When you deposit into an online casino, your first thought should be: is my money safe? With operators licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the answer is yes — because the MGA has strict financial safeguards in place to reduce the risk of casino bankruptcy and to make sure player balances are protected.
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Operators Must Show Positive Equity with No Gambling on Debt
Since 2025, all MGA operators must remain in positive equity. That means their assets must always be greater than their liabilities.
Thanks to new rules in place, operators can no longer operate online gambling sites if they are operating at a negative equity. That means the balance sheet for the operator must be in the green at all times. Furthermore, there is also a minimum capital requirement for all operators who apply for MGA licensing certification. Failure to remain in positive equity will mean suspension or, in the worst-case scenario, the operator will have their licensing certificate revoked.
- Player Deposits are Treated as Liabilities on the Balance Sheet: Operators must hold total assets that exceed their total liabilities. In accounting terms, this means a company’s assets must be greater than all its debts and obligations. Liabilities include player balances; therefore, another way to look at this is that the operator’s total assets, including its cash reserves, must exceed the sum of its debts and all player balances.
- Good Financial Standing During Licensing Application: No operator can obtain an MGA licensing certificate unless the company meets a minimum requirement of €100,000 to €240,000, depending on the risk classification. Additionally, at the time of application and thereafter, the operator must maintain a positive equity position.
- Financially Stable: Aggregators and software providers, which fall under the B2B critical suppliers category, must maintain a capital of at least €40,000.
Minimum Capital Requirements
Before a license is issued, operators must prove they have enough financial backing to run sustainably. The threshold depends on their business model and risk category:
| Type | Minimum Capital Required | Equity Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| B2C Operators (Low Risk) | €100,000 | Must maintain positive equity |
| B2C Operators (Medium Risk) | €165,000 | Must maintain positive equity |
| B2C Operators (High Risk) | €240,000 | Must maintain positive equity |
| B2B Critical Suppliers | €40,000 | Must maintain positive equity |
| Existing Licensees (pre-2025) | Transitional compliance (1–5 years) | Required by 2030 at latest |
| New Licensees (2025 onwards) | Must meet capital requirement on application | Positive equity required from Day 1 |
If an operator slips into negative equity, its license can be suspended or revoked. In plain terms, that means casinos can’t run on debt. If they do, the MGA shuts them down. For more information, you can read our gambling news report – MGA Introduces Positive Equity Mandate.
Segregation of Player Funds
The MGA requires operators to ring-fence player balances. That means player deposits and balances are stored in accounts separate from operational funds.
This ensures:
- Casinos can’t use deposits to pay bills or fund marketing.
- In case of insolvency, player funds are clearly separated for payout.
- On the MGA website, there is an FAQ section that answers ‘How are player funds protected?‘
Regular Audits & Compliance Checks
All MGA-licensed casinos must submit audited financial statements annually. The authority can also demand interim reports if concerns arise.
This constant oversight ensures that operators:
- Accurately report player balances.
How does this help? Regular audits make sure that operators aren’t using creative accounting to mask financial problems.
Fit & Proper Tests for Owners
Before issuing a license, the MGA conducts fit and proper checks on company directors and shareholders.
- Anyone with a record of fraud, bankruptcies, or financial mismanagement can be rejected.
- This filter prevents shady operators from ever entering the MGA system.
If you are interested, you can read the Fit and Proper Guidelines (PDF) issued by the MGA.
Ongoing Solvency Monitoring
The MGA doesn’t just check balances once and walk away. It requires:
- Ongoing solvency reviews at set intervals.
- Immediate corrective measures if thresholds aren’t met.
- In extreme cases, suspension of deposits or full license revocation.
Why This Matters for Players
When you choose an MGA casino, your balance is protected by:
- Positive equity rules (no debt-funded casinos).
- Minimum capital thresholds (only financially secure operators apply).
- Segregated accounts (your deposits aren’t touched for expenses).
- Regular audits and solvency checks.
- Reputable banking oversight inside the EU.
This layered system of financial safeguards makes MGA casinos among the safest places to play online.
Why Your Balance Is Safer with MGA Casinos
The Malta Gaming Authority doesn’t just license casinos, it stress-tests them financially. From capital requirements to segregated accounts and audits, every rule is designed to protect your balance if a casino runs into trouble. For players, that MGA logo isn’t just decoration, it’s proof that your money is safer than at most other online casinos.
To find MGA online casinos we’ve reviewed here on Casinoplusbonus, see our guide to Malta Gaming Authority Casinos, which also gives you access to more resources about the licensing authority.
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