Because safe gambling is important, we have reviewed the effectiveness of the MGA license and identified the online casinos affiliated with Malta Gaming Authority.
Did you know that casinos with an MGA license are among the safest and most reliable in the world? Nearly 400 online casinos operate under the MGA gambling license. Find the best MGA casino with OnlineCasinosSpelen!
What is the Malta Gaming Authority?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is a gambling commission based on the island of Malta. The official abbreviation is MGA, and this is how the organization is commonly referred to.
There are many gambling authorities in the world of online gaming, some stricter than others. For online players, it’s crucial to choose a casino regulated by a reputable gambling authority. This means an organization that has found the right balance between providing a safe gaming environment and offering enough freedoms for online gambling.
In Malta, they seem to have struck this balance perfectly. Casinos applying for an MGA casino license are meticulously screened. Their financial situation, forecasts, and legal history are thoroughly examined. At the same time, measures are taken to ensure these checks do not hinder the enjoyment of casino visitors. As a result, the MGA has earned one of the best reputations worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of the MGA
To achieve and maintain this objective, a robust daily operation is necessary. There must be ongoing tasks that enable the organization to deliver on its promises. For this purpose, nearly 200 employees work daily to ensure you can play under optimal conditions.
- Licensing. The first thing a self-respecting player looks for is the gambling authority that issued the license. When it comes to an MGA license, players can be fairly certain they can safely try out that site. To display the MGA logo on your casino site, the gambling company must provide the necessary guarantees. Even then, the MGA does not rush the process. It can take weeks, even months, before a license is approved.
- Player Protection. Examining the financial situation of an applying casino is crucial for players. This ensures that winnings and playing funds are always paid out. Financial health checks of a casino are not only conducted during the application but also through annual audits. There is also the protection of personal well-being. These are the efforts expected from online casinos to support responsible gambling.
- Judicial Authority. If you have a dispute with your MGA-licensed casino, you can file a complaint with this authority. Complaints are taken very seriously. The MGA first investigates internally, and if the complaint is justified, the casino is addressed. Complaints are submitted via a form available on the MGA’s website. The MGA does not have judicial powers but can report misconduct to the authorities and initiate legal proceedings if necessary.
Pros and Cons of the MGA Gambling License
Playing with the knowledge that you have the best protection is, of course, very comforting. It’s quite easy to see the benefits. However, we have also looked into whether there are any downsides to playing at an MGA casino. We’ve weighed the pros and cons against each other.
MGA License Advantages
- European License Offers More Protection: Compared to an overseas license, a European license provides greater protection.
- Few Restrictions on Game Offerings: There are almost no limitations on the types of games available.
- Impeccable Reputation: The organization has an unblemished reputation.
- All Legal Payment Methods Available: A wide range of payment methods can be used.
- Extensive Bonus Opportunities: MGA casinos offer numerous bonus options.
- Fewer Limitations on Limits: The limits imposed are less restrictive.
MGA License Disadvantages
- Customer Service and Complaint Department Not Dutch: The MGA’s customer service and complaints department do not operate in Dutch.
- Not All MGA Casinos Accept Dutch Players: Some MGA-licensed casinos do not accept players from the Netherlands.
MGA Casinos vs. KSA Casinos
In theory, the Dutch government wants all online players to play at casinos licensed by the Dutch Gambling Authority, or KSA. The intention is to monitor players and track all their online activities.
While this sounds good, it comes at the cost of your privacy. There are also restrictions on payment methods, with Bitcoin being completely prohibited. If you use this popular payment method, you are excluded from KSA casinos.
Granted, the safety net for disputes is better with the KSA than with a non-Dutch gambling authority. Within your own country, you have more jurisdiction. However, you must consider the Dutch casino limitations on bonuses, low betting limits, and certain games and features that are unavailable. This includes the bonus buy and autoplay features in slot games and esports and crash games.
Comparison Table: MGA Casinos vs. KSA Casinos
| Category | MGA Casinos | KSA Casinos |
| Deposits | No limits imposed by the MGA | Low limits imposed by the KSA |
| Withdrawals | Limits set by the casinos, not the MGA | Withdrawals only via linked bank account |
| Gambling Tax | Must be declared monthly by the player | Handled by the casino |
| Cruks | No Cruks protection | Cruks usage is mandatory |
| Autoplay | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Bonus Buy Feature | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Cashback | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Cryptocurrency | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Game Selection | No restrictions | Not all game providers allowed; esports and crash games prohibited |
| Bonuses | Unlimited | Bonuses are lower and not all are allowed |
| Customer Service | Generally good but rarely in Dutch | Well-organized and must be offered in Dutch |
| Payment Methods | All recognized payment methods theoretically allowed | Anonymous payment methods absolutely forbidden |
How MGA Casinos Ensure Safety?
The MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) has influence only over casinos operating under a Maltese license. To obtain this license, gambling companies must present solid credentials. The MGA’s reputation is well-earned due to stringent admission standards, allowing only the safest and most reliable casinos to qualify.
The MGA’s role extends beyond granting licenses. They also maintain ongoing oversight of the licensed casinos, requiring annual financial reports and registering player complaints through customer service.
Requirements for Obtaining a Malta License
Some gambling authorities process applications within days, but this brief period does not allow for thorough investigation. A casino seeking an MGA license must submit its application well in advance, as the process can take several months.
The primary requirements for an application to be considered are:
- Submission of a Detailed Financial Plan: This plan must reflect both the current situation and future projections of the company.
- Solvency and Reliability Check: The company’s leaders undergo an audit and investigation.
- Game Testing Reports: The casino must provide testing reports for its games.
- €100,000 Guarantee: A security deposit is required.
- Annual Audits: The casino must agree to annual audits to review its current financial situation.
Can I Legally Play at an MGA Casino in the Netherlands?
The Dutch government prefers players to use casinos licensed by the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) to monitor their gambling behavior. This means losing some privacy and facing various restrictions.
However, playing at a casino with a Maltese license is compliant with European legislation, ensuring safety under one of the world’s best-regulated gambling authorities.
Bonuses in MGA Casinos
MGA-licensed casinos consistently offer attractive bonuses. There are no significant restrictions as long as fairness is maintained. Let’s explore the types of bonuses you can expect at MGA casinos.
Welcome Bonus
The first bonus you’ll encounter at an MGA casino is the welcome bonus, given to new players upon creating an account. This bonus is often granted after your first deposit, matching a percentage of your deposit up to a specified limit. For instance, a 100% bonus up to €300 means every deposit up to €300 will be doubled.
Reload Bonus
This bonus applies to subsequent deposits. Sometimes, the welcome bonus is distributed in stages, requiring multiple deposits to reach the total bonus amount. The reload bonus is also offered weekly to reward loyal players, working similarly to the welcome bonus.
No Deposit Bonus
Unlike the previous bonuses, the no deposit bonus doesn’t require a deposit to claim. Although rare, this bonus is popular as it provides a limited amount of play credit or free spins, allowing players to explore the casino without risking their own money.
Cashback
A cashback bonus returns a percentage of your bets. It can be a portion of your losses or a part of all bets placed. This bonus typically ranges from 5% to 25% and often has no wagering requirements, meaning you can consider the refunded money as your own immediately.
Free Spins
Sometimes, bonuses come in the form of free spins, allowing you to play certain slot games. Free spins have a set value used for bets, and they are a fun way to try new games or extend your playtime on familiar ones, increasing your chances of winning.
VIP Club
Many MGA casinos offer a VIP club, similar to a loyalty program at a supermarket. The more you play, the more points you earn, advancing through the VIP levels. Higher levels often come with more perks, such as increased cashback percentages.
Payment Methods in MGA Casinos
MGA casinos offer a wide range of payment methods, providing players with great flexibility. The latest addition to this array is Bitcoin, enabling MGA casinos to offer a comprehensive set of payment options.
Casinos tailor their payment options based on the player’s country. For instance, offering iDEAL to players in Estonia is pointless as it is a Dutch-exclusive payment method. Therefore, you will find payment methods on the casino’s payment page that are available in your country.
Popular Payment Methods for Dutch Players
For players in the Netherlands, the following payment methods are commonly available:
- Bank Transfer and Credit Cards: Options include Visa and Mastercard, commonly accepted at online casinos.
- Instant Banking Methods: Trustly, Klarna, and Volt are popular choices for quick and secure transactions.
- E-Wallets: Well-known e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Jeton Cash are frequently used for online gambling.
- Anonymous Payment Methods: Neosurf and Paysafecard are popular for those who prefer to make anonymous transactions.
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin leads the way among various virtual currencies, providing an additional layer of security and anonymity.