Betting Companies in Malta

Malta, a small nation with a big presence in the online gambling industry, is home to the reputable Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) that regulates and makes platforms for gambling and betting legal. There are so many operators for betting online that hold licences of the MGA, making it one of Europe’s top interactive gambling regulators. Our guide offers insights into sports betting and gambling laws in Malta.

The online betting scene in Malta is rapidly growing, and we’re here to help you discover the coolest online betting sites. While most top Malta-based operators offer similar services, there are standout online sportsbooks that excel with extra features. Malta’s gaming industry reputation, coupled with low tax rates, has attracted such top sports betting sites like Bet365, Betfair, and Bwin to establish their headquarters there.

List of Betting Companies in Malta

Last updated: 01.08.2024
Many various promotions
Perfect range of special bets
Simple sonditions for receiving the Welcome bonus
Focus on Esports
Over 1000 markets for top games
Bet Builder and Cash Out available
Over 35 sports
Many promotions
Wager 1X for the Welcome bonus
Bet Builder and Cash Out available
Checking a bet slip without registration
Focus on Esports
Bet Builder and Cash Out available
Simple conditions for receiving the Welcome bonus
Low deposit limits
Many payment systems
Over 900 markets for top games
24/7 customer support
Wide range of outrights
Bet Builder and Cash Out available
24/7 customer support
Checking a bet slip without registration
24/7 customer support
Checking a bet slip without registration
Simple conditions for receiving the Welcome bonus
Over 35 sports
Wide range of outrights
Over 900 markets for top games
Over 35 sports
Focus on Esports
Many various promotions
Bet Builder and Cash Out available
Advanced statistics provided by Opta

Regulation Gaming Companies in Malta

In 2004, Malta made history as the first EU nation to establish a dedicated regulatory body for interactive gaming and wagering. This move brought credibility to an industry that had long been viewed with suspicion. Online gambling operators seeking licences from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) must pass stringent security, anti-fraud, and quality checks, ensuring a trustworthy and secure environment.

The process of obtaining an online gambling licence from the Malta Gaming Authority is thorough and demanding. Applicants undergo a comprehensive evaluation, providing extensive information on their operations in Malta. The MGA carefully analyses and reviews the submitted documentation to determine eligibility for the licence. A detailed overview of the entire process is as follows:

  1. Application and documentation submission: Operators submit their application and provide the necessary information to the MGA.
  2. Review and analysis: The MGA conducts a meticulous examination of the submitted documentation to assess compliance with licencing criteria.
  3. Approval timeline: The time required to obtain a Malta Gaming licence depends on the applicant’s ability to provide all necessary information promptly. Typically, full approval is granted within 12-16 weeks. However, the entire process, including company formation, preparations, application submission, and review, averages around 7-9 months.

It’s important to note that a Malta gaming licence is valid in countries without their own regulations prohibiting gambling or providing local gaming licences. This allows online gambling companies to offer their services in a wide range of jurisdictions.

In terms of responsible gambling, the minimum legal gambling age for participation in both online and land-based gaming is 18 years. However, according to the Gaming Act, the minimum age for playing land-based casino games is 25 years for Maltese citizens.

All Malta-licenced online bookies prominently display this information along with their issued licence number on their online betting site. Furthermore, the list of MGA-licenced betting sites can be found on the official organisation’s website at mga.org.mt.

Betting Company Malta: How we Rate the TOP

Match.Center conducts a comprehensive analysis of the betting industry and provides Maltese punters with independent information. We meticulously evaluate each Maltese sportsbook, considering their licence, bonuses, betting markets, odds, sports betting site usability, payment methods, and more. We base our rankings on several key criteria that serve as the primary factors in our evaluation process.

Licence

When assessing Malta betting companies, we place emphasis on whether the company holds a valid licence. Additionally, we determine the international legal status of Malta bookmakers. It is important for us to inform players about a completely legal opportunity to place bets at particular online bookies and the extent to which their activities are compliant. If licence information is absent from the betting site or hidden deep within settings and presented in vague terms, we do not recommend it as a reliable betting site.

Match.Center also pays attention to whether encryption protocols are applied on Malta gambling sites, whether two-factor authentication is in place, and more. Players should be confident that Maltese betting sites hold a legal status and securely protect customer data.

Odds

Players strive to find the best sports betting sites with high odds. For those who wager large amounts, even a small percentage difference in odds can have a significant impact. To assess odds, we select a specific match and compare the odds offered by different Malta betting sites. While this does not provide a comprehensive picture of odds (as the situation may vary in other games), it gives a rough indication.

Bonuses and Promotions

Match.Center thoroughly examines the promotional sections of the best betting sites and provides readers with step-by-step instructions on how to claim bonuses on such Malta betting sites. Generous and diverse promotions with clear activation rules are a significant advantage for betting sites in Malta. Bonus offers serve not only as a means to attract new players but also as a way to enhance the betting experience for existing customers of betting sites Malta.

Payment Methods

The majority of customers on Maltese betting sites rely on one or two convenient payment systems. You may not find it particularly important how many deposit and withdrawal methods are available on specific betting sites in Malta. However, at Match.Center, we believe that the more options a player has for depositing and withdrawing funds, the better. A wide range of available payment systems indicates that those or other betting sites Malta are ready to accommodate any player, ensuring seamless betting transactions and payouts.

Mobile Applications

Today, all the best Maltese bookies strive to have a mobile application available for both Android and iOS devices. With more and more users placing their bets from smartphones, the availability of mobile apps has become an important aspect to evaluate.

Many bookmakers have mobile versions of their websites, which is sufficient for many players. However, based on Match.Center’s experience, the best sports betting sites focus on integrating new features specifically into their mobile apps. These features could include fingerprint login or improved optimisation. In Match.Center’s best Malta bookies review, special attention is given to these aspects.

Customer Support

The reputation of bookmakers Malta largely depends on how they communicate with players and how promptly and competently they respond to their inquiries. Top-notch gaming companies Malta establish multiple channels for customer feedback, including a live chat, email, phone, and responsiveness on messaging platforms and social media. If customer support operates 24/7 and queries are handled swiftly, that’s a perfect 10 for us

TOP 5 Betting Company in Malta

Bet365

Bet365, established in 2000, is a pioneer in the online betting legal industry and operates officially in most jurisdictions where online betting is allowed.

Offering an extensive range of betting markets, Bet365 is one of online sports betting sites in Malta that is renowned for its diverse selection, encompassing over 40 sections with thousands of sports betting events. Football, tennis, basketball, racing, politics, and non-sporting events are all available on this platform for betting online, with over 1,000 markets for top football games alone. For those seeking more customisation, Bet Builder is an excellent option.

When it comes to odds, the Bet365 online sports betting site maintains a competitive edge, compared to other betting companies, Malta. Basketball enthusiasts will find the best odds here, with a margin of around 3.5% on 1/X/2 markets and 4.5% on totals. Football odds are average, with approximately 4.5% allocated to 1/X/2 markets and 5% to totals. Tennis odds fall within the range of 5.5% and 7.3%.

The Bet365 online sports betting platform shines with its exceptional live betting section, with a special focus on football, tennis, and basketball, hundreds of games are available daily. Live streaming and radio streaming are offered for football, cricket, horse and greyhound racing.

Bet365 is one of the best betting sites in Malta that keeps its customers engaged with regular bonuses and promotions. The bookmaker offers three Cash Out options, providing greater control over bets. Whether you’re a new customer or a loyal bettor, there are enticing offers to enhance your betting journey.

At Bet365, the support service is available 24/7, aiming for prompt responses to customer inquiries. However, beginners may experience some difficulty locating the live chat option on the home page.

Bet365 Homepage

Bet365 Homepage

Match page on bet365.com

Match page on bet365.com

  • Lucrative Welcome bonus
  • Many promotions
  • Live streaming of top events
  • Difficult to find customer support contacts
  • Odds could be better

888sport

888sport is one the best betting sites in Malta that caters to fans of traditional sports. This versatile bookmaker offers between 500 and 600 markets on top football matches, which is average, compared to other betting companies, Malta, but sufficient for most bettors. Additionally, it provides the Bet Builder feature for added flexibility. At 888sport, the horse racing selection is extensive and competitive, in contrast to other best betting sites, and it provides a decent range of live betting options for tennis.

In terms of odds, 888sport maintains margins in the middle to high range, typically around 5-6%. While this falls short of the best odds offered by some online bookmakers with margins as low as 2-3%, such options are relatively scarce. The margins for Tier 1 and 2 football matches hover around 6%, while ATP Monte Carlo Tier 1 tennis matches and Tier 1 NBA games have margins of around 5%.

At 888sport, customer support may leave some punters disappointed. The live chat is only available for registered customers, and even then, accessing an operator requires going through a bot, which can be frustrating.

888sport homepage

888sport homepage

Live match page

Live match page

  • Simple conditions for receiving the Welcome bonus
  • Many various promotions
  • Perfect range of special bets
  • No live streaming

Betway

Betway is a reputable online bookmaker that was established in 2006 and operates under the jurisdiction of Malta. The platform offers extensive coverage of sports events, with approximately 1,600 betting markets available for top football matches.

Betway offers a wide range of sports to bet on, including popular sport options. Customers can place bets on rare and obscure sports such as Gaelic football, surfing and hurling, alongside other sports that are globally recognised. The platform also provides bet credits stakes of up to €30 for both pre-match and live betting markets, giving users added value when placing their bets.

When it comes to odds, Betway strives to be competitive in the market and often offers higher odds compared to its competitors. Additionally, the bookmaker provides boosted odds promotions, allowing punters to place the best bet at favourable costs on specific events. It is recommended to stay updated on the latest Betway promotions to take advantage of these boosted odds opportunities.

For added flexibility, Betway offers the Cash Out feature that allows bettors to terminate a pre-match bet or exit a live event early, either to secure a profit or limit potential losses, regardless of the final outcome. This feature provides users with greater control over their bets and adds to the overall betting experience.

Betway recently introduced a live streaming service, which is currently available to users in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden.

Official Betway website

Official Betway website

Football betting section on Betway

Football betting section on Betway

  • Simple conditions for receiving the Welcome bonus
  • Focus on Esports
  • Bet Builder and Cash Out
  • No promotions for existing clients
  • No live streaming

Unibet

Unibet, established in 1997, is one of the pioneering online betting companies that introduced online betting to customers. Headquartered in Malta, Unibet caters to users worldwide, with its website available in 25 languages and offering betting accounts in 14 currencies.

Unibet boasts an excellent range of sports and markets, including sports, showbiz, political betting, Esports, and horse racing. Additionally, users can explore casino games, bingo, poker, and tote options. With around 35 sports to choose from, Unibet provides a good selection of events. For top matches, the bookmaker offers over 400 betting markets, ensuring diverse betting opportunities.

When it comes to odds, Unibet offers very competitive rates. The bookmaker maintains a margin of approximately 3.5-4% for 1/X/2 bets in top-flight football and around 5% for O/U bets. In ATP matches, the margin ranges from around 5% for 1/X/2 bets to 5.5% for totals. In basketball, both the NBA and Euroleague, the odds are equally appealing, with margins not exceeding 4.5%.

Unibet places a strong emphasis on live streaming, providing an abundance of video streams for top sports events in the In Play mode. The platform also offers a match centre with a schedule of future In Play markets, as well as user-friendly apps for smartphones. Unibet stands out as one of the best online betting sites in terms of live streaming capabilities.

While Unibet’s promotional campaigns primarily focus on the casino games section, sports bettors can still enjoy some bonuses. New customers registering on the website or in the app can receive a Welcome bonus of up to €50 for the first deposit. Existing users can benefit from bonuses for betting on horse races, odds boosts with Price Boost & Super Boost, and a €350 reward for referring a friend via a secure link.

Unibet homepage

Unibet homepage

Sports betting on Unibet

Sports betting on Unibet

  • High odds
  • Focus on Esports
  • Live streaming of top events for registered clients
  • Poor range of markets (around 300 for top games)

William Hill

William Hill

William Hill, established in London in 1934, is a reputable and reliable online bookmaker with rich history. It excels in horse racing and football betting, providing a comprehensive selection of markets and streaming options for live racing events in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

The sports coverage of William Hill is impressive, featuring over 25 sports, along with politics and Esports. Football enthusiasts can enjoy up to 600-700 options for top matches and around 150-200 for lower-level games. Additionally, the bookmaker offers convenient features like a Bet Builder and Claim a Bet, enhancing the overall sports betting experience.

While William Hill offers competitive odds in basketball, particularly for the NBA and Euroleague, the margins in football and tennis are slightly higher. Major football tournaments typically have a margin of at least 6%, while tennis margins range from 5.5% to 7%.

For horse and greyhound racing enthusiasts, William Hill provides exceptional live streaming coverage for approximately 3/4 of the races. This feature adds excitement and convenience to the betting experience.

William Hill welcomes new customers with enticing Welcome bonus offers, including Cash Out and Price boosts. These promotions further enhance the enjoyment of betting on the platform.

Customer support is available 24/7 via a chat or email, ensuring prompt assistance. Additionally, William Hill actively engages with users on social media platforms, addressing common questions and concerns.

William Hill homepage

William Hill homepage

Live match page

Live match page

  • Many various promotions
  • Advanced statistics provided by Opta
  • Bet Builder and Cash Out
  • Low odds (bookmaker’s margin for top games is at least 6%)
  • No live streaming

Sports Betting Options

Football

All licenced bookmakers in Malta offer bets on football tournaments without exception. The top companies provide a vast selection of tournaments, including lower divisions of various exotic countries. On the websites of all bookmakers, users can find bets on the top 5 European leagues, major international club and national team tournaments. The leading companies offer over 1,000 options for top football matches.

Tennis

The main feature of tennis betting is that top matches can be found in bookmakers’ selections of betting events almost year-round. Besides bets on Grand Slam tournaments,the ATP, and WTA Masters, most Maltese bookmakers also offer bets on less popular sport competitions such as the ITF and Challenger. The selection of bets at top bookmakers reaches several hundred betting markets both pre-match and in the live mode.

Horse Racing

Horse racing continues to be the primary attraction at online bookmakers globally, despite the increasing popularity of betting on ball sports. Betting sites in Malta offer an extensive selection of markets for both thoroughbred and harness racing, covering major tracks in the UK, US, France, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan.

US Sports

Practically all bookmaking companies in the Maltese market offer detailed coverage of leagues traditionally popular in the United States. These include the so-called “Big Four” professional leagues: the NFL football, NBA basketball, NHL ice hockey, and MLB baseball. In addition to them, bookmakers’ selections of betting events also feature college championships such as the NCAA and the MLS soccer league.

Mobile Sports Betting in Malta

Bet365

The Bet365 mobile app offers a comprehensive betting experience, catering to a wide range of sports fans. With access to over 30 sports, including 10+ Esports and non-sporting events, users can explore a diverse selection of betting options. One notable feature is the adjustable push notification system, which keeps punters informed about key match events such as goals, corners, penalties, and substitutions, allowing them to track the match progress even without watching the live stream or checking the protocol. Moreover, the app’s section with horse races stands out with its user-friendly navigation. By clicking on a racecard, users can access a menu displaying a selection of cards for all competitions, making it convenient to explore and place bets on horse races.

As for limitations, there is the absence of market filters on tournament pages, which could make it slightly challenging for users to navigate through specific markets. Additionally, the app lacks a light mode option, as it is initially designed with a dark one.

Bet365 app

  • Extensive customisation of push notifications
  • High-speed performance
  • Abundant live streaming
  • Absence of the ability to choose tournaments in the sports menu.

William Hill

William Hill

The William Hill mobile app is a highly convenient and comprehensive platform for punters looking to engage in sports betting. The homepage greets users with eye-catching banners highlighting markets with increased odds, while a scrollable sports menu allows for easy navigation to favourite tournaments and matches. This efficient layout ensures that users can quickly access all the top events within just a couple of screen scrolls. Furthermore, the side menu offers seamless switching between different sections, including the sports menu and live section.

The app’s navigation is further enhanced by market filters on tournament pages and a match search feature, making it incredibly user-friendly. However, it would be beneficial if the app provided the option to add matches to favourites and receive push notifications for specific matches.

William Hill mobile app

  • Side panel allows for easy access to any section
  • Filters for markets and events are available in the live section
  • Fine print and symbols
  • Absence of push notifications for chosen matches
  • Pre-match tournaments lack market filters

888sport

The mobile app of 888sport is a feature-rich platform that offers a seamless betting experience for users. One notable aspect is the availability of dark and light modes, providing customisation options to suit individual preferences.

The app incorporates several interesting features to aid users in selecting their desired sports betting markets. The BetFeed button, located on the lower panel, displays the latest bets placed by other punters, offering valuable insights and potential betting opportunities. Moreover, the 888Specials section presents betting options with increased odds for selected matches, adding excitement to the wagering experience. For horse racing fans, the app includes BetFinder, a tool that assists in selecting the right market by offering various customisable settings. However, one drawback is the small font size, which can pose challenges for navigation.

888sport mobile app

888sport mobile app

  • Informative sidebar with subcategories and options
  • Filters for markets on tournament pages
  • Upper panel with tabbed navigation history
  • Contrasting but small print

Sportsbooks in Malta: Bonuses and Promotions

Almost all MGA-licenced bookmakers offer sports betting bonuses for both new and existing users. Let’s now explore the main types of bookmaker promotions.

Welcome Bonus

Welcome bonus offers are specifically designed to entice and reward new customers upon their initiation into the bookmaker’s services. These offers commonly involve the opportunity to acquire cash rewards or receive complimentary bets as a gesture of appreciation for joining the platform. The largest bonuses for new users among the Maltese bookmakers have been prepared by bet-at-home, Bethard, and Fansbet.

Free Bets

Free bets can be a part of the Welcome offers on Maltese bookmakers’ websites. However, they can also be featured in other promotions provided by bookmakers. When using a Free bet, no money is deducted from the player’s account. If the customer loses the bet, they will not incur any losses. On the other hand, if they win, the net profit is credited to the player’s account. Today, Free bets are being offered by 888sport, Betway, Bwin, and other companies.

Cashback

Providing customers with the opportunity to receive cashback is a common practice among many Maltese bookmaker websites. Essentially, when placing bets on specific matches with these bookmakers, clients have the chance to reclaim the entire stake amount or at least a portion of it. This cashback feature serves as an incentive and ensures that customers can mitigate potential losses by receiving a refund on their bets.

Boosted Odds

Some bookmakers offer increased odds bets. To increase potential winnings, certain conditions must be met, such as placing a bet on a specific match, creating a multiple bet with a predetermined number of events, or building an acca using events with specified minimum odds. Once these conditions are fulfilled and the bet is successful, the bookmaker pays out the winnings based on the enhanced odds.

FAQ

How do I choose a legal sports betting companies in Malta?

When selecting a legal sports betting company in Malta, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that the bookmaker is licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), which guarantees regulatory compliance. Look for a bookmaker that offers a wide range of sports markets, competitive odds, and reliable payment options. Lastly, consider factors such as customer support availability, user-friendly interface, and any unique features or promotions offered by the bookmaker.

How can I choose the best betting site for me?

Consider factors such as available sports markets, odds competitiveness, types of bets offered, and user interface. It’s important to choose a site that is user-friendly, secure, and offers reliable customer support. Additionally, take into account payment options, including methods to withdraw and deposit funds. Reading reviews of sports betting experts and comparing different bookmakers can also help you make an informed decision.

Are mobile bookmakers available to residents in Malta?

Yes, in addition to land-based casino games and betting shops, residents in Malta have access to mobile bookmakers. Many bookmakers offer dedicated mobile apps or mobile-optimised websites, allowing users to place bets conveniently on their smartphones or tablets. These mobile platforms provide access to a wide range of sports markets, betting options, and features, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable mobile betting experience for users in Malta.

Do bookmakers in Malta offer Welcome bonuses?

Yes, Malta bet services often offer Welcome bonuses to attract new customers. These bonuses can come in various forms, such as Free bets or enhanced odds promotions. To take advantage of a Welcome bonus, new users typically need to register an account, make an initial deposit, and fulfill certain terms and conditions. It’s advisable to carefully read the bonus terms to understand any wagering requirements or restrictions that may apply.