Poker in Malta in 2025

1. Legislation About Poker in Malta

Classification of Poker 📋

• Land-based poker is permitted at licensed casinos. This includes both cash games and tournaments.
• Online poker is legal if the operator holds an MGA license.
• Private poker games (home games) are not allowed if played for profit or rake unless licensed.

Casino Regulation 📜

• All casinos offering poker must be licensed by the MGA.
• Poker is treated as a game of chance, although it is skill-based in the long term. Thus, it falls under the Gaming Act.

2. Taxes Regarding Poker in Malta

For Maltese Nationals 🇲🇹

• Professional poker players who earn a living from the game may be taxable under personal income tax law, depending on how their income is classified (i.e., habitual profit-generating activity).
• Occasional winnings, especially from casinos, are generally not taxed, as Malta does not tax lottery or casino-style winnings for individuals.

For Foreigners Moving to Malta 🌍

• Recreational players do not pay tax on poker winnings, whether live or online.
• Professional poker players could be taxed if:
  • Poker is your main source of income.
  • You reside in Malta for more than 183 days a year.
  • Your activity is structured as a profession or business.
• If you set up as a self-employed individual or a company, you would pay income tax (0–35%) or corporate tax (nominally 35%, but with potential refunds reducing the effective rate to 5–10%).

Important: Malta uses a remittance-based system for foreigners who are not domiciled in Malta. This means:

• Foreign income not brought into Malta is not taxed.
• Income brought into Malta may be taxable depending on your residency and domicile status.

3. Online Poker Landscape in Malta

What is Allowed ✅

• Online poker is fully legal if operated under an MGA license or played on an MGA-licensed site.
• Malta hosts many of the largest iGaming companies in the world. Brands like PokerStars, GGPoker (via partners), Unibet, and Betsson operate legally.
• Residents of Malta can play on most major international poker sites.

What is Not Allowed ❌

• Sites without proper MGA or EU-recognized licensing may be restricted or blocked.
• Promoting unlicensed poker platforms is illegal.
• Operating an unlicensed poker site from within Malta is a criminal offense.

Sites that Work in Malta 🏝️

• PokerStars
• GGPoker (usually via third-party skins with MGA licensing)
• Unibet Poker
• partypoker / bwin
• 888poker

Most .com poker sites work for players in Malta, and VPNs are generally not needed to access legal, licensed platforms.

Online Poker in Malta: Summary

4. Live Poker in Malta

Over the past decade, Malta has firmly established itself as a premier destination for poker players across the globe, becoming one of the top spots for live poker. A great holiday destination, Malta is one of the most popular places in Europe due to its amazing climate.

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, the variety of activities you can enjoy on this 26-by-18-mile island rivals much larger countries. Malta offers a dynamic lifestyle — from its party scene, beaches, bars, restaurants, and luxury shopping to its theatrical offerings and fascinating history, which dates back 7,000 years to the Prehistoric Period.

Located in the centre of the Mediterranean, the island is easily accessible from practically all European countries, making travel to the Maltese Islands a breeze.

The country has plenty of hotel options to suit all budgets, most within walking distance of local casinos. This proximity is a major benefit to playing poker here, allowing players to save on transport. Here’s a quick guide on how to get to the casino areas:

1. Land at Malta International Airport
2. Grab a taxi (many options such as bolt, uber, eCabs or even hail down a white taxi at the airport itself)
3. The journey to St Julians (which is where Casino Malta and Portomaso are located) should not take you longer than 20-30 minutes (with traffic)).

Many hotels are located right on the doorstep — and some even house casinos within the hotel itself. The island’s convenience is a big draw for poker players, and St. Julian’s has plenty of nearby dining options for a quick dinner break.

5. Best Hotels to Stay at in Malta

If you’re looking for an accommodation guide, here’s a list (not exhaustive) of hotels in the area. Note: Casino Malta and Portomaso Casino are about 7–10 minutes apart. Dragonara Casino is also nearby and is better known for cash games than tournaments.

1. Intercontinental Malta (5*) – The largest hotel in Malta, with over 480 rooms. One of the most prestigious on the island. Casino Malta is located on level 2, letting players pop up to their room during breaks. Full amenities include gym, pools, sauna, and more.
2. Voco (4*) – Opened in April 2025, directly opposite Casino Malta. A great mid-range option with friendly staff and excellent service.
3. Holiday Inn Express (3*) – Located next door to the Intercontinental, this is a more budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on location.
4. Hilton Hotel (5*) – One of the island’s most iconic hotels, ideal for players frequenting Portomaso Casino, which is located within the hotel.
5. Hotel Valentina (4*) – Just 1–2 minutes from Portomaso. A stylish boutique hotel that meets the demands of even the pickiest poker players.
6. Westin Hotel (5*) – Ideal if you’re playing at Dragonara Casino. A luxurious seaside hotel in St. Julian’s with a more tranquil vibe.

So far in 2025, Malta has already hosted a few huge poker events, such as The Battle of Malta (€1 million guaranteed) and Malta Poker Festival (€300,000 guaranteed) Spring editions, as well as the Italian Poker Open (€500,000 guaranteed). All were huge successes, each event usually takes around 7-8 days with plenty of side events with multiple variants of poker and of course a main event.

Don’t worry, the events only get bigger and better as Septembers hits.

6. Upcoming Live Tournament Series in 2025

• The Festival Series (15-21st September): With The Hendon Mob (having recently broken the record for its events, hitting 300k from a 150€ buy in just this month, A mystery bounty tournament and NLH main event (€550 buy in) taking place, there is something for everyone, and that’s not all. The Festival is largely known for its unique formats, such as PL razz, Crazy Pineapple and the ever-growing popular game of Sviten. These added with your standard Mixed games will surely create a varied demand of players and generate excellent prize pools!
• EPT Malta / PokerStars Open (1-12 October): The legendary European Poker Tour returns to Malta after a 10-year hiatus. A 12-day packed schedule is a newly added stop and is surely to create an unbelievable buzz in the poker world. Malta has been waiting patiently for its chance to get to host this prestigious event once more and the time has finally come. It’s flagship events include a €1100 PokerStars Open (Oct 1-6) and the €5200 EPT main event (Oct 7-12). Expect elite international players to attend.
• Battle of Malta 10th Anniversary (Oct 28th to Nov 5th) – Malta’s October main attraction is surely to come from the Battle of Malta. With a €2,000,000 guaranteed pot, the anticipation can be felt a few months away for this one. A €600 main event buy in with 9 starting flights, along with a mystery bounty main event and a high roller, this schedule is jam packed with loads to play! Who will become the 10th winner of this event?
• Malta Poker Festival Autum Edition (24-30 October): Get ready for a brilliant experience, hosted at the Portomaso Casino in sunny Malta. This festival, held twice yearly, in both spring and autumn, brings together players from all over the world for an exciting mix of tournaments and off-the-felt activities. The local poker community, made up of expats, locals, and returning visitors, creates a vibrant, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who joins. This event boasts a €500,000 Guarantee.

2025 is shaping up to be a year for the record books for Poker in Malta, Malta’s Poker Calendar in Autumn is jam packed with The Festival, EPT, Battle of Malta and Malta Poker Festivals. With buy in levels available from small to large, bankrolled players, there is choice for everyone.

Ultimately, Malta continues to thrive as a premier poker destination!

Lastly, If you are looking to speak to someone who is extremely experienced with all the ins and outs in the poker scene on the Island, we highly recommend contacting Antoine Degiorgio who is the Admin of Malta Poker Fish. A Facebook group with over 5000 members, we can vouch for him and say that he certainly puts all players first and wants to help Malta’s poker scene grow into what it has become. He really is the go-to-guy for all things poker. He advocates the Poker scene worldwide to many partners and really is one of the most genuine people on the island. Simply request to join the group and he’ll grant you access.

Whilst all schedules have not yet been fully announced, please find more information on the below useful links:

• The Festival Series Malta
• The Malta Poker Festival
• Battle of Malta
• EPT Malta