Malta Gaming Authority, Class 3
Cost
€5,000 application + €25,000 annual licence fee
Timeline
6-9 months
Capital
€40,000 paid-in
P2P poker / lottery / contests regulated by Malta Gaming Authority.
Who it suits
Operators running peer-to-peer games where players compete against each other rather than the house: poker, bingo (peer pots), lotteries, skill-based contests with prize pools.
Compliance load
Same MGA framework. Liquidity-sharing rules require segregated player wallets. Tournament integrity reporting required.
The acquiring angle
P2P revenue model (rake / commission) generates lower margin than house-banked casino, which translates to higher pricing pressure from acquirers. Acquirer acceptance moderate, fewer banks willing to underwrite pure-poker operators than full casino brands.
Notes and pitfalls
Pure P2P operators often pair Class 3 with Class 1 to expand to house-banked games; the dual licence opens broader acquirer routing.
Reference information, not legal advice. Figures are typical ranges as of 2026.
MGA Class 3 questions.
How do acquirers view the MGA Class 3 licence?
Acquirer acceptance is Moderate. P2P revenue model (rake / commission) generates lower margin than house-banked casino, which translates to higher pricing pressure from acquirers. Acquirer acceptance moderate, fewer banks willing to underwrite pure-poker operators than full casino brands.
What does the MGA Class 3 cost and how long does it take?
Cost: €5,000 application + €25,000 annual licence fee. Timeline: 6-9 months. Capital: €40,000 paid-in. These are typical ranges as of 2026; verify with the regulator before budgeting.
Does BZNpay help with MGA Class 3 applications?
No. We are an introducer to acquirers, not a licensing agent. We can tell you how this licence plays with the acquirer pool and introduce you to the partners whose appetite covers it.