![\"Malta\"](\"https:\/\/www.legitgambling.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/malta.jpg\" "\\"Money")
Malta did not have a big presence on the global map for decades as it was mostly known as a small tourist spot in Europe. Malta decided to change its global image and financial fortunes by deciding to embrace the online gambling industry in early 2000.<\/p>\n
Malta went on to become the first European Union (EU) state to regulate online gambling and establish the Malta Gambling Authority<\/strong><\/a> (MGA) which is now one of the most respected gambling regulators in the world. <\/p>\n Casino operators flocked to Macau to get a registered gaming license as it would allow these operators to run offshore online casinos throughout Europe because of the Malta license. Malta had only two gaming licenses in 2000 that allowed offshore gaming services. However, that number skyrocketed to 300 gaming licenses in 2018.<\/p>\n The online casino industry<\/a> generated $1.4 billion in tax receipts for Malta in 2019. To put that into perspective, it is over 12 percent of Malta\u2019s GDP.<\/p>\n Some of the biggest gambling brands in the world have a gaming license from the MGA. Top brands like William Hill<\/a>, Ladbrokes, Unibet, Paddy Power and GC Sports<\/strong> all have MGA licenses. The online gambling industry also created thousands of jobs in Malta as these offshore gaming operators opened offices and established a base in Malta.<\/p>\n While things looked good for Malta\u2019s online gambling industry, recent allegations have cast a dark shadow on Malta\u2019s gambling industry. Reports suggested that a number of licensed online casinos in Malta were part of a money laundering racket that was run by the Cosa Nostra.<\/p>\nMafia and Money Laundering Allegations <\/h2>\n