go to the official MGA website and find the MGA licensee register where all licensed operators are listed. You can search by licensee name, authorisation status, and gaming service.

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STEP 3

Analyse the Validity of the Licence

Next, choose the casino and click on the “Search” button. Alternatively, you can use the MGA URL checker. You will instantly see whether the casino has a valid licence, and check all other relevant data.

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STEP 4

Look for any Revocations or Suspensions

If you can’t find the name of the casino, chances are its licence has been revoked or suspended. To check, go back to the licensee register and in the Authorisation Status tab choose Cancelled, Expired, or Suspended.

Top Bonuses Available at MGA-Licensed Casinos

The great thing about online gambling companies operating under an MGA licence is that they offer enticing bonuses with transparent terms and conditions. The online casino bonuses available include promotions for new players, as well as offers for existing customers. These are the most popular MGA casino promos.

Welcome Bonus Offers

Also known as first deposit bonus offers, welcome bonuses allow new MGA casino players to start their gambling adventure with more funds than they originally deposited. That’s because welcome bonus offers are usually awarded as match deposit bonuses where gambling operators boost your initial deposit up to a predetermined amount.

Free Spins

Allowing you to play the most popular online slots without staking any funds, free spins promos are geared towards slot game enthusiasts. With free spins bonuses, you can play slot games such as NetEnt’s Starburst or Play’n GO’s Book of Dead. If you win, the casino will allow you to withdraw your winnings as long as long as you meet the wagering requirements.

Reload Bonuses

Existing casino players can see their deposits matched by the casino when they trigger reload deposit bonuses. These promotions are only available during predetermined promotional periods, so only deposits made during these times will qualify you for reload bonus offers i.e. deposit made during the weekend for a weekend reload deposit bonus.

Cashback

If you get lucky and your gambling strategies produce the desired results, you can look forward to substantial casino windfall. However, if you don’t, cashback bonuses can help you make the most of a bad situation. When you trigger cashback bonuses, you can get as much as 10% or 15% of your losing bet stakes credited back to your casino account.

Game Options at MGA Online Casinos

The online casino industry is a competitive place where only the best gambling operators thrive. That is particularly true of casino sites licensed by the Malta Gambling Authority. Operating in a fiercely competitive environment, MGA casino sites must offer top-quality games to remain relevant. These are the most popular types of online casino games.

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Progressive Jackpot Slots

High-rollers prefer playing at MGA casinos because withdrawals, even the largest ones, are never in doubt and casinos must pay gamblers out to retain their licences. The fastest way to get a generous casino win is, of course, to play progressive jackpot slots such as Mega Moolah by Microgaming. Although these MGA casino staples are highly volatile, they offer players the potential for significant wins with a single spin of the reels.

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Grid Slots

Unlike traditional video slots, grid slot games feature a 5×5, 6×6, 7×7, or some similarly unconventional grid layout, hence the name. When playing grid slots, players get wins through cluster mechanics and not traditional fixed lines. Incorporating innovative bonus features, popular grid slots, such as Reactoonz by Play’n GO, allow players to enjoy the thrill of classic slot machines combined with the latest innovations that make the slot gaming experience more immersive and engaging.

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Video Poker

Games like Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better and Double Bonus Poker by Playtech are player favourites at many MGA casinos. These video poker titles allow gamblers to enjoy a combination of slot machines and poker games, thus providing the best of both worlds: the speed of online slots and the skill-based gambling of poker. To win, players need to create winning poker hands by selecting or discarding the cards that appear on the screen. The stronger the poker hand, the better the winnings.

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Live Dealer Games

Players craving an authentic brick-and-mortar table game experience will love live casino games. They are streamed as they happen from state-of-the-art studios that resemble five-star casino resorts. Essentially, you are transported to a high-end land-based casino where you can play popular table games like Live Blackjack, Speed Baccarat, Lightning Roulette and other genuine Evolution Gaming, Playtech or Pragmatic Play live dealer titles.

3 Top-Rated MGA Online Casinos in 2024

Understanding the critical importance of joining highest quality online casinos with a proven track record, at Revpanda, we are also keeping tabs on top-rated MGA casinos with exciting gaming and bonus options. Consider our curated list of the latest MGA casinos for a safe and fun online gambling experience.

Casino Licence Number
Casino Universe MGA/B2C/394/2017
SlotsHammer MGA/B2C/Sc233/2013
Scibet MGA/B2C/233/2013

How to Obtain an MGA Casino Licence

To obtain an MGA licence, online casino operators need to provide a business plan and submit corporate documents. Then the regulator will conduct due diligence on each employee individually. Prospective licensees will need to demonstrate financial stability, as well as comply with anti-money laundering requirements.

After a licence is conditionally approved, the MGA will assess the systems through an external audit and, as soon as the casino operator pays the application and licensing fees, it will get the green light to launch the platform and go live.

Final Take on MGA Casinos

MGA casinos are trusted gambling sites that operate in a comprehensively regulated gaming environment. For an online casino to obtain an MGA gambling concession, it must adhere to high player protection standards and comply with strict regulatory and financial stability requirements.

The prominent software providers these casinos work with, their transparent bonuses, and the top-tier payment processors they integrate make MGA casinos credible gaming options for both seasoned casino players and new gambling enthusiasts.

MGA Casinos FAQs

Yes, they are. MGA casinos are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, one of the most reputable regulators in the online gambling industry. So, not only are they legal, but they also comply with the requirements of a Tier 1 gambling licence.

You can get a great range of bonuses when you join MGA casinos. These include welcome bonus offers, free spins, reload deposit bonuses, cashback offers, loyalty program perks, etc.

Yes, they are. New MGA casinos have proven they have the personnel, financials, and knowledge to obtain an MGA licence. That means they adhere to strict regulatory requirements and incorporate player protection mechanisms.