Malta Gaming Authority
The Malta Gaming Authority is an organization that gives out licenses for online casino sites in Ireland. The MGA is overseen by the government of Malta and is a trusted authority around the globe. Their jurisdiction is not limited to online gambling; they also license many land-based casinos. We’ve collected all the relevant information you need about MGA, and all casino sites mentioned and shown on this page are licensed.
Irish players have access to a wide range of MGA-licensed online casinos.
The MGA license is one of the most renowned permits in the world. Other highly esteemed licenses are granted by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and UK Gambling Commission. In addition to a casino license, MGA gives out permits for betting and regulates the lotto in Malta. So, if a casino is licensed by them, it’s a great sign that you’re on a secure and trusted gambling site.
To check whether an online casino is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, look for the MGA logo. Casino sites usually display the logo in the lower part of the page or mention it in their About Us section. You can also visit the MGA’s own website and search the registry. Some popular Irish licensed safe and trusted online casinos are LeoVegas and Wildz Casino.
Malta Gaming Authority Casinos
The Malta Gaming Authority has licensed hundreds of online casinos. Since it would take ages to go through them all, we’ve hand-picked the best casino sites for our Irish players. The following online casinos have passed the strict application process of MGA and have been granted the highly sought-after license.
Here are the top 10 MGA casino sites:
- LeoVegas Casino
- Wildz Casino
- Spin Casino
- PartyCasino
- PlayOJO Casino
- King Billy
- Casumo Casino
- Jackpot City
- Wheelz
- LuckyLouis
LeoVegas Casino
It’s no surprise that the king of online gambling, LeoVegas Casino, is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority. So, not only has LeoVegas proven to be a trusted casino, they have proven they take local regulations seriously and make player safety their number one priority.
LeoVegas Casino is an excellent choice for new and seasoned players. They currently have an amazing welcome bonus–you get to take advantage of the 100% bonus of up to €1,000 + extra 200 free spins. This casino site has been around for years and has found loyal players who keep returning and playing regularly.
Wildz Casino
Wildz Casino is owned by Rootz ltd, which is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. All its sister sites, Wheelz and Caxino Casino, are also licensed. This casino site was established by iGaming veterans who emphasize fast load times, a simple user interface, and a reward system that gives players bonuses based on what they play.
Wildz has several no-deposit bonuses going on at all times. Existing players can get personal bonuses by subscribing to the casino newsletter. The gambling site is also generous to new players. Wildz Casino bonus includes 200 free spins and up to a €500 bonus.
Spin Casino
Spin Casino is one of the most loved online casinos in Ireland. The casino site shares many similarities with Jackpot City Casino, as they are both owned by the same company. Bayton ltd is licensed by the MGA and operates the best Microgaming casino in the world.
New players can get a whopping €1,000 welcome bonus when they register and deposit. Spin Casino keeps the pockets of its existing players full and offers daily, weekly, and monthly bonuses. In addition, if you’re lucky with your timing, you might also have the chance to claim epic rewards.
Boo Casino
The Boo Casino no deposit bonus is one of the most sought out casino offers in September 2025. The casino is part of the multinational gaming brand Green Feather Online Limited, which operates around the globe. The company is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and offers players a fun and safe platform.
The casino site offers a welcome bonus for all new players – €6 without deposit when you register a new account, and 100% up to €1,000 plus 150 free spins in deposit bonuses. You can also take advantage of the daily tournaments and free spins. In addition, Boo Casino regularly hosts different promotions and seasonal campaigns, so if you feel like it, you can subscribe to their newsletter and be among the first players to receive information about the newest offers.
PlayOJO Casino
PlayOJO is the best no-wagering casino available to Irish players. On top of that, PlayOJO also gives one of the highest RTP% of the industry, 97%. This online casino puts customers first and takes pride in its fairness policy. Moreover, this casino offers one of the best VIP loyalty programs with many different rewards, giving players more value for their money. And, of course, it is licensed by the MGA.
King Billy Casino
In online gambling, King Billy Casino stands as a regal destination where players can indulge in a vast array of top-notch games, impeccable service, and a great atmosphere for royalty.
What is the Malta Gaming Authority
The MGA license is authoritative and important because it’s one of the few establishments that regulate online casinos. Malta was one of the first nations in the EU to legalize online gambling, so they have the oldest regulative body in the world. All casino sites that want an MGA license must apply and pass all the strict requirements.
To be accepted, the casino company must:
- Be law-abiding and reputable. Backgrounds are checked for any criminal activities.
- Have a stable and proper business plan.
- Have enough funds to operate the business and pay winnings.
- Agree to third-party authority checks on their casino game technology and RNG.
If the company fulfills the above steps, the application process should go without a hitch. However, the company must uphold these requirements as MGA checks upon licensed casinos regularly. Licensed casinos are always better for players because this way, gambling establishments are held accountable. Take a look below at the advantages of such a license.
Ensures Player Safety
All licensed casinos must ensure that user data is handled and kept securely. Since all users give personal information when registering at a casino site, the casino must use strong protection when storing this data. Online casinos are required to use SSL encryption and offer payment methods that are deemed safe, such as Interac, Visa, and MasterCard.
Monitors Fair Gaming
Casino games hosted on MGA-licensed sites must provide fair and honest games. Games must operate independently without the casino’s input, and games cannot be rigged by anyone – not the casino or a third party. This requirement affects all games: online slots, table games, live games, and game shows. A widly trusted third-party game regulator is eCOGRA.
Guarantees Casino’s Solvency
Players must always be able to withdraw their winnings from a licensed casino. This means online casinos must have enough money to cover their business expenses and withdrawals. There should never be a time when the casino refuses to pay because of financial issues. In addition, casinos must never use players’ money to fund business operations.
Holds Dishonest Casinos Accountable
If a casino fails to meet the above criteria and stops following the rules, MGA can revoke the license and end the casino company’s operation in Malta and online. Since this license is held in high regard, casino sites don’t want to lose their license. Because of this, if the casino you’re playing at treats you unfairly or breaks any of the above requirements, you can file an official complaint to MGA. In addition, MGA’s Play Support Center helps players deal with casino issues.
History of the Regulations
The Malta Gaming Authority was formed in 2001 as part of Malta’s Lotteries and Other Games Act. Its aim is to regulate the gaming industry to ensure players have a fair and transparent experience. This includes land-based casinos and online gambling services. MGA also protects vulnerable players and prevents crime, corruption and money laundering in the gambling industry.
Since the Gaming Licence Fees Regulations of 2018, all MGA license holders are required to pay a fixed annual fee and a compliance contribution depending on the type of approval issued. In 2022, licensed casinos generated over €18,000,000 and more new casinos are continuing to apply.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
In summary, the Malta Gaming Authority is an organization that licenses casinos. While they are operated by the government of Malta, license holders operate worldwide. To get such a license, casino sites must prove they are fit and proper, have a complete business plan, fulfill the operational and statutory requirements, and go through a system and compliance review. If a casino fails to follow these strict rules, its license can be revoked, and casino operations can be ceased in Malta.
We always recommend playing on licensed casinos. Why would you trust unlicensed casinos if you’re not ready to enter an unknown basement under a shady establishment to play cards against strangers? To get an MGA license, casino sites must prove they are trustworthy and treat their players right. Other reputable authorities in the gambling industry are Kahnawake Gaming Commission and UK Gambling Commission. So, gamble wise and stay safe.
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FAQ
- Why are casinos registered in Malta?
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Malta is one of the oldest nations in the EU to legalize online gambling. In addition, the industry is heavily taxed, and it’s easy to establish casino headquarters in Malta.
- What is MGA?
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MGA is short for Malta Gaming Authority. They license and regulate online and land-based casinos around the world. An MGA logo on a casino site means that it’s a trusted and safe casino.
- How much does the MGA license cost?
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The cost depends on the license type. Online casinos are Type 1 and pay annually around €25,000 and a compliance contribution depending on the yearly revenue.
- What are the best new MGA casinos?
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New MGA casinos are Caxino, Wheelz and Wildz Casinos. They are all part of Rootz Ltd, which aims to make gambling fun. These casinos offer personalized bonuses depending on how and what players gamble.
