Q.  I wish to apply for a Malta licence to operate an online Poker Site.  Please advise on the application process, time frame and payment gateways available .

A.   To obtain a gaming licence in Malta it is necessary first of all to register a company in Malta. 

Once the company is registered, the following procedure needs be followed:

 
a) Complete and submit the licence application form
b) Completion of Due diligence exercise of all shareholders and directors of company
c) Certification of the software - if you are using your own software. This step is not applicable to games housed on third party platforms.

With each application you will need to file:

Copy of the company's statute

Copy of passport of all sharehoders/directors in the company
Bank reference for each of the above
Business Plan
Software description and operation methodology
Disaster recovery plans
Terms and conditions of the game
Game rules
Any other document that the Authorities may determine

The licence processing time from submission of all application documents to issue of LETTER OF INTENT is normally 12 weeks although we had applications processed much faster when necessary.

After the letter of intent is issued,the company can start operations and the Gaming Authority will start the certification process of the software. The full licence is normally received within 6 months from Letter of Intent.

The methods of payments available to you with a Malta licence is
unlimited.  Since Malta is considered as a leader in e-gaming
jurisdictions due to its industry specific laws and regulations, most of the credit card companies, banks and payment
gateways will be happy to work with you on this issue.

1. Location of Servers
2. Maltese Players
3. Maltese Ownership
4. Why Malta
5. Foreign Licenced Operations
6. Employment
7. Licencing Time Frame
8. Anti-Money Laundering Requirements
9. Ancillary Services
10. Who needs a gaming licence