Malta Gaming Register Contracts to 302 Licensees as Economic Output Rises 3.5 Percent

Malta regulated fewer gaming companies in 2025 than in either of the prior two years. The sector still generated more economic output and more jobs than before.

The Malta Gaming Authority closed 2025 with 302 licensed companies holding 311 gaming licences. This is down from 315 companies and 323 licences a year earlier and from 316 companies and 326 licences in 2023. As reported by Yogonet International, gross value added reached €1.42 million ($1.64 million), up 3.5 percent from €1.32 million ($1.53 million) in 2024. The sector accounts for approximately 6.3 percent of Malta’s overall economic output, a figure the Authority puts at 8.2 percent once wider spillover effects are included.

Employment climbed to 15,039 people at the end of 2025. That represents a 4.8 percent increase in full-time equivalent terms over 2024 and a rise from 13,404 in 2023. Land-based establishments accounted for 950 of those positions, 10,115 were engaged in activities covered by an MGA licence, and 3,974 worked for MGA licensees on activities licensed in other jurisdictions or in service roles.

Transition Toward a Mature Industry Phase

The Authority attributes the decline in entities and licences to an industry “transitioning towards a more mature phase.” Operators are pursuing strategic consolidation, aligning licensing strategies across multiple jurisdictions, and restructuring around compliance priorities. Licensing data for 2025 show 28 licences surrendered, compared with 20 in 2024. Applications rejected, withdrawn or cancelled fell to 11 from 20, while new applications received climbed to 38 from 28.

B2B Authorisations Fuel Remaining Growth

New licensing activity concentrated in B2B. Of the 38 applications submitted, 24 involved B2B authorisations. Among the 19 new licences issued, 12 were B2B. Renewals followed a similar pattern, with four of the eight licences renewed relating to existing B2B permissions. The Authority collected €82.4 million ($95 million) in compliance contributions, licence fees, levies and consumption tax from the smaller licensee base. Enforcement actions included 35 cease and desist letters, 22 warnings and 30 administrative penalties totaling €162,520, along with one licence suspension and two cancellations.

Reading the Consolidation Signal

The numbers describe a jurisdiction where output and employment continue to expand even as the register shrinks. Operators and investors should track whether B2B supplier growth sustains this efficiency trajectory and whether further licence surrenders stabilize at current levels or accelerate.

Reporting: Yogonet International

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.