Malta Jurisdiction

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) of Malta rigorously and constantly supervises its licensees to ensure full compliance with the requirements of the Remote Gaming Regulations (2004). The regulations address in detail the requirements to be fulfilled by a licensee and its responsibilities towards the license. The LGA has developed a system of control mechanisms to ensure that all gaming activity held by its licensees are compliant with such Regulations.

Malta is the first EU member state to regulate remote gaming. The government of Malta issues remote gambling licenses to online bookmakers, poker rooms, and online casino and bingo companies with a proven track record in gaming, of reputable standing and with a realistic business plan.

The regulatory body in Malta supervising remote gaming operation is Lotteries and Gaming Authority (L.G.A.). Malta began licensing online gambling sites in 2000 under the Public Lotto Ordinance. Since then, the L.G.A has developed its policies and procedures of remote gambling operations.

The LGA regulatory regime aims to be both technology neutral and game neutral – encompassing any type of gaming using a means of distance communication (including internet, digital TV, mobile phone technology, telephone and fax). Any remote game which can be securely managed under LGA regulations will be considered for licensing. Currently, the remote gaming in Malta is regulated under the provisions of the Remote Gaming Regulations (L.N. 176/04) issued under the Lotteries and other Games Act 2001.

Under the Remote Gaming Regulations, 2004 there are four classes by which an operator may be licensed. A license of any class is granted for the period of five years and may be renewed thereafter for periods of five years.  A basic requirement of the regulations is that the core part of the online gaming/ betting operations must be physically located in Malta.

In March 2005, L.G.A. launched Malta Remote Gaming Council as a strategic initiative to create a dynamic regulatory environment for Remote Gaming. The Council's main objective is to serve as an ongoing discussion forum giving valuable feedback to the Authority to be able to keep abreast with the latest developments in the industry.

Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority.

Suite 1, Level 3, TG Complex, Brewery Street, Mriehel,

Birkirkara BKR 3000, Malta