How to Start a Crypto Casino Business in Malta

Introduce Malta as one of the world’s most established and trusted jurisdictions for both online gambling and blockchain-based businesses. Highlight Malta’s strong legal framework, EU credibility, and its position as a hub for regulated crypto casinos under clear gaming and financial regulations.

Explain that crypto casino company formation in Malta is a high‑risk, highly regulated process. Cover licensing complexity, compliance, AML obligations, and the difficulty of securing crypto‑friendly banking and payment solutions, especially for non‑resident founders.

Explain that this guide breaks down everything founders need to know from crypto casino licensing in Malta and company structures to costs, timelines, banking options, and common mistakes helping operators launch compliantly and efficiently.

Top CSPs for Crypto Casino Business Setup in Malta

Crypto-Friendly Banking for Casino Businesses

Why Set Up a Crypto Casino Business in Malta?

Dual regulatory framework for gambling and crypto: Malta is one of the few jurisdictions globally with a mature regulatory structure that supports both licensed online gambling and blockchain-based business models. This makes Malta especially attractive for operators planning a fully compliant crypto casino business in Malta.

Regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is widely regarded as one of the most credible gaming regulators in the world. An MGA crypto casino licence significantly increases trust with players, payment providers, and banking partners.

Strong AML, compliance, and player protection rules: Malta enforces robust AML, KYC, and responsible gaming requirements aligned with EU standards. These frameworks enhance the legitimacy of crypto gambling companies in Malta and improve long-term operational stability.

EU jurisdiction with international credibility: As a full EU member state, Malta offers legal certainty, strong rule of law, and reputational advantages. This makes it easier to work with international partners and strengthens cross-border trust for crypto casino operators.

Established gaming and compliance ecosystem: Malta has a deep pool of gaming-specialised lawyers, corporate service providers, compliance officers, system auditors, and technical experts experienced in crypto casino licensing in Malta.

Better long-term banking and payment outcomes: While onboarding can be challenging, regulated Malta-based crypto casinos generally achieve higher approval and retention rates with banks and EMIs compared to unregulated or offshore jurisdictions.

Do You Need Both a Crypto Licence and an MGA Licence in Malta?

Crypto casino operators in Malta do not automatically need two separate licences. The key approval is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) gaming licence, which is mandatory for any business offering online casino games, betting, or gambling services to players, regardless of whether payments are made in fiat or cryptocurrency.

If you operate a crypto casino, sportsbook, or betting platform where crypto is used purely as a payment method for deposits and withdrawals, you are regulated primarily under the MGA framework. In these cases, cryptocurrency does not replace gambling regulation, nor does it exempt the business from MGA rules, player protection obligations, or ongoing supervision.

A separate crypto or Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) licence is not always required. Most crypto casino businesses fall outside standalone crypto licensing as long as they do not provide financial services involving crypto. Where crypto is accepted as a means of payment and either converted into fiat or used within a closed gambling ecosystem, regulation is handled through MGA licensing, AML compliance, and transaction monitoring requirements.

Even without a separate crypto licence, the MGA applies enhanced requirements to crypto casino operators. These include strict AML and KYC checks, source-of-funds and source-of-wealth verification, approval of crypto payment providers, blockchain transaction tracing audits, and compliance with FIAU reporting obligations.

From a banking and payments perspective, many EU banks and EMIs support crypto-related business payments. However, gambling activity adds an additional risk layer. As a result, crypto casino businesses often face extra approvals, internal risk reviews, and enhanced due diligence, even when working with crypto-friendly payment providers. MGA approval alone does not guarantee banking access, making early banking strategy critical.

Types of Crypto Gambling Businesses You Can Set Up in Malta

Malta supports multiple crypto gambling business models under its established online gambling and crypto regulatory framework. The correct structure depends on whether the business targets players directly, provides gambling technology to operators, or supports the wider crypto gambling ecosystem through B2B, platform, or asset-holding structures.

Crypto Casino (B2C Operator)

A crypto casino B2C operator offers casino games directly to players using cryptocurrencies for deposits, withdrawals, or in-game transactions. This model requires an MGA B2C gaming licence and full compliance with Malta crypto gambling regulations. Operators must implement robust AML, KYC, and responsible gaming controls, alongside secure wallet infrastructure and transaction monitoring systems suitable for high-risk crypto gambling activity.

Key features:

• Direct-to-player crypto casino operations
• MGA B2C gaming licence requirement
• Full AML, KYC, and responsible gaming compliance
• Integrated crypto wallets and payment processing

Crypto Sportsbook & Betting Platform

Crypto sportsbook and betting platforms allow users to place wagers on sports, esports, or exchange-based markets using cryptocurrencies. These businesses fall under a similar MGA regulatory scope as crypto casinos but require additional controls around odds management, market integrity, and real-time risk monitoring. Strong transaction oversight and fraud prevention systems are critical for crypto betting businesses operating in Malta.

Key features:

• Crypto-based sports and esports betting
• MGA-regulated betting activities
• Advanced risk and odds management
• Continuous transaction and player monitoring

Blockchain Gambling Platform / iGaming Software Provider (B2B)

B2B crypto gambling companies provide blockchain-based gaming platforms, smart contract infrastructure, game engines, or white-label technology to licensed operators. These businesses typically require MGA B2B approval and must pass technical system audits. While they do not interact directly with players, B2B providers must still demonstrate strong governance, security standards, and compliance readiness.

Key features:

• B2B-focused crypto gambling technology
• MGA B2B licensing or approval
• Technical audits and platform certification
• No direct player-facing operations

Crypto Casino Aggregator or White-Label Platform

Crypto casino aggregators and white-label platforms supply turnkey gambling solutions to multiple operators, often including games, wallets, payment integrations, and back-office systems. This model requires careful licensing alignment with MGA requirements and clear contractual separation of operational, compliance, and player responsibility. It is commonly used by operators seeking faster market entry.

Key features:

• Multi-operator crypto casino infrastructure
• White-label or aggregation business model
• Shared technology with segregated compliance roles
• Scalable across multiple jurisdictions

Holding Company for Crypto Gambling Assets

A Malta holding company structure is often used to own intellectual property, gaming licences, trademarks, or crypto-related assets, while operational gambling activities are carried out by licensed subsidiaries. This setup supports risk segregation, tax planning, and long-term scalability, and is commonly used by larger crypto gambling groups with multiple operating entities.

Key features:

• Ownership of IP, licences, and crypto assets
• Separation from operational risk
• Group and multi-entity structuring
• Long-term scalability and exit planning

Step‑by‑Step: How to Start a Crypto Casino Company in Malta

Intro paragraph :Starting a crypto casino in Malta requires a structured approach that aligns business strategy, regulatory expectations, and banking feasibility from day one. Malta’s strict but transparent framework means each step must be planned in the correct order to avoid licensing delays or banking rejections.

Step 1: Define the Crypto Gambling Business Model and Scope

Clearly define whether the business will operate as a B2C crypto casino, a crypto sportsbook, a B2B gaming provider, or a hybrid model. At this stage, operators must lock down core regulatory assumptions that affect every later step.

Key decisions at this stage include:

• B2C vs B2B vs hybrid operating model
• Supported cryptocurrencies and tokens
• Custodial vs non-custodial wallet setup
• Fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat flows
• Target player jurisdictions and restricted markets

These decisions directly impact MGA licensing scope, compliance requirements, and banking feasibility.

Step 2: Pre‑Licensing Regulatory & Risk Assessment

Before incorporation, conduct a regulatory and risk feasibility assessment aligned with MGA expectations. This step is critical to avoid licence rejection or banking failure later in the process.

The assessment typically covers:

• Player jurisdictions and prohibited countries
• Game types and gambling verticals offered
• Expected transaction volumes and turnover
• Crypto transaction risk and blockchain exposure
• AML, sanctions, and high-risk geography exposure

A proper assessment at this stage identifies regulatory red flags early and allows the structure to be adjusted before formal filings.

Step 3: Company Incorporation in Malta

Incorporate a Malta private limited company with a clearly defined objects clause covering gambling and crypto‑related activities. Shareholding structure, ultimate beneficial owners, and directors must be disclosed in full and assessed for fitness and propriety in line with MGA requirements. Governance setup should already reflect regulatory expectations.

Step 4: MGA Crypto Casino Licensing Application

Submit the MGA gaming licence application under the appropriate B2C or B2B licence class. The application is detailed and evidence-driven, focusing on both financial soundness and operational readiness.

The MGA licensing application typically includes:

• Detailed business plan and financial forecasts
• Ownership, UBO, and management disclosures
• Description of crypto usage and wallet flows
• Platform architecture and system documentation
• Policies covering AML, KYC, and responsible gaming

Applicants must also prepare for MGA compliance reviews, fit-and-proper assessments, and technical system audits.

Step 5: Technical Setup, System Audit & Certification

Deploy the gaming platform, wallet infrastructure, and payment flows in a test environment. An independent system audit is required to validate game fairness, transaction integrity, wallet security, and data protection. Certification must be completed before the platform can go live under an MGA licence.

Step 6: AML, KYC & Responsible Gaming Frameworks

Implement AML and KYC policies compliant with both MGA rules and EU AML directives. This includes player onboarding procedures, transaction monitoring, wallet tracing, source‑of‑funds checks, and responsible gambling controls. These policies are reviewed during licensing and remain subject to ongoing supervision.

Step 7: Banking, EMI & Payment Provider Onboarding

Secure crypto-friendly EMIs or banks capable of supporting gambling-related transaction flows. Banking onboarding often determines whether a crypto casino can realistically operate, even after licensing.

Banking and payment setup usually involves:

• Selecting EMIs or banks aligned with crypto gambling risk
• Preparing detailed transaction flow explanations
• Submitting licensing, compliance, and AML documentation
• Defining fiat, crypto, and wallet settlement flows
• Aligning limits, currencies, and payout methods

Many operators begin with EMIs during early operations before expanding to traditional banking relationships.

Costs to Start a Crypto Casino Business in Malta

The cost of setting up a crypto casino in Malta depends on the chosen licence type, business model, compliance complexity, and banking strategy. While Malta is transparent and regulator‑friendly, it requires meaningful upfront investment to meet MGA, AML, technical, and substance requirements.

Estimated total setup cost by business type (excluding ongoing operating costs):

• Crypto Casino (B2C operator): €120,000 – €250,000+ (includes MGA B2C licence, full compliance setup, system audit, banking, and initial substance requirements)
• Crypto Sportsbook / Betting Platform: €130,000 – €280,000+ (higher technical, risk, and odds-management compliance requirements)
• B2B Blockchain Gambling Platform / iGaming Software Provider: €70,000 – €150,000+ (lower player-facing compliance but strong technical audit and governance costs)
• Crypto Casino Aggregator or White‑Label Platform: €90,000 – €180,000+ (licensing alignment, shared infrastructure, and contractual compliance setup)
• Holding Company for Crypto Gambling Assets: €40,000 – €90,000+ (IP ownership, governance, and substance without direct gambling operations)

How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Crypto Casino Company in Malta?

Setting up a crypto casino company in Malta is not a fast-track process. Malta deliberately prioritises regulatory depth, player protection, and financial integrity over speed. For crypto gambling businesses, timelines depend heavily on licence type, technical readiness, compliance maturity, and banking complexity. Operators that prepare thoroughly typically move faster and face fewer regulatory interruptions.

In practice, crypto casino company formation in Malta should be planned as a staged process rather than a single launch event. Incorporation is relatively quick, but MGA licensing, system audits, and high-risk banking onboarding require detailed reviews that extend overall timelines.

Typical end-to-end timelines by business type:

• Crypto Casino (B2C operator): 5–8 months
• Crypto Sportsbook / Betting Platform: 6–9 months
• B2B Blockchain Gambling Platform / iGaming Software Provider: 3–5 months
• Crypto Casino Aggregator or White-Label Platform: 4–6 months
• Holding Company for Crypto Gambling Assets: 2–4 weeks

Documents Required to Register a Crypto Casino Company in Malta

Intro paragraph :Crypto casino incorporation in Malta requires extensive documentation to satisfy the Malta Gaming Authority, EU AML regulations, and high-risk banking due diligence. Documentation is reviewed across licensing, compliance, technical, and financial assessments.

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport copies for shareholders, directors, and UBOs
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Detailed CVs outlining gaming, crypto, or financial experience
• Source of funds declarations for initial capital
• Source of wealth statements supported by evidence
• Personal AML and fit-and-proper questionnaires
• Police conduct certificates (where requested by the MGA)

Company & Regulatory Documents:

• Detailed business plan covering crypto casino operations
• Financial projections and funding plan
• Ownership and group structure chart
• Description of gambling products and target markets
• MGA licence application forms and disclosures

Crypto-Friendly Banking for Casino Business in Malta

Banking is often the most challenging step when setting up a crypto casino company in Malta, especially for non‑resident founders and high‑risk gambling businesses. Even with an MGA licence in progress or approved, banks and payment institutions apply their own risk assessments, focusing heavily on crypto exposure, transaction flows, and compliance maturity.

Traditional banks in Malta generally have strict KYC and AML requirements, long onboarding timelines, and high minimum balance expectations. Many are cautious when dealing with crypto gambling companies and may decline applications despite strong regulatory preparation.

As a result, most crypto casino operators in Malta start with electronic money institutions (EMIs). EMIs are typically more flexible, faster to onboard, and better equipped to handle crypto‑related payment flows, multi‑currency accounts, and international transactions. Once the business demonstrates stable operations, compliance history, and predictable transaction behaviour, some operators later expand to traditional banking relationships.

Top Banks and EMIs That Accept Crypto Casino Businesses

Common Mistakes During Malta Crypto Casino Incorporation

Many crypto casino founders underestimate Malta’s regulatory depth and the operational expectations attached to an MGA-regulated crypto gambling business. Malta offers one of the strongest legal frameworks for crypto casino company formation in Europe, but that strength comes with detailed scrutiny across licensing, compliance, technical setup, and banking. When these elements are not aligned early, founders often face delays, licence rejections, or failed banking onboarding.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Choosing the wrong licence type: One of the most common errors during crypto casino incorporation in Malta is selecting an incorrect MGA licence class. Confusing B2C and B2B models, underestimating crypto exposure, or misclassifying betting versus casino activity can result in application revisions, extended review cycles, or outright rejection by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Weak AML and crypto compliance frameworks: Crypto gambling businesses face heightened scrutiny under Malta crypto gambling regulation. Incomplete AML, KYC, transaction monitoring, or blockchain analytics frameworks—especially around wallet flows and source-of-funds controls—frequently lead to MGA queries and high-risk banking failures.

Poor banking strategy: Many founders treat banking as a post-licensing task. In reality, high-risk crypto casino banking in Malta requires early planning, clear transaction flow documentation, and realistic EMI or bank selection aligned with the business model. Without this, operators often secure a licence but fail to access usable payment infrastructure.

Unrealistic timelines: Expecting fast-track approvals is a common mistake. Crypto casino licensing in Malta involves multiple assessment phases, including compliance reviews, system audits, and banking due diligence. Underestimating timelines creates funding pressure and rushed submissions that weaken regulatory credibility.

Inadequate substance planning: Malta expects real operational substance for regulated crypto gambling companies. Failing to appoint qualified directors, MLROs, compliance officers, or maintain sufficient local presence can delay approval and undermine long-term regulatory and banking relationships.

Bottom Line

Malta remains one of the best jurisdictions globally for crypto casino businesses because it combines a proven online gambling framework with clear, enforceable crypto and financial regulations. Through the Malta Gaming Authority, operators gain access to one of the most respected licensing regimes in the world, which strengthens credibility with players, payment providers, and banks.

For founders planning crypto casino company formation in Malta, the jurisdiction offers long-term stability, EU regulatory alignment, and a mature ecosystem of gaming, legal, compliance, and banking professionals. While the setup process is detailed and capital-intensive, operators who meet Malta’s standards benefit from stronger banking outcomes, regulatory certainty, and a scalable base for international crypto gambling operations.

Starting a Crypto Casino in Malta - FAQs