ComplianceMalta
Malta advertising rules
The advertising rules that apply to gambling in Malta, and how the Playbook RG library maps to them: required disclosures, prohibited content, and channel-by-channel guidance. Educational reference, not legal advice.
- Tier
- 1
- Reading level
- Grade 9–12
- Channels
- Blog, In app
- Tone
- Confident informative
- Audience
- General
- Last updated
- 2026-03-22
Governing legislation
| Legislation | Scope |
|---|---|
| Gaming Commercial Communications Regulations (S.L. 583.09) | Primary advertising rules for all gambling operators |
| Commercial Communications Committee Guidelines | Enforcement guidance and detailed interpretation |
| Requirements as to Advertisements, Methods of Advertising and Directions Applicable to Gambling Advertisements (S.L. 350.25) | Broadcast media timing restrictions |
| Gaming Act (Cap. 583, 2018) | Overarching legal authority |
Sources: MGA Advertising FAQ | CCC Guidelines PDF
Required disclosures in all advertising
Every gambling advertisement must include:
| Disclosure | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensee name | Full legal name of the licensed operator |
| MGA licence number | The operator’s current MGA licence number |
| Minimum age | “18+” (or “25+” for land-based casino ads targeting Maltese citizens) |
| Responsible gaming information | RG messaging and/or helpline reference |
These disclosures are mandatory regardless of channel, format, or medium.
Placement restrictions
Public places ban
Malta has a broad prohibition on gambling advertising in public places:
| Location | Permitted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public streets / squares | No | General public places prohibition |
| Public transport | No | Buses, ferries, etc. |
| Billboards | No | Unless in exempt locations |
| Airports | Yes | Tourist-frequented location exemption |
| Hotels | Yes | Tourist-frequented location exemption |
| Holiday complexes | Yes | Tourist-frequented location exemption |
| Newspapers / magazines | Yes | Exempt from public places ban |
| Authorised gaming premises | Yes | Within the premises |
| Digital (online) | Yes | Subject to content rules |
Broadcast media restrictions
Under S.L. 350.25:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Children’s programmes | No gambling ads during, immediately before, or immediately after children’s programmes |
| Time restrictions | Specific timing rules apply to local broadcast media |
Prohibited content
The following content is prohibited in all gambling advertising:
Targeting and audience
- Must not be directed towards minors or vulnerable persons
- Must not encourage minors or vulnerable persons to play
- Must not feature minors in any way
- Must not appeal to minors or vulnerable persons
- Must not exploit the susceptibilities, aspirations, credibility, inexperience, or lack of knowledge of minors or vulnerable persons
- Must not present gaming as a sign of maturity or a move to adulthood
Behaviour and claims
- Must not portray, condone, or encourage behaviour that is criminal or socially irresponsible
- Must not portray behaviour that could lead to financial, social, or emotional harm
- Must not directly or indirectly encourage antisocial or violent behaviour
- Must not suggest that gaming can be a resolution to social, educational, professional, or personal problems
- Must not present gambling as an alternative to employment
- Must not present gambling as a solution to financial concerns
Promotional integrity
- Promotional schemes must be transparent
- Wagering conditions and obligations must be clearly outlined
- Bonus terms must be prominently displayed and not misleading
Enforcement
Commercial Communications Committee (CCC)
The MGA established the CCC to review commercial communications issued by gaming operators and assess potential breaches.
| Enforcement action | Details |
|---|---|
| Modification order | MGA may order modification of non-compliant advertising |
| Retraction order | MGA may order retraction of advertising |
| Termination order | MGA may order termination of advertising campaign |
| Suspension | MGA may instruct the licensee to suspend an advertisement pending final decision |
| Administrative penalty | Up to EUR 25,000 per breach |
| Daily penalty | Up to EUR 500/day for continuing breaches |
| Additional sanctions | Any other administrative action deemed necessary |
Playbook RG advertising compliance checklist
- All ads include licensee name
- All ads include MGA licence number
- All ads include minimum age (18+)
- All ads include responsible gaming information
- No ads placed in prohibited public locations
- Broadcast ads avoid children’s programme slots
- No content targeting or featuring minors
- No claims that gambling solves financial/social/personal problems
- No encouragement of antisocial or violent behaviour
- Promotional terms clearly disclosed with wagering conditions
- Ads use Playbook RG voice while meeting all regulatory obligations
- RGF helpline (1777) or equivalent support reference included
Cross-references: Malta compliance module | Application Guidelines | Messaging Framework
← All compliance modules
Educational mapping, not legal advice. Verify against the cited regulations and with counsel.