Obtaining a gaming licence in Malta means going through a serious application process which every operator has to undertake. In the interest of the players, the operators and the reputation of the jurisdiction prior to the attainment of certification, the Lotteries & Gaming Authority (LGA) as the local regulator applies a 3-stage process in order to audit the business operation, the key personnel and the control & gaming systems.

First stage: Fit and Proper Test & Business Adequacy

The first stage is to conduct a fit and proper test of the applicant including an assessment on the personal capacity of the persons involved to carry out gaming activities.

The applicant must first submit an application for a remote gaming licence, which should include a personal declaration form for each person having a five percent (or higher) interest in the licence. Furthermore, the applicant is also obliged to submit due diligence information (passport copies, bank references etc). The Authority requires sight of the proposed business plan of the applicant, and a processing fee of € 2,330 per application.

Second stage: Business and Technical Ability Assessment

On successful conclusion of the first stage, the LGA informs the applicant to proceed to stage two. At this stage the LGA carries out an examination of the incorporation documents, the games to be offered, the business functions related to the conduct of remote games, the gaming rules, player terms and conditions and procedures of the games, and the application and system architecture of the gaming and control systems amongst others.

Third stage: Compliance Audit

Following the successful completion of stage two, a temporary licence (a so-called Letter of Intent) will be granted. The Letter of Intent gives the applicant the right to operate remote gaming from Malta with the condition of obtaining a certification of compliance within six months. The applicant may then establish the business in Malta, conclude all agreements, find a service provider to host equipment, acquire office space, set up the operation and carry out testing.

Once the system is operating and live, the applicant may request to be certified and if successful, a five year licence is issued once the authority receives a positive report from the auditors.