Cruise Casino Permit
The Cruise Casino Permit was introduced with the express purpose of regulating the daily gaming operations of casinos that are based within cruise ships that are berthed in Malta’s ports, or within the territorial waters of Malta.
Cruise lines that wish to operate casinos in cruise ships are required to have prior approval by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and adhere to Reg. 30 of the Gaming Authorisations Regulations (S. L. 583.05), as well as the conditions contained within the Cruise Casino Permit.
A Cruise Casino Permit is only valid for a term period that does not exceed the time which the cruise ship is moored at or sailing within Maltese territorial waters. This permit is only valid in regard to registered passengers of the cruise ship.
Cruise ships, or any large-sized passenger ship that is used for pleasure voyages, are eligible to apply for a Cruise Casino Permit if the following criteria are met:
- Minimum voyages to THREE (3) ports of call in THREE (3) different jurisdictions which may/may not include Malta.
- Amenities available, including lodging facilities for passengers.
- Minimum capacity of ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY (150) passengers.
Upon issuance of the Cruise Casino Permit, the cruise casino can begin its operations between 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. the following day.
Fees & Taxation
A one-time, non-refundable application fee will be incurred by the cruise according to the amount of passengers that the vessel can house.
- Max capacity of ONE THOUSAND (1,000) passengers – FIVE HUNDRED EUROS (€500.00)
- Max capacity of ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND ONE (1,501) passengers or more – ONE THOUSAND EUROS (€1,000.00)
How to Apply
All documentation and information that is relevant during the application process of the Cruise Casino Permit must be submitted electronically through the MGA licensee portal.
The application type must be selected as ‘Land-Based Cruise Casino’, and the application must be filed at least TWENTY (20) working days prior the the call.