History

The first online betting site in Malta was launched in the year 2000, under the Operation of Betting Offices Regulations (S.L. 70.04), to regulate offshore betting offices. Since then, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was created to regulate all forms of gaming in Malta, including remote gaming operations. In April 2004, the Regulations were published, making Malta the first EU member state to regulate remote gaming.

Ever since the strong growth of the online gambling industry and since Malta began granting gambling licences to online gambling operators, the country has experienced a strong economic development. The fact that Malta is one of the few countries granting gambling licences to online gambling operators is a very important asset to the country.

The gaming regulatory framework developed by the Maltese authorities provides for several innovative incentives.Foremost among other are the wide-ranging incentives available to employees of remote gaming businesses, licensed by the MGA, that may include, subject to satisfying certain criteria, reduced rates of income tax on personal income, exemptions on income derived from patents, refunds on dividends and double taxation relief, apart from all the advantages linked to the free movement of goods and services within the EU.

With a sound jurisdiction that steers clear of bureaucracy and that has a proven track record, the iGaming industry in Malta is continuing to build on its successful trajectory. The next years will see the sector, as certain regulations are re-visited and new schemes intended to sustain the industry’s rapid growth are introduced.

Growth

The number of licensees, operating under a Maltese gaming legislation which number continues to increase consistently year-on-year as does the influx in gaming operators setting up shop locally, benefitting from the advanced technical capability and relatively low labour costs of the local workforce. Albeit taxes levied on gaming activities vary depending on the class of gaming licence that is applicable, it is widely acknowledged that Malta’s tax rates are among the most competitive in the world.

A consistent approach to regulation, together with the launch of Gaming Malta and the Gaming Academy, will ensure that Malta will continue to be considered by the gaming industry as a centre of excellence –both as a gaming jurisdiction as well as a dynamic economic hub for iGaming and its ancillary services.