MGA Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Europe’s most widely held international casino licence.
The Malta Gaming Authority has regulated remote gambling since 2001 and is the EU’s most established online-casino licence, with regular audits, segregated player funds and dispute resolution. It is highly respected – but on its own it does not authorise a casino to serve British players.
Key facts
- Regulator
- Malta Gaming Authority
- Regulating since
- 2001
- Jurisdiction
- Malta (EU)
- Player funds
- Segregated from operating funds
- Required for UK?
- No – UKGC licence needed
- Self-exclusion
- No GAMSTOP (uses local tools)
About the MGA licence
An MGA licence is the international gold standard: financial vetting, segregated player funds, independent RNG/RTP testing and formal dispute resolution. Many global operators hold one alongside other licences.
For UK players, however, the key point is that since 2014 any casino serving Great Britain must hold a UK Gambling Commission licence. An MGA-only casino accepting UK players does so outside UK regulation – with no GAMSTOP self-exclusion and no Financial Ombudsman route.
If you are in the UK, treat the MGA as a quality signal but always check for a UKGC licence as well before depositing.
Where is this licence accepted?
Top 5 casinos with a MGA licence
Betsson
PlayOJO
Pros
- Highly respected EU regulator since 2001
- Segregated player funds and independent game testing
- Strong international reputation
Cons
- Does not authorise service to UK players
- No GAMSTOP self-exclusion
- No UK consumer-protection route
What this licence means for you
An MGA licence is a strong international standard, but it does not authorise a casino to serve British players. For the UK market, operators must hold a UK Gambling Commission licence. An MGA-only site accepting UK players is operating outside UK rules.
How to verify the licence
Click the MGA seal in the footer to confirm it links to the operator’s page on the MGA website, then check the licensee register at authorisation.mga.org.mt. For UK play, also confirm a valid UKGC licence.
