Malta Casino Guide: Age 18 Entry, 4 Main Casinos and Dress Code

Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean, is a major resort destination known for its historic sites and beaches. Casinos are an established part of its tourism industry and are a popular form of entertainment for visitors.

What You Will Learn

• Casinos are legal in Malta.
• Foreign visitors can enter from age 18, while Maltese citizens must be 25 or older.
• Malta’s casinos have a refined, old-world European atmosphere.

This article takes about 11 minutes to read.

The Appeal of Malta: A Mediterranean Resort with Casinos

With a mild climate all year and remarkably clear water, the Republic of Malta is one of Europe’s leading resort destinations. A typical stay on the island combines walks through World Heritage streets and along the beaches by day with nightlife, including the casinos, in the evening.

Malta’s casinos are often located in the heart of the tourist areas, so visitors can reach them easily.

A Refined European Atmosphere, Different from Asia and Las Vegas

The casinos of Las Vegas and Macau are modern entertainment complexes built on the scale of giant theme parks. Malta’s casinos, by contrast, keep much more of the elegant, old-world European feel.

The buildings and interiors respect their history, with a classic, understated design and none of the glitz of the big resorts.

Why Travelers Choose Malta for Its Casinos

Malta stands out as a casino destination mainly because of its safety and convenience for foreign visitors.

English is one of the official languages and is widely spoken, so language barriers are rarely a concern when dealing with staff or other guests.

Malta is generally considered one of the safer countries in Europe, but you should still take the usual precautions against pickpocketing and bag theft, as you would anywhere abroad.

The island is also compact, with venues of quite different character located close together and within easy reach of the main tourist areas.

A Leading iGaming Jurisdiction Under Strict Government Oversight

Malta was one of the first countries in the world to create a legal framework for online gambling (iGaming), and it is now a global hub for the industry.

Online casino operators must hold a license, and the Maltese license is regarded as one of the most rigorously vetted and closely supervised in the industry.

Land-based casinos also operate under the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), a government regulator. The MGA sets standards for game fairness, the prevention of cheating and fraud, and the protection of customers’ personal data, and monitors the casinos for compliance with them.

Malta’s Four Main Casinos for Visitors

Note: The information below is as of August 2026. Opening hours, entry fees, age limits, required documents, dress codes, minimum bets and budget guidelines may change, so check each casino’s official website before you travel.

The main island of Malta has four well-known casinos that cater mainly to visitors.

All of them are located in or around St Julian’s, the center of the tourist scene, or in the resort area in the north. The buildings and interiors vary widely, from a historic 19th-century palace that has been converted into a casino to a modern complex with up-to-date facilities.

None of the four charges an entry fee or a first-time registration fee. Opening hours vary by casino, and many are open 24 hours a day. The age limit, what to bring and the dress code are the same at all four, so they are covered together in “Entry Rules for Malta’s Casinos: Age, Passport and Dress Code.”

Dragonara Casino: An Evening in a Historic Palace

Dragonara Casino stands at the tip of a headland in St Julian’s and is housed in a 19th-century palace (palazzo) that still retains its original character. Its main attractions are the setting, surrounded by the sea, and its classic, stately architecture.

The interior has the calm, elegant feel of a traditional European casino, and the building and its atmosphere are said to be worth a visit even if you do not play. Slot machines make up most of the gaming floor, and there are also plenty of easy-to-play games such as roulette, so first-time casino visitors can enjoy it too.

It has long been one of Malta’s best-known landmarks.

• Nearby attractions: The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta; Paceville; St George’s Bay
• Note for this casino: On your first visit, you may be asked the name of the hotel where you are staying

Portomaso Casino: A Refined, Modern Venue

Portomaso Casino is a modern, refined casino in Portomaso, a stylish complex next to an upscale marina and leading hotels.

The casino reopened after a major renovation, and its interior has been redesigned in a contemporary style with a calm, grown-up atmosphere. It tends to draw local businesspeople and long-stay visitors from elsewhere in Europe, and it offers a balanced mix of slots and table games.

With many upscale restaurants nearby, it is easy to stop by before or after dinner.

• Nearby attractions: Hilton Malta, Portomaso Marina, Portomaso Business Tower

Casino Malta: A Large Floor with the Latest Slots

Casino Malta is a lively, modern casino with one of the larger gaming floors in Malta. It is located inside InterContinental Malta, and its spacious floor holds a large number of the latest slot machines along with gaming tables.

Live events and promotions are often held on weekends, which gives the casino a strong entertainment focus.

Its casual, easygoing atmosphere makes it popular with younger visitors as well. It also serves good food at relatively reasonable prices.

• Nearby attractions: InterContinental Malta, Eden Cinemas, Spinola Bay

Oracle Casino: Casual Play in a Northern Beach Resort

Oracle Casino is located in Qawra (St Paul’s Bay), one of the main beach resort areas in the north of Malta. While the three casinos above are concentrated in the center, Oracle is a welcome option for visitors staying at hotels in the north.

Its seaside location gives it a laid-back, very casual atmosphere, and many guests drop in on their way back from sightseeing or the beach, still in beach clothes, to try a few games.

The casino also has a pizzeria and a bistro, so it is easy to visit just for a meal.

• Nearby attractions: Malta National Aquarium, nearby public beaches

Entry Rules for Malta’s Casinos: Age, Passport and Dress Code

Malta’s casinos have their own legal rules and entry procedures. Some of these regulations are specific to the island, so if you arrive expecting the same conditions as at casinos elsewhere, you may run into restrictions you did not anticipate.

Foreign Visitors Can Enter from Age 18: Clearing Up a Common Misunderstanding

The age limit at Malta’s casinos works in an unusual way and is often misunderstood. By law, Maltese citizens cannot enter a casino until they are 25.

For foreign visitors, however, the rule is more relaxed: anyone 18 or older may enter and play.

Because the minimum age depends on nationality and place of residence, you need to show your passport to prove that you are a visitor.

A Passport Is the Most Reliable ID: Registering on Your First Visit

On their first visit to a casino in Malta, foreign visitors must show ID and register as members at the reception desk.

A valid passport is the most reliable and recommended ID for this process. Besides checking your age, the casino records your passport photo and details as part of international anti-money-laundering requirements.

National ID cards and driver’s licenses from your home country may not be accepted, so bring your passport.

Once registration is complete, a membership card is issued on the spot, and on later visits you only need to show the card to get in.

Smart Casual Is the Standard Dress Code

Malta’s casinos generally follow a smart casual dress code. Because Malta is a resort destination, the rules are more relaxed than at formal casinos in other countries, but you are still expected to be neatly dressed.

The casinos are close to the beaches, and many people stop by on their way back from the sea. During the day, however, you may be refused entry if you are wearing flip-flops, swimwear, a tank top, very revealing clothing, heavily ripped jeans or tracksuits and sweatpants, or if you are carrying a large sports bag.

In the evening, a collared shirt, trousers (not shorts) and closed shoes are the safe choice.

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How Much Money Do You Need? Minimum Bets and Budget Guidelines

The budget you need for a casino visit varies widely depending on the games you play and how you like to play them.

Malta’s currency is the euro (€), and all bets are placed in euros. The options range from games you can try for a few euros to the main table games.

Slots Let You Play with Small Stakes

The many slot machines and electronic roulette terminals on the casino floor offer the lowest stakes in the casino.

The minimum bet per spin is often €0.01 to about €0.10, so even with a budget of around €10–€20 you can take your time and enjoy the atmosphere of the casino.

There is no dealer to interact with, and the games are easy to understand, so they are popular with visitors who want to look around while keeping their spending low.

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Table Game Minimum Bets and Budget Guidelines

At the tables, the minimum bet is usually from €2 per spin for roulette and about €5 per hand for blackjack.

On busy evenings and weekends, some tables raise the minimum to €20 or more. If you plan to play table games, a budget of around €50–€100 gives you a comfortable margin.

If you want to spend more time at several tables, setting a limit of around €200–€300 is a reasonable approach.

Some Casinos Offer Drinks to Players

Some casinos in Malta serve drinks from the in-house bar to guests who are playing, either free or at much lower prices than usual. These can include not only mineral water and soft drinks but also alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine.

You can order from the staff on the casino floor, so feel free to ask. Drink in moderation, however: too much alcohol can lead to trouble, and you may get carried away and lose heavily.

Useful Things to Know Before Visiting a Casino in Malta

Malta’s casinos follow European customs on tipping and have security rules on photography. Breaking these rules without realizing it could easily spoil your evening.

Tipping the Dealer: When and How

Tipping the dealer is not required in Malta’s casinos, but it is customary after a big win or when the dealer has been especially helpful. There is no set amount, and guides commonly suggest giving one or two of the chips you are playing with.

Rather than handing the chips directly to the dealer, wait for a break between rounds, say “for the dealer,” and place the chips where they can be clearly seen on the table.

Can You Take Photos Inside? Etiquette to Keep in Mind

In Malta’s casinos, taking photos or videos on the gaming floor is generally prohibited. The rule protects the privacy of other guests and serves security purposes such as preventing cheating and crime.

Even if the interior is impressive enough to share on social media, do not take out a camera or phone to shoot anywhere near the gaming tables or slot machines. If you want a photo, take it only in an area where photography is permitted, such as a lounge.

Always Set a Budget Limit: Keeping Yourself in Check

A casino is a place for entertainment, and there is always a risk of losing money. Malta’s regulator, the MGA, requires operators to take measures against problem gambling, and guests are also expected to keep their own play under control.

Before you play, set a clear spending limit, such as “no more than €50 today,” and be firm about leaving as soon as you reach it.

Avoid withdrawing cash from your credit card again and again in the heat of the moment. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life.

Use a Ride-Hailing App to Get Around Late at Night

It is not unusual to leave a casino late at night or in the early morning. Even in areas considered safe, take care when traveling alone after dark.

To get around easily, we recommend installing a local ride-hailing app such as Bolt or eCabs on your smartphone before you go.

The fare from your location to your destination is fixed in advance, so you avoid disputes over the price. When traveling late at night, the usual precautions still apply, such as checking the car and driver match the app before you get in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Casinos in Malta

First-time visitors to Malta’s casinos often have questions about payment methods, playing as a beginner and when the casinos are busiest.

Can I exchange money or use a credit card inside the casino?

Malta’s currency is the euro, and the casinos have a counter called the cashier (the cage) where you can exchange foreign currencies, such as US dollars, for euros in cash. The exchange rates, however, are often less favorable than at banks or currency exchange offices in town.

Many casinos also let you buy chips or withdraw cash (a cash advance) directly with a credit or debit card. Keep in mind that your card issuer may charge foreign transaction fees.

Can a complete beginner play at the tables?

Most of the action at the table is handled with standard hand signals and a few simple terms, so even newcomers can join in.

In blackjack, for example, tapping the table means you want another card (hit), and waving your hand sideways means you want to keep your hand as it is (stand).

You may still need to ask staff about specific house rules; dealers and floor staff are happy to explain.

When is the best time to visit, and which days are busiest?

Unusually for Europe, many of Malta’s casinos are open 24 hours a day or from early afternoon until the following morning. The casinos are at their liveliest and most glamorous on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. until late.

By contrast, weekday afternoons and early evenings see very few guests, so you can look around and try the games in a calm, relaxed setting. Choose the day and time of your visit according to the atmosphere you want to experience.

Summary: Foreign Visitors Can Enter Malta’s Casinos from Age 18 with a Passport and Smart Casual Attire

Malta’s casinos operate under the supervision of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the government regulator. One of their main features is that foreign visitors aged 18 or over can play simply by showing a passport. Set in an upscale resort destination, many of the casinos have a long history and a distinguished character.

As long as you follow the smart casual dress code, there is no reason to feel intimidated. Respect the customs of a European casino, such as the ban on photography and modest tipping, and enjoy looking around or playing within a budget you set in advance, without getting carried away. That is the key to a safe and rewarding resort trip.