Five reasons to start your iGaming business in Malta

If you have a promising idea for a gambling or betting business, the next question is to decide where you will base your new company. We consider Malta.

Oct 29, 2020
5 mins
Orange slotDark blue slotDark blue slotLight blue slot

Did you know that the global online gaming market is expected to reach $94.4 billion by 2024? With booming revenues and the ability to reach customers practically anywhere in the world, now is an exciting time to launch an iGaming start up. 

If you have a promising idea for a gambling or betting business, the next question is to decide where you will base your new company. In many jurisdictions, online gaming is either prohibited, or entrepreneurs face multiple restrictions, confusing licencing processes and high tax rates. It is therefore essential to set up somewhere which makes running a gaming business as easy as possible. 

If you already have experience in the gaming sector, there is no doubt that you will be familiar with Malta and its position as the global leader for online gaming. Almost 300 online casinos, sports betting firms, lotteries and other entertainment businesses call the Mediterranean island nation home. 

Hundreds of major games companies have either moved to base themselves in the country or started up in Malta. Should you join them?

Five reasons to launch your iGaming business in Malta 

There are several countries around the world which are popular destinations for online gaming firms, including the UK, Gibraltar, Germany, Sweden and the Philippines. Nevertheless, tiny Malta remains the world’s iGaming capital. Here are five reasons you should consider basing yourself there:

An incredible ecosystem

Malta was the first country in the EU to develop online gaming regulations in 2004. This put it streets ahead of other countries in Europe and attracted many major gaming firms to the country. As a result, Malta has a deep and broad ecosystem which makes starting up here very attractive. 

By choosing to launch your business in Malta, you will be surrounding yourself with industry peers – this is invaluable for networking and sparking ideas. You will also have access to a pool of potential employees with unique experience in this industry. What is more, there are also many companies providing niche services that support the iGaming sector in Malta - from marketing firms to accountants, lawyers to IT service companies.  

An attractive tax regime 

Malta has a very attractive tax regime which allows gaming companies to retain a high portion of their profits. Malta's corporate tax rate is set at 35%, but businesses are allowed to claim back most of this as a rebate, meaning that companies effectively pay just 5% tax on their profits. 

If you compare this to most other countries in Europe, or indeed the rest of the world, your start-up will retain far more money, which will allow you to invest in the business and grow faster. And on top of this, the personal tax regime is also very attractive, with top earners paying a maximum of 35%, while professionals with certain skills pay as little as 15%. 

Easy setup and licencing process 

Malta’s iGaming licencing process couldn't be easier. To receive your paperwork, you need to provide the Malta Gaming Authority with a business plan, evidence of start-up capital (the amount varies depending on business type) and undergo a system test of your technology. There are also a number of fees for compliance, admin and annual licences. 

This straightforward process normally takes just a few weeks and you will then be issued with a gaming licence that is valid for five years. 

Learn more: What bank account features do you need for iGaming?

Location, location, location 

Malta is situated in the Mediterranean and is a member of the European Union. Within easy reach of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, the sun kissed archipelago allows for short travel times to many major markets. 

Malta boasts a very high standard of living with 300 days of sunshine every year and English as an official language. The family-friendly, cosmopolitan islands have a rich and fascinating history, great cuisine, beautiful nature and azure seas – all of which makes it an appealing place for expats to set up home. 

Supportive authorities

No online gaming firm wants to deal with a hostile authority and intrusive audits. The Malta Gaming Authority is a highly respected and impartial organisation that maintains high standards while being supportive of foreign start-ups who choose to locate their businesses in the country.

Bank accounts for start-ups in Malta 

If you are looking to start up an iGaming firm, Malta is without a doubt one of the most attractive destinations to relocate. 

But what about the finance side of running a new business in Malta? To make sure that your firm can receive payments, pay staff and cover other costs you will need a bank account that is registered in the country. 

iGaming firms have very specialised needs, and so it is worthwhile choosing a business bank account that suits the kind of work you do. Xace accounts are specialised for the needs of digital companies in sectors such as iGaming. A Xace gaming payment account (provided through our partnership with Modular) brings together several valuable features that will be especially useful for your start-up:

  • European IBAN and SEPA to make and receive payments internationally
  • Multiple currency payments 
  • Virtual debit card 
  • Available for Maltese businesses
  • Gaming-site friendly
  • Mobile ready 

Looking to start up a gaming firm in Malta? Talk to us about your payment needs.

Similar Account Articles

Gambling Accounts
Jan 18, 2024
5 mins

Adaptation and Innovation in iGaming 2024 with KYZEN

Carl DeGiorgio, CEO from KYZEN, an iGaming services provider across customer support, payments and fraud protections with extensive expertise in the industry.
Read More
Gambling Accounts
May 2, 2023
8 mins

Gambling sponsorship in UK football

For decades, English football and gambling have been deeply intertwined. Betting on football has been permitted in the UK since the 1960s...
Read More
Oct 22, 2020
5 mins

How did Malta become the world’s gaming capital?

A tiny island archipelago with a fifth of the surface area of London and half a million residents is home to 10% of the worlds gaming companies.
Read More
Payment Accounts
Sep 18, 2020
2 mins

What is a gaming payment gateway?

A payment gateway (PG) in online gambling is essentially the third party which facilitates the secure transfer of money from your account to the merchant.
Read More

About us

Our entire platform has been built to give our customers a wide range of payment options, across a wide range of sectors.
Read moreArrow orange
Sun icon

Have a question?

We have a dedicated FAQ section, full resources section, and, if that doesn’t answer your question our support team are on hand to help.
Read moreLight blue arrow icon
Moon icon
For questions relating to active accounts, please log in and access the messaging centre, available 24/7.

Join Xace and simplify the way you manage your money with a wide range of business payment solutions.

Need help? Contact Support

Support