In March, Malta’s Minister for the Economy, Silvio Schembri, said the country is "actively exploring" the regulation of prediction markets. In May, this was followed by Prime Minister Robert Abela’s election pledges to give the MGA the authority to license this segment.
If the plans are implemented, Malta could become the first European jurisdiction with its own regulatory framework for prediction markets — while most EU countries still classify the segment as either illegal gambling or unlicensed financial instruments.
If the plans are implemented, Malta could become the first European jurisdiction with its own regulatory framework for prediction markets — while most EU countries still classify the segment as either illegal gambling or unlicensed financial instruments.
Statement by the Minister for the Economy
🔵 Schembri: Malta is "actively exploring the rapidly evolving field of prediction markets, which presents significant opportunities for innovation"
🔵 Any changes will require "a clear and forward-looking legislative framework"
🔵 Focus on user trust, transparency, and compliance
🔵 The statement was made on March 26, 2026, at the opening of Blockchain.com's office in Malta
Abela’s election package
🔴 The MGA would receive the authority to issue licenses for the prediction markets segment (details were not disclosed)
🔴 € 60 million in investments in gaming projects over the next 2 years
🔴 1,300+ new jobs in iGaming and esports (the industry currently employs 14,000 people)
🔴 A 60% tax credit for companies investing in digitalization, automation, and AI
🔴 Foreign entrepreneurs would be able to register and run businesses in Malta remotely
🔴 A new esports center for international tournaments
Where prediction markets stand now
🔵 December 2025 — record monthly trading volume of over $ 18 billion
🔵 Key players: Kalshi and Polymarket
🔵 Polymarket is blocked in Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Poland
🔵 In most European countries, the segment is treated either as illegal gambling or as unlicensed financial instruments
Conclusion
Malta is aiming to take the lead in a new segment: becoming the first country in Europe to introduce a framework for prediction markets while major competitors either ban the segment or have not yet legally defined it. This is part of a broader strategy to reposition the jurisdiction as a hub for emerging sectors: blockchain, AI, and esports. Remote business registration and tax incentives support the same goal.
Important note: Abela’s package is still election rhetoric for now. The actual timeline depends on the outcome of the May 30 election and the legislative process.
🔵 Schembri: Malta is "actively exploring the rapidly evolving field of prediction markets, which presents significant opportunities for innovation"
🔵 Any changes will require "a clear and forward-looking legislative framework"
🔵 Focus on user trust, transparency, and compliance
🔵 The statement was made on March 26, 2026, at the opening of Blockchain.com's office in Malta
Abela’s election package
🔴 The MGA would receive the authority to issue licenses for the prediction markets segment (details were not disclosed)
🔴 € 60 million in investments in gaming projects over the next 2 years
🔴 1,300+ new jobs in iGaming and esports (the industry currently employs 14,000 people)
🔴 A 60% tax credit for companies investing in digitalization, automation, and AI
🔴 Foreign entrepreneurs would be able to register and run businesses in Malta remotely
🔴 A new esports center for international tournaments
Where prediction markets stand now
🔵 December 2025 — record monthly trading volume of over $ 18 billion
🔵 Key players: Kalshi and Polymarket
🔵 Polymarket is blocked in Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Poland
🔵 In most European countries, the segment is treated either as illegal gambling or as unlicensed financial instruments
Conclusion
Malta is aiming to take the lead in a new segment: becoming the first country in Europe to introduce a framework for prediction markets while major competitors either ban the segment or have not yet legally defined it. This is part of a broader strategy to reposition the jurisdiction as a hub for emerging sectors: blockchain, AI, and esports. Remote business registration and tax incentives support the same goal.
Important note: Abela’s package is still election rhetoric for now. The actual timeline depends on the outcome of the May 30 election and the legislative process.