If you’re a regular here on our website, you’ll have come across many casinos with Malta licenses. But how good is a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license? Well, on this page, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. Specifically, we’ll look at the types of games and payment methods you can expect to find, what kind of security and player protection MGA-licensed casinos offer, and, of course, list all casino brands for you to choose from that carry a Malta Gaming Authority license.
MGA Licensed Casino Brands
Wildz Casino - 100% up to €500 + 200 Bonus Spins
Spinz Casino - 100% up to €/$300 + 100 Bonus Spins
Caxino Casino - 100% up to €/$200 + 100 Bonus Spins
Wheelz Casino - 100% up to €/$300 + 100 Bonus Spins
Spinero Casino - 4 Cash Spins per €1, up to 1,750 Spins, No Wagering
Monsino Casino - 1 Cash Spin per €1, up to 1000 Spins, No WR
Overload Casino - 2 Cash Spins per €1, up to 500 Spins, No Wagering
Slotable - 2 Cash Spins per €1, up to 3,000 Spins, No Wagering
Winzie - 2 Cash Spins per €1, up to 3,000 Spins, No Wagering
Lucky Jungle - 2 Cash Spins per €1, up to 3,000 Spins, No Wagering
Nifty Casino - 2 Cash Spins per €1, up to 1,000 Spins, No Wagering Required
Slot Hype - 2 CashSpins per €1, up to 2,000, No Wagering
Slot Planet Casino - 100% up to €222
Grand Ivy Casino - 100% Up To €1500
Casilando Casino - 100% Up To €300
Casimba Casino - 200% Up To €5000
Dream Vegas Casino - 200% Up To €2500
Miami Dice - Welcome Offer 200% Up To €2500
G'day Casino - 100% UP TO €100
Hello Casino - Welcome Bonus
21 Casino - 121% Up To €300
Useful Information
Regulator Name: | Malta Gaming Authority |
Founded: | 2001 |
Official Website: | https://www.mga.org.mt/ |
Address: | Building SCM 02-03, Level 4, SmartCity Malta, Ricasoli SCM1001, Malta |
Telephone Number: | (+356) 2546 9000 |
Email: | info.mga@mga.org.mt |
Register a Complaint Online: | https://www.mga.org.mt/player-hub/lodge-a-complaint/ |
What Games Can I Play At MGA Operated Casinos?
You can play virtually any type of online casino game at MGA-licensed casinos. Of course, in terms of sheer numbers, the bulk of the games you’ll find will be slots. But these will range from old-school three-reel fruit machines to the latest feature and bonus game-packed titles. Plus, there are Megaways slots with thousands of paylines and progressive jackpot slots with huge prizes. Notably, unlike UK Gambling Authority-licensed casinos, MGA casinos can offer Bonus Buy slots and quick spin functionality.
If table games are more your thing, you’ll find lots of RNG-based blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and video poker. But, for the most authentic casino experience, you should try the live dealer games. MGA-licensed casinos offer hundreds of atmospheric live dealer blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and poker games. Plus, there’s also a growing number of live TV-style game shows.
Many live casino providers, like Evolution and Pragmatic Play Live, have studios in Malta, so if you’re playing at an MGA-licensed casino, your game might take place on the island of Malta, too. Likewise, many slot game providers, like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Wazdan, Quickspin, and Nolimit City, also have offices in the country.
What Payment Methods Are Available At MGA Brands
Malta-licensed casinos will generally accept a wide range of payment methods. These include traditional options like Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, along with bank transfers (including the faster SEPA system within the European Union). E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Google Pay, and Apple Pay are also supported by many MGA casinos.
Interestingly, despite Malta proclaiming itself as ‘Blockchain Island’ in 2016 and the world’s biggest crypto exchange, Binance, almost relocating there, the MGA has been hesitant to embrace cryptocurrency. However, the regulator has been running a ‘sandbox’ to allow selected licensed gambling operators to accept certain cryptocurrencies. So, it seems likely that cryptocurrencies will be more widely supported by Maltese-licensed casinos in the future.
Are MGA Licensed Casinos Safe & Secure
The Malta Gaming Authority has established a reputation for strictly enforcing its licensing rules and regularly hands out fines (and even revokes licenses) when operators fail to meet standards. While this might give casino bosses sleepless nights, it means players can rest assured they are playing fair games at safe and secure casinos.
MGA-licensed operators are required to use advanced encryption technologies, such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer), to protect players’ personal and financial information from unauthorised access. And, because Malta is an EU member state, all businesses operating there are required to comply with the world’s strictest data protection rules.
All online casino operators based in Malta are also required to keep the funds deposited by players separate from the funds used to run the business. This means that, in the unlikely event a casino operator goes under, players will get their account balances returned (though it may take a while). Additionally, MGA-licensed casinos undergo regular audits by independent third-party organisations like BMM Testlabs and iTech Labs to verify the fairness and randomness of their games. These audits ensure that the random number generators (RNGs) used in games produce truly random outcomes, giving players a fair chance of winning.
Finally, like the UKGC, the MGA also requires casinos to promote responsible gambling by providing tools and resources to help players manage their gambling behaviour and seek assistance if needed.
A Brief History of the MGA
Have you ever wondered why a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea became one of the world’s biggest online gaming hubs? Well, it’s because, in 2001, when most people didn’t even know what broadband was, the Maltese government established the Malta Gaming Authority. This new agency was tasked with regulating all forms of gaming in Malta, including online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries.
So, Malta was way ahead of the curve on this one and was well-positioned to attract online casino groups when online gaming exploded in the 2010s. The MGA itself had to basically come up with a comprehensive regulatory framework from scratch – no easy task. But, continual improvement has resulted in one of the most respected and successful gaming jurisdictions in the world.
Today, the Malta Gaming Authority is widely recognised as one of the ‘gold standard’ online gaming regulators, and an MGA license is a guarantee that a casino is safe, fair, and committed to combating crime and protecting vulnerable people.
Can Malta Gaming Authority Licensed Casinos Offer Promotions And VIP Privileges?
Absolutely. MGA-licensed casinos are allowed to offer a variety of promotional bonuses and VIP privileges to their players. Common bonuses include deposit matches, free spins, and cashback deals. MGA-licensed casinos are required to provide full, transparent terms and conditions for all promotional offers, and there are strict guidelines involving covering accurate, honest marketing of such offers.
Most casinos will also run a loyalty scheme of some kind – usually involving collecting points that can then be redeemed for free spins, prizes, or bonus funds. VIP clubs are common – usually on an invite-only basis. Qualifying players will often enjoy perks like a personal account manager, higher withdrawal limits, faster payouts, and exclusive invitations and bonuses.
Pros
- Reputation and Trustworthiness: The MGA is one of the most respected regulatory bodies in the online gambling industry. Its stringent regulations and thorough licensing process ensure that MGA-licensed casinos operate with high standards of fairness and integrity.
- Player Protection: MGA-licensed casinos must implement advanced security measures, including encryption technologies, and undertake regular audits by independent organisations, ensuring the safety and fairness of the gaming experience.
- Generous Promotions and VIP Programs: MGA-licensed casinos offer attractive promotions and VIP programs that are subject to strict transparency standards.
- Extensive Payment Options: Malta-based casinos support a wide range of banking options, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and, to a limited extent, cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- Geographical Restrictions: MGA-licensed casinos often have restrictions on players from certain countries, limiting access for international players.
- Strict Regulatory Environment: Although strict regulations are great for player protection, they can also cause headaches for operators, slowing down the adoption of new technologies, like cryptocurrencies.
- Compliance Costs: Like casinos operating in other highly regulated jurisdictions, business costs can be relatively high. These costs may be reflected in lower bonuses and/or higher fees.
Final Summary
The Malta Gaming Authority is one of the most experienced and respected regulators in the world. It provides a robust framework for ensuring the safety, fairness, and integrity of online casinos while still allowing healthy competition and innovation. So, although there are some limitations, the benefits of playing at MGA-licensed casinos far outweigh the drawbacks, making them a popular choice among online gamblers who value security and choice.