Malta's plan to regulate prediction markets, explained
Malta wants to become Europe's home for licensed prediction markets. What's been announced so far.
Short answer (checked 27 September 2026): In 2026 Malta's government said it's building a dedicated legal framework for prediction markets. In May 2026, Prime Minister Robert Abela proposed that the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license and supervise prediction market operators. There's no final law yet. If it passes, Malta would join Gibraltar as one of the first places in Europe with a dedicated regime.
What's been announced
- March 2026: Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said Malta is assessing a modern legislative framework for the sector.
- May 2026: the Prime Minister proposed empowering the MGA to license and supervise operators.
- The framework is expected to sit outside traditional gambling and financial-services law, as a category of its own.
Sources: Yogonet, iGaming Business.
Why Malta matters
Many of Europe's online gaming companies are licensed in Malta. A Maltese licence could become the route for prediction markets to reach EU customers, although each EU country can still restrict access; several already block Polymarket. See the world guide.
Malta vs Gibraltar
| Gibraltar | Malta | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | In force since July 2026 | Proposed, no law yet |
| Regulator | Gibraltar Gambling Authority | Malta Gaming Authority (proposed) |
| Licensed operators | ADI Predictstreet, Wire Markets | None yet |
Frequently asked questions
Are prediction markets legal in Malta?
There's no dedicated framework yet (checked 27 September 2026). Malta is drafting one.
