Best Malta Betting Sites

Malta is a small Mediterranean island, once ruled by the Knights Hospitaller, that has a rich history dating back to 5900 BC. It might be one of the world’s smallest countries; however, it is considered a giant in the gaming industry, as it was the first EU nation to regulate online gambling back in 2004. It is also home to the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), one of the most prominent gambling regulators in Europe.

The great reputation of the MGA, along with the low tax rates and licensing fees, led many betting companies to locate their headquarters there. Consequently, players are privileged enough to place their wagers on major international betting sites in Malta.

Best Betting Sites in Malta

If you’re looking for a decent betting company Malta is the place to be. As a matter of fact, the following shortlist contains the best online betting sites that one can find in Malta. We selected them due to their high football odds, great variety of betting markets and appealing daily promotions.

Betting in Malta - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  The legal gambling age is 18
• 2
  The Gaming Act of 2018 regulates the local gambling market
• 3
  The MGA is the country's licensing authority
• 4
  All licensees are subject to a 5% tax on their GGR
• 5
  Players’ winnings are exempt from taxation

General info

⏩Population: 441.253

⏩Active players: 223.000

⏩Currency: Euro

⏩Regulated gambling products: Sports betting, horse racing, casino games, lottery, bingo

⏩Operator types: Licensed online & land-based bookmakers and casinos

⏩Designated authority: Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

⏩Status: Regulated

Online Betting in Malta: The Law Framework

The first steps towards the regulation of online gambling in Malta took place back in 2000 when the Public Lotto Ordinance was introduced. A year later, in 2001, the Lotteries and Other Games Act was implemented, and the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA), as it is known today, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), was established.

The MGA was among the first regulators to offer legislation that monitors the activity of online gambling companies. In 2004, Malta became an EU member state and it also became the first country in the European Union ever to regulate online gaming.

Only a year after joining the EU, in 2005, the Remote Gaming Regulations came into effect, and online gambling operators gained the opportunity to apply for one of the four types of licenses that were introduced. Online betting operators, in particular, became eligible for a Class 2 license.

The current gambling legislation, named the Gaming Act, came into force on the 1st of August 2018. According to its provisions, all forms of online gambling are legal in Malta. The small island country is considered a very attractive destination for international betting companies due to the reputation of the MGA and the low tax rates for operators.

All licensed bookmakers are obliged to pay a 5% tax on their GGR. The MGA is tasked with the issuance of licenses and the collection of gambling-related taxes. The Maltese regulatory body is also constantly updating a list of unauthorised operators.

Essential Information for Foreign Bettors Living in Malta

If you are a foreigner who lives in Malta searching for info about betting, then you're in the right place. Let’s begin by saying that in Malta, betting online is considered fully legal; provided that you are at least 18 years old. It is worth noting that your winnings are not subject to tax.

As for the documents you're going to need in order to register with a bookie or verify your account, bear in mind that a residence permit is not necessary. Simply use your passport, and you're good to go.

In case you work for a betting company that is located in Malta and you’re wondering if you are allowed to bet online, then the answer is yes. However, we would recommend not to do it on the same bookie that you work for as it would be against the policy of the company.

Betting Malta: Deposits and Withdrawals

All the major gaming companies in Malta give you the opportunity to choose among a wide array of payment methods in order to deposit funds to your account securely and in no time. The most popular payments are credit & debit cards, along with e-wallets such as Mifinity and Trustly. You can find many PayPal bookmakers as well.

Paysafecard is also very common, and so is bank transfer. As regards withdrawals, bookies such as Bet365 and Betfair offer quick withdrawal times with digital wallets. This makes Skrill and Neteller bookies very popular. 

The Future of Online Betting Malta

Malta is the online gambling hub of the EU, as many bookmakers have decided to move their headquarters and become one of the many MGA betting sites. This occurred due to the fact that the small Mediterranean island country has very low tax rates. Thus, it is considered a tax haven for gaming companies.

Online sports betting in Malta may not be very popular among locals. However, it is the favourite pastime of the expats who live and work there and those are the ones that keep on shaping the future of the local betting market.

Gambling in the Neighbouring Countries

The small island in the South of the Mediterranean shares borders with no other nations. However, its multicultural population has easy access to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. This means that laws and regulations change drastically, especially when it comes to gambling. Here are two examples of the countries nearby and their legislative framework :

⏩ Italy: has one of the biggest legal and regulated gambling scenes, with strict laws applying to local and land-based operators. It is home to many international brands, some of which exited the local market due to recent legislation. Italian bookmakers with an international background, and sometimes unlicensed, are still available, and their popularity is growing.  

⏩ Tunisia: is one of the most peculiar examples in regard to gambling, and it lies a bit south of Malta. Land-based casinos and one sports betting shop hold licenses and are sometimes available only for tourists. This does not apply to international betting sites in Tunisia that offer unrestricted access to more competitive odds, markets, and promotions to locals and visitors alike.