Malta, located in the central Mediterranean, has become a focal point for the gaming industry. Supportive factor is that Malta is one of the most developed in legal framework of gambling that is why bookmakers and sports betting companies. This article aims at discussing the general framework of Malta’s gambling laws and legislation, primarily concerning Malta bookmakers and Malta sports betting, and the history of the domain, the key regulating authorities, types of bets, licenses, and taxes that apply.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
The Evolution of Gambling Laws in Malta
Early Beginnings
The initial basis of the gambling legislation of Malta was set with the Gaming Act of 1998. This act mainly applied to land casinos and other related forms of gambling that took place within the Maltese waters. The current legislation has developed to include online and remote gambling; this has been due to a change in technology as well as directives from the European Union.
Significant Milestones
- 1998: Adoption of the Gaming Act that laid down the foundation of the land-based gambling regulation.
- 2004: The Remote Gaming Regulations which has made the Maltese laws to fall in line with the EU directives on online gaming.
- 2012: It was the last amendment of the original Gaming Act before the major consolidative changes in the legislation.
- 2018: This paper also looks at the new Gaming Act under which all forms of gambling are regulated under one piece of legislation.
- 2021: Modifications of Article 22 of the Player Protection Directive, harmonisation of the Return to Player (RTP) rate across all verticals.
- 2023: Additional changes focusing on the concepts of public policy and preserving the rights of the licensed providers and participants.
Regulatory Agencies
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the only regulating authority in Malta that controls all the gambling related activities. The MGA is the organization that is in charge of providing licenses, regulating the acts and keeping all the gambling activities within the law of Malta.
Types of Licenses
Under the new Maltese Remote Gaming Act, the MGA issues four types of licenses:
- Class 1 License: For online casinos, skills games and lotteries.
- Class 2 License: For betting activities only.
- Class 3 License: For a gaming and betting exchange.
- Class 4 License: To businesses dealing with the sales of the gaming software.
In addition, there are two general categories of licenses:
- Gaming Service License (B2C): For providing or supplying a gambling service.
- Critical Gaming Supply License (B2B): For offering or performing a significant gaming supply.
Licensing Requirements and Fees
The licences are renewable for ten years and the renewal is only granted if the licensee fulfills the requirements of the regulations and if the application is made within the defined time frame. An operator may hold more than one license depending on the cost of application and other relevant fees that have to be paid. There are several requirements concerning the functioning of machines, anti-money laundering measures, as well as the protection of users where the licensing of a gaming company is concerned.
Gambling Taxes of Malta Bookmakers
Tax Structure
The amount of taxation that is paid on gambling activities in Malta depends on the company’s revenue and is progressive in nature. The base is defined as the Gross Gaming Revenue received in a given year.
Tax Rates
- For every euro of the first €3 million: 1. 25%
- For each of the subsequent €4. 5 million: 1. 00%
- For every euro of the next €5 million: None. 85%
- Each of the following €7. 5 million: 0. 70%
- For every euro of the next €10 million: 0. 55%
- For every euro of the remaining amount: N/A. 40%
The minimum tax that has to be paid is €15,000 while the maximum is €375,000.
Malta Bookmakers: Forbidden Bets and Permitted Bets
Allowed Bets
Bookmakers in Malta are permitted to offer a wide range of betting options, including but not limited to:
- Football betting basketball betting rugby betting and etc.
- Betting exchanges
- Gambling-type of games (roulette, blackjack, baccarat)
- Lotteries and secondary lotteries
- Virtual sports competitions
- Other prohibited games include controlled skill games such as fantasy sports.
Prohibited Bets
Some types of bets are restricted in order to preserve the sports and betting events from fixings. These are; betting on underage sports events and any other form of betting that may be deemed to be abuse or immoral.
Sports Betting in Malta
Overview
Sporting activities betting has remained as one of the main subsectors of the Maltese gambling sector. The population’s admiration for football and rugby extends to sports betting due to the country’s enthusiasm for the games. Thus, the MGA makes sure that all of the sports betting activities are carried out in a legal and clear manner to the benefit of operators and consumers.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
Sport has always been given much attention in Malta, and this has boosted the popularity of sports betting. Some of the notable milestones include:
- 1948: Alfredo Vella takes the gold in the 800m of the London Olympics.
- 1984: Boxer Tony Pace win a bronze medal in LA Olympics.
- 2006: Tennis player Daniela Delle Donne wins the WTA Tour Championships of tennis.
- 2008: Athlete George Frendo wins a bronze medal during the Beijing Olympics for the swimmming 200m butterfly event.
- 2012: William Chetcuti becomes a bronze medallist at the London Olympics in Shooting.
Conclusion
Malta has a well-developed and constantly developing legal base of gambling regulation, controlled by Malta Gaming Authority that guarantees the correct and clear work of the industry. Due to various licensing options and a appropriate tax system, Malta remains one of the most favorable jurisdictions for bookmakers and sports betting operators.
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