When Swedish players look for alternatives outside the regulated market, two names come to mind more often than others: Curacao and MGA (Malta Gambling Authority). Both jurisdictions offer licenses for online casinos, but their reputations, requirements and player protection are radically different. To understand the difference, you need to take a closer look at how they work and what this means for those who want to play online.

Many of those who choose a casino without a Swedish license encounter these licenses in connection with registration. In practice, the choice between Curacao and MGA can have a big impact on both security and tax issues. Therefore, it is worth finding out which system offers the greatest security and what distinguishes them in practice.

MGA - EU gaming license

The MGA is one of the most authoritative gambling authorities in Europe and operates under the laws of Malta. As Malta is part of the EU, the MGA is subject to EU rules on consumer protection and the free movement of services. This means, among other things, that Swedish players who win at a Maltese-licensed casino do not have to pay tax on their winnings.

The license is also known for its focus on player protection. Casinos operating under the MGA must implement clear responsible gaming procedures, offer deposit limits and ensure that customer funds are kept separate from the company's own assets. There is also an established procedure for resolving disputes between players and operators, where players can contact the MGA directly for support. And the best betting guide you need for the FIFA World Cup can be found on this page.

Curacao – a license with simplified requirements

The Curacao license has been around for many years, but it has long had a reputation for being more accessible to gaming companies and less strict in terms of responsible gaming requirements. The license is issued by several “master license holders”, who in turn can grant sub-licenses to casinos.

This has both advantages and disadvantages for players. On the one hand, there are often bigger bonuses, more payment methods and a more international nature. On the other hand, it lacks the same level of control and security as the MGA. In the event of a dispute, there is rarely an authority to turn to, and customer protection can be significantly weaker.

In recent years, Curacao has begun to reform its licensing system. New rules are being gradually introduced to increase transparency and strengthen player protection. Among other things, it is planned to create a central regulatory authority to replace private master licenses and introduce stricter customer due diligence requirements.

This could ultimately make Curacao more attractive even to players who currently find the license less reliable. However, until the reforms are fully implemented, the MGA is still a few steps ahead in terms of trust and stability.

Player safety and protection – a key difference

What makes the MGA safer in practice are the requirements for transparency and player control. Maltese casinos must report their financial flows, implement KYC (Know Your Customer) checks and offer tools for breaks and limits on play. Curacao casinos can implement similar procedures, but this is not a mandatory requirement.

For Swedish players who want a safe experience, this could be crucial. For example, a player in Malmö who finds himself in a dispute over a withdrawal from an MGA casino can file a formal complaint and have the case heard. Instead, the player at a Curacao casino ends up in the hands of the company itself without the same external oversight.

Tax and legal differences

The issue of taxation is often a deciding factor for Swedish players. If you play at a casino with an MGA license, your winnings are not taxed, as Malta is part of the EU/EEA. On the other hand, Curacao casinos pay 30% tax in Sweden, as they are outside the union.

This means in practice that the same profit can have completely different results:

• A win of 50,000 kronor at an MGA casino will put the entire amount in your pocket.
• A win equal to this amount at a Curacao casino is taxed at a rate of 30%, which means that 15,000 kronor disappears as tax.

This difference means that many Swedish players prefer the MGA not only for security reasons, but also for economic reasons.

Which license offers the most protection for players?

Although both licenses are used by hundreds of online casinos, it is clear that the MGA is more trusted. This is due to EU regulation, player protection and the ability to get help in disputes. Curacao casinos can be attractive to those looking for bigger bonuses and a wider international selection, but the risks are greater from both a legal and practical point of view.

Read also: Swedish license or not? Here's what you need to know before choosing an online casino