A Malta Gaming Authority licence is the one we are most happy to see at an international casino. Malta sits inside the European Union, its gaming law is detailed, and its licensed operators are often large public companies. Many of the casinos that serve Canadians outside Ontario hold one.
This page explains what the licence covers, how to read an MGA number, how to check one, and how far its protection reaches for a Canadian.
Quick answer: The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licenses online casinos under Malta’s 2018 Gaming Act. A consumer licence number looks like MGA/B2C/370/2017. Licensed casinos must offer a dispute resolution route, and it is one of the strongest offshore licences. But the MGA does not replace a provincial regulator, so Ontario and Alberta players should use their provincial sites.
What the MGA Licence Covers
Malta’s Gaming Act took effect in 2018 and replaced four older sets of rules with a single law. It created two main licences:
| Licence | Who holds it | In a licence number |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming service licence | Casinos dealing with players | B2C |
| Critical gaming supply licence | Suppliers to casinos | B2B |
Licensees must meet rules on player protection, anti-money laundering, game fairness and company finances. A standard licence runs for 10 years, and a licensed casino must show the Authority’s details on its site.
How to Read and Check an MGA Number
An MGA number such as MGA/B2C/370/2017 shows the regulator, the licence type, a reference number and the year. To check it:
- Find the number and the operating company in the footer. Current MGA seals usually link to a verification page.
- Open the MGA’s website and use its licensee register.
- Check that the company, status and domain match.
Licences change hands. Our Wildz review had to be corrected in 2026 when the whole group moved to a new operator and a new number, MGA/B2C/1079/2025. It is worth checking a number even at a casino you already know.
MGA-Licensed Casinos We Review
| Operator | Licence | Brands |
|---|---|---|
| White Hat Gaming | MGA/B2C/370/2017 | Casimba, Dream Vegas, Casilime, Barz |
| Granturo Malta Ltd | MGA/B2C/1079/2025 | Wildz, Wheelz, Spinz, Caxino |
Betway, PlayOJO and Mega Casino also use Malta licences for international play. A group sharing one licence also shares a compliance record, so a problem at one brand can affect the others.
If You Have a Complaint
MGA licensees must have a complaints process and a designated alternative dispute resolution provider. Start with the casino, then take the matter to that provider, whose details should be in the terms. The MGA oversees licensees, but it generally does not settle individual disputes itself. Our explainer on resolving casino disputes walks through the steps.
What MGA Protection Means for Canadians
- Strong: operator vetting, game testing and player protection rules.
- Useful: a defined dispute route.
- Limited: you are dealing with a European regulator across an ocean, and an MGA licence has no standing in your province.
We rate Malta just below the provincial licences. Our comparison of Canadian casino licences shows how it compares, and our page on Kahnawake licensing covers the closest Canadian-based alternative. For Ontario and Alberta, see our Ontario casino list and our Alberta casino list.
Use the Tools
MGA casinos must offer limits and self-exclusion tools. Use them. Our page on gambling support in Canada lists help in every province.
Written by Liam Lambert, OCCG casino reviewer. Licence numbers are from casino sites and our reviews; check the MGA’s register for current status. If something has changed, let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Malta Gaming Authority?
The regulator for gambling in Malta, which licenses many online casinos serving international players.
Is an MGA licence good?
Yes. It is one of the strongest offshore licences, with detailed rules on player protection and operators.
What does B2C mean in an MGA number?
Business to consumer. It shows the licence covers services offered directly to players.
How do I check an MGA licence?
Use the seal in the casino’s footer or the licensee register on the MGA’s website, and check that the company and domain match.
Who handles MGA casino complaints?
The casino first, then the alternative dispute resolution provider named in its terms.
Are MGA casinos legal in Canada?
Canadians outside Ontario and Alberta commonly use them. They are not licensed in those provinces, where provincial sites are the route to use.
Is MGA better than Kahnawake?
We rate them closely, with Malta slightly ahead because of its detailed rules and EU base.
Which casinos have an MGA licence?
Among those we review: Casimba, Dream Vegas, Casilime, Barz, Wildz, Wheelz, Spinz, Caxino and others.
