Malta softens foreign-licence rules despite money-laundering flag

The regulator kept its Feedback Statement from the public, sending it only to notice holders & their representatives. NEXT.io obtained the document.

The hit

The Malta Gaming Authority has backed off a tougher regime for firms operating from Malta under foreign licences, after industry pushback, according to NEXT.io. Its Feedback Statement drops the standard template for legal opinions & limits what ownership detail holders must disclose. B2B suppliers are exempt from many of the new obligations.

Why it matters

The Recognition Notice framework lets foreign-licensed operators work from Malta without an MGA licence. Industry argued the extra checks duplicated rules already imposed by their home regulators & exposed commercially sensitive information. The retreat sits awkwardly with Malta’s own assessment, which rated the framework medium-high for money-laundering risk.

The record

Consultation launched	21 April 2026 (Malta Gaming Authority)
Feedback Statement issued	26 October 2026 (NEXT.io)
Risk rating	First rated medium-high in the 2023 assessment; remote gaming fell from high to medium
Annual cost	€5,000 application fee plus €5,000 yearly maintenance fee
Tax rule	Legal Notice 84 of 2026, in force from 1 October 2026, keeps holders in the gaming tax net

What happens next

The MGA has accepted that some new requirements may need changes to the existing legal framework, & firmer oversight may now depend on new legislation. Watch for the regulator’s promised follow-up guidance on how the softened requirements will work in practice.

Sources: MGA Concludes Consultation on Proposed Updates to Recognition Notice Framework

Named in this story? Reply to newsdesk@infobets.com & we publish it.

18+. Betting involves risk. If gambling is a problem for you or someone close to you, help is available.