Comparison

UKGC vs MGA Malta iGaming Licence — 2026

Both are premium licences but they serve different markets. UKGC = UK customers only (post-Brexit), with the most demanding affordability and player-protection regime. MGA = EU passport, established offshore-friendly banking ecosystem.

Option A

UKGC

UK Gambling Commission · United Kingdom

  • Application fee€30,000
  • Annual licence fee€80,000
  • Capital requirement€0
  • GGR tax rate21.0%
  • Setup time26 weeks
  • Term5 years
  • Local personnel requiredNo
  • Player-fund segregationRequired
Full UKGC page

Option B

MGA Malta

Malta Gaming Authority · Malta

  • Application fee€5,000
  • Annual licence fee€25,000
  • Capital requirement€100,000
  • GGR tax rate0.5%
  • Setup time20 weeks
  • Term5 years
  • Local personnel requiredYes
  • Player-fund segregationRequired
Full MGA Malta page

Decision context

Top-tier operators who can afford either. Choice depends on whether your TAM is UK-first or EU-first.

Our take

UKGC if UK is your primary market — there is no substitute. MGA for everyone else who needs an EU-passport route.

Need help choosing for your specific case?

Free pre-approval. We map your model to the right option and the banking that comes with it.

Get free pre-approval