In 2025, Malta Gaming Authority noted a significant increase in applications for online gambling licenses, illustrating continued interest from potential international licensees. Malta’s position as a key player in European legal online gambling continued to be solid in 2025, Malta’s gambling regulatory framework continued to strengthen, and the European online gambling market continued to grow. Malta remains a key player in online gambling as regulatory changes continue to bring in more international online gambling businesses.
The online gambling sector in Europe continued to undergo significant changes in both regulation and commercial operations in 2025, with Malta being a focal point yet again. Malta Gaming Authority acknowledged that online gambling businesses servicing the EU market began to apply for licenses to operate in Malta.
This increase should be viewed as a result of changes in demand, innovation, and regulation across the various jurisdictions surrounding Malta. This article aims to review Malta’s position as a leader in providing licenses and creating the potential for limiting the extent to which online gambling operators have sought to utilize the regulatory framework offered by Malta.
Growing Demand for EU-Based Licensing
2025 saw an increase in EU-based license applications by gambling companies. From the data we have seen, gaming companies are beginning to prefer jurisdictions that give them legal certainty and recognition within the EU. The Malta Gaming Authority data reported that by the close of business in 2024, 300 gaming companies in the EU had an active gaming license, and in 2025, this figure continued to increase as both new entrants and established companies continued to apply for a license.
The continued increase in the number of gaming companies in the EU is also indicative of the changing dynamics of the online gambling industry. A number of new online casinos have opened without a license, and industry analysts have reported that a growing number of recently launched online casinos are now entering the market with all the necessary licenses. In recent years, a number of new online casinos have opened in both the regulated and non-regulated gaming markets.
The distinguishing features of these casinos are that they offer a wide variety of payment options, a mobile-friendly user interface, and a compliant, albeit limited, selection of games. The continued popularity of Malta is in part because these casinos prefer to operate in jurisdictions with established gaming regulations.
Consumer demand is also changing. More and more EU consumers are seeking licensed operators, and in some cases, these operators are required to have a clear and unambiguous process for resolving disputes and responsible gambling mechanisms. From the increase in demand for these types of operators, it is clear that consumers have increased the demand for more credible operators and for more recognized regulators.
Expansion of Digital Gaming Markets
The available apps have gained popularity at the same time as the rapid growth of the digital gambling market. Online gambling has expanded well beyond the classic forms of gambling like casino games and sports betting. Live dealer games, esports betting, and games of skill have become more popular and more regulated in 2026.
H2 Gambling Capital reported in 2024 that global revenue for online gambling had surpassed 95 billion dollars, with Europe contributing approximately 40 per cent. This growth continued into 2025 and was largely supported by the region’s increasing smartphone and payment system usability.
The Maltese licensing regime is attractive to companies that market hybrid products, as it encompasses a broad array of digital offerings. These companies typically have modular technology stacks and engage third-party software vendors to fulfill various regulatory needs. Malta has also continued to enjoy high levels of applications as companies seek out the ability to innovate and demonstrate products in a recognized EU regulatory environment.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) provides data that demonstrates a continued trend. In 2024, the EGBA found that online channels accounted for over 60% of gambling revenue in their member markets, and that share continued to increase in 2025. As digital channels continue to dominate the market, the need for licenses will increase.
Regulatory Reforms Boost Confidence
Regulatory reforms in recent years also drove the increase in applications. Malta adjusted its Gaming Act and related regulations to streamline compliance and enforcement, and to improve clarity and consistency of regulation, while maintaining oversight.
The Malta Gaming Authority’s (MGA) annual reports for 2024 and 2025 show a greater emphasis on risk-based supervision, financial compliance, and technical compliance. The MGA is often described by operators as having greater predictability and consistency in comparison to other jurisdictions, and for this reason, jurisdictions such as Malta are prioritized.
Malta also continued to develop its relationships with international regulators and EU bodies. This growing relationship confirmed the perception that a Malta license is valued outside of Malta. For international operators, this perception lessens the cross-border legal risk of supplying their services in multiple jurisdictions in the EU.
