Autoplay function slots Malta license: rules, risks and alternatives

The autoplay function is fully permitted at online casinos with a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license. This stands in stark contrast to the strict ban under the Dutch Kansspelautoriteit. Players benefit from unlimited spins and features such as bonus buys, but fall outside the protection of CRUKS and the Remote Gambling Act. Although the MGA imposes strict requirements on RNG and fair play, Bill 55 offers less legal certainty for Dutch players in the event of disputes.

Difference between autoplay rules in the Netherlands and Malta license

The context surrounding the autoplay function slots Malta license differs fundamentally from the Dutch market. While the Kansspelautoriteit has completely banned this functionality to prevent risky gambling behavior, the Malta Gaming Authority allows the use of automatic spins under strict conditions. For players, this means that slots with an MGA license often offer more freedom, including bonus buys, as long as they do not fall under the scope of the Remote Gambling Act.

Why does the autoplay function no longer work on slots in the Netherlands?

Since October 1, 2021, the autoplay function has been permanently banned for all legal online casinos in the Netherlands. This measure stems directly from the Remote Gambling Act, which aims to channel players to safe, regulated providers. The Kansspelautoriteit ruled that automatic play leads to 'rapid play', where players think less consciously about their bets and loss limits. This significantly increases the risk of problematic gambling behavior.

Under the Remote Gambling Act, every spin on a slot must be a conscious, manual action by the player. The regulator also views 'bonus buy' features as a form of autoplay, as these functions artificially increase the pace of the game and eliminate natural pauses between rounds. Therefore, both autoplay and bonus buys are strictly prohibited at providers with a KSA license. In our tests, we notice that this restriction extends play sessions, but fundamentally alters the dynamics of the game compared to international variants. The Kansspelautoriteit strictly enforces this policy to uphold the duty of care of providers, although critics argue that this pushes some players towards the illegal circuit.

Is autoplay allowed at online casinos with a Malta license?

Yes, under the Gaming Act (Malta), the autoplay function is a standard and permitted feature for slots. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) applies a different philosophical framework than the Dutch legislator. While the KSA focuses on restriction, the MGA allows room for user convenience, provided that adequate responsible gaming measures are built in. At MGA casinos, players can often set their own limits for time, loss, or win, after which autoplay stops.

The Gaming Act (Malta) requires providers to work proactively on identifying problematic behavior, but largely leaves the choice of playing comfort to the user. This means that features such as bonus buys and automatic spins are completely legal within this legal framework. The Malta Gaming Authority certifies these games via B2B licenses for fairness, with technical providers such as NetEnt and Pragmatic Play guaranteeing that the RNG (Random Number Generator) works correctly, regardless of the speed of play. However, this freedom brings risks. Without the hard limits of Dutch law, self-discipline is essential.

Which casinos with an MGA license still offer autoplay?

Many large international groups, such as the Betsson Group and Kindred Group, operate with separate entities for different markets. Their Dutch branches, bound by the KSA license, do not offer autoplay. However, their international platforms with a Malta Gaming Authority license do retain these functions for players outside the Netherlands. This means that the same slots technically support autoplay, but this option is blocked as soon as your IP address or account registration is linked to the Netherlands.

Players who choose a casino with an MGA license must realize that they fall outside the protective net of the Remote Gambling Act. Although the Gaming Act (Malta) safeguards consumer rights, the direct link with CRUKS and the automatic tax remittance common in the Netherlands are missing. The Malta Gaming Authority monitors the integrity of the game, but the responsibility for gaming behavior lies more heavily on the individual player. Therefore, only choose providers that are transparent about their license status and offer clear responsible gaming tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options.

Technical implementation and game selection with autoplay

The autoplay function slots Malta license works technically differently than in the Netherlands, because the functionality depends on server-side detection and not just local legislation. Players see the option appear as soon as their IP address is detected outside the Netherlands, after which they set limits for loss or win. This technical separation ensures that the same software from providers like NetEnt or Pragmatic Play displays two different interfaces, depending on the legal status of the player.

How do I turn on autoplay on slots from a Malta provider?

Activating the autoplay function requires a specific action within the user interface (UI) of the game. In our tests of various MGA platforms, we saw that players must first locate the icon with two arrows in a circle, usually next to the spin button. After activation, a menu opens where you choose the number of automatic spins, ranging from 10 to unlimited. Crucial is setting stop conditions: you define a maximum loss amount or a minimum win threshold at which the system automatically pauses. These Player Protection Measures have been made mandatory by the Malta Gaming Authority to prevent uncontrolled gaming behavior, even when the speed of the game is higher than permitted in the Netherlands. Take these limits seriously, as the lack of a physical pause between spins can significantly extend the session duration.

Role of B2B Critical Gaming Supply Licence in fair play

The integrity of automated gaming rests on the B2B Critical Gaming Supply Licence, a certification that software providers such as NetEnt, Play'n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution must possess to supply their services to MGA casinos. This license guarantees that the underlying RNG (Random Number Generator) and the API integration meet strict fair play standards, regardless of whether the player spins manually or via autoplay. A common misconception is that every slot in an MGA casino automatically falls under Maltese supervision; this is incorrect. Only games from providers with a valid B2B license are certified.

The RNG ensures that every outcome is completely random and is not influenced by the speed of the autoplay session. Providers such as NetEnt and Pragmatic Play regularly have their systems audited to prove that the API integration leaves no backdoors open for manipulation. Without this specific B2B certification, the MGA would not be authorized to intervene in the event of technical malfunctions or unfair outcomes in a specific game. Players are therefore advised not only to look at the casino logo, but also to verify which suppliers fall under the license, as large platforms sometimes combine hundreds of different providers. The B2B license requires providers to carry out continuous monitoring of anomalies in gaming behavior, which offers an extra layer of technical control on top of standard RNG tests.

Impact of Geo-blocking on game features

Geo-blocking is the technical key that determines whether you see the autoplay button. This technology scans your IP address and dynamically adapts the game code. For a Dutch IP address, the autoplay functionality is disabled or hidden server-side, while it remains active for a Maltese or international IP. This means that the same game from Pragmatic Play can show two different versions, depending on your location. The API integration acts here as the switch that filters the features based on jurisdiction.

Although geo-blocking is effective for compliance, it introduces complexity in error messages. If the server misinterprets the location during an autoplay session, this can lead to disputed payouts. Cross-border gaming brings risks, where responsible gambling must always come first, regardless of the available technical features. It is important to realize that this blockade is purely technical and not a reflection of the game odds themselves. The API continuously communicates with the provider's geo-location database; a delay in this communication can temporarily lead to inconsistencies in the available buttons, although this rarely happens with large providers with robust infrastructure.

Safety and player protection without CRUKS

When using the autoplay function slots Malta license, the direct link with the Dutch CRUKS register is missing, meaning that central exclusion mechanisms are not automatically active. Although the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) applies strict rules for operator reliability, the responsibility for setting limits and self-control rests entirely with the individual player. This freedom brings risks, as there is no mandatory intermediary like iDiN to verify identity and gaming behavior in real-time.

Is it safe to use autoplay on Malta gambling sites?

The autoplay function slots Malta license allows players to spin hundreds of times consecutively without manual intervention, a feature that is banned in the Netherlands due to the risk of accelerated losses. The fundamental safety risk lies in the pace: without the mandatory Session Time Limits imposed by the Kansspelautoriteit, a player can go on for hours unnoticed. In our tests, we see that this leads to faster depletion of the budget, especially since Deposit Limits at MGA casinos are often optional ('opt-in') rather than set by default upon registration.

Players must be aware that while Player Protection Measures do exist in Malta, they are enforced less proactively than in the Netherlands. Although the MGA prohibits encouraging prolonged, uninterrupted play, the technical implementation of pause intervals lies with the operator. When you choose a casino with this license, you therefore miss the automatic 'brake' that Dutch legislation provides. It is crucial to practice self-discipline, because the software will not stop you unless you have configured this yourself in your account settings.

No access to CRUKS and iDiN verification

One of the most profound differences is that MGA casinos are not connected to CRUKS (Central Register for Exclusion of Games of Chance). This register, managed by the Kansspelautoriteit, ensures in the Netherlands that a player who has excluded themselves is blocked at all license holders. In Malta, this central blockade does not apply; a player listed in CRUKS can technically still open an account and play, provided the casino does not perform extra checks. This creates a significant risk for individuals with a gambling addiction, as the barrier to entry is lower.

In addition, the mandatory iDiN verification, a system that in the Netherlands serves for fast and secure identity checks linked to bank details, is omitted. With Maltese providers, registration is often possible immediately without this strict KYC procedure, which admittedly offers convenience but also lowers the barrier to impulsive play. Without iDiN, there is no direct link to financial data for age or identity verification at the time of registration, which complicates the monitoring of vulnerable players.

Responsible gaming tools at MGA casinos

Despite the absence of CRUKS, the MGA requires operators to offer Player Protection Measures within their Responsible Gaming Framework (RGF). However, these measures are less stringent than Dutch legislation. Players can voluntarily request Self-exclusion, but this only applies to the specific casino and not to the entire network. You must therefore take action separately at each provider if you want to stop, unlike the one-stop blockade via CRUKS.

Furthermore, many MGA casinos offer tools for setting Deposit Limits and loss limits, but these are often not active by default. It is up to the player to proactively set these limits before they start playing. The RGF focuses on preventing chasing losses and spending more than one can afford, but enforcement depends on the integrity of the operator. Therefore, always choose a reputable MGA casino that takes these Player Protection Measures seriously and communicates transparently about self-exclusion options.

Legal position: Bill 55 and dispute resolution

The autoplay function slots Malta license offers technical freedom, but brings legal risks with it due to the introduction of Bill 55. This Maltese law states that foreign judgments, such as those from the Netherlands, do not have to be recognized automatically. For Dutch players, this means that legal liability in disputes becomes complex, because the European Commission is still investigating whether this legislation conflicts with EU rules. Although auditors such as eCOGRA and GLI guarantee game integrity, the enforceability of payouts remains a vulnerable point outside the Dutch jurisdiction.

Impact of Bill 55 on legal liability

Bill 55, a controversial law passed by the Maltese parliament in June 2023, has fundamentally changed the legal position of players at MGA casinos. This regulation protects licensees against foreign claims as long as they comply with their local license conditions. Specifically, this means that if a Dutch court rules that a casino must compensate a player - for example, after a technical error while using the autoplay function - a Maltese court can ignore this ruling.

The relationship between Bill 55 and the protection of Dutch players is problematic. The law undermines legal certainty for consumers outside Malta, because the government in Valletta has decided that foreign rulings may be ignored. This creates an asymmetrical situation where the casino is protected by the state, but the player cannot appeal to international legal assistance treaties within the EU. The European Commission has therefore launched an investigation, as this practice may conflict with the principle of free movement of services and mutual recognition of judicial decisions within the Union. Until a final ruling is reached, players run the risk of being left empty-handed, even with a valid Dutch judgment in hand.

Role of eCOGRA and GLI in fair payouts

Despite the legal uncertainties surrounding Bill 55, the technical integrity of the games remains guaranteed by independent testing laboratories. Organizations such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) and GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) act as crucial watchdogs for the fairness of Random Number Generators (RNG). These entities certify that the outcomes of slots, including those with autoplay, are completely random and cannot be manipulated by the operator.

For players, it is important to understand that eCOGRA and GLI have no legal power to enforce payouts, but they do ensure transparency. They verify that the claimed payout percentages match reality. When a dispute arises regarding the fairness of a game round - for example, if the autoplay function appears to 'hang' or produces unexpected results - these certifications can serve as evidence that the game functioned correctly from a technical standpoint. The MGA requires RNG software to be independently tested, which adds a layer of trust to the ecosystem, regardless of the legal limitations of Bill 55.

Dispute resolution in Valletta versus The Hague

The biggest practical difference for the Dutch player lies in the location of dispute resolution. With a casino holding a Dutch KSA license, a dispute falls under the jurisdiction of The Hague and the Dutch court. With an MGA license, however, every complaint must first go through the casino's internal procedure and then, if unresolved, to the Malta Gaming Authority in Valletta.

The MGA applies a strict complaint procedure whereby the operator is obliged to respond in writing within 21 days. If this does not happen or the outcome is unsatisfactory, the player can file a formal complaint with the authority in Valletta. However, due to Bill 55, the option to subsequently turn to a Dutch court is effectively blocked for the enforcement of the ruling in Malta. This means that although you may be in the right in The Hague, you cannot collect on that judgment if the casino is established in Valletta and appeals to the new national legislation. Players must be aware that by choosing an MGA casino, they waive the direct protection of the Dutch legal system.

Financial aspects: Bonus buys, limits and tax

The autoplay function slots Malta license offers players not only technical convenience, but also opens the door to a financial landscape that differs fundamentally from the Dutch market. Where the KSA applies strict limits, MGA casinos benefit from more flexible regulations regarding bonuses and payouts. This means higher deposit freedom and access to features like bonus buys, although this does come with personal responsibility for gambling tax (Kansspelbelasting) and complying with any Turnover Requirement conditions imposed by the casino.

Advantages of bonus buys and higher limits

One of the most tangible differences for the player is the absence of legal deposit limits with Malta licenses. In the Netherlands, you are bound by statutory deposit limits, while MGA platforms do not have this cap. This freedom allows players to bet larger amounts, which directly impacts the attractiveness of high-roller bonuses and VIP programs. In addition, Bonus buys - a feature banned in the Netherlands - are fully permitted under the Maltese flag. This function allows players to buy the bonus round of a slot directly, which significantly increases volatility and potential winnings.

It is crucial to understand how this relates to the Turnover Requirement, also known as the wagering requirement. Although the MGA does not impose a maximum bet limit, casinos often apply strict rules for clearing bonus money. A high Turnover Requirement can mean that your winnings from a bonus buy must be wagered dozens of times before withdrawal is possible. Players must therefore stay sharp: freedom in betting does not always translate into easy payout conditions. When using autoplay in combination with bonus buys, the volume of bets can quickly add up, meaning the Turnover Requirement is met faster, but the risk of loss also increases due to the high pace.

Tax-free gaming outside Dutch law

For Dutch players, the fiscal treatment of winnings is an important point of attention. At a legal Dutch casino, the gambling tax (Kansspelbelasting) is automatically deducted by the provider before the money is credited to your account. At an MGA casino, this does not happen. The operator does not deduct tax, which means the net profit seems higher at the time of payout. However, the tax authorities see this differently: as a player, you are personally responsible for declaring and paying the gambling tax on your net winnings.

This requires administrative discipline. You must accurately keep track of your wins and losses to file a correct tax return. Failure to comply with this obligation can lead to fines and back taxes. Although some sources suggest that winnings are tax-free if the casino does not specifically target the Dutch market, the legislation remains complex and personal advice from a tax specialist is recommended. The autoplay function slots Malta license can complicate this, as the high volume of spins can lead to large swings in your balance more quickly, making bookkeeping more challenging.

Offering of major groups such as Betsson and Kindred

Large international operators such as the Betsson Group and the Kindred Group offer an interesting case study in how licenses affect the offering. These conglomerates operate both brands with a KSA license and brands with an MGA license. Although they fall under the same corporate umbrella, the platforms are technically and legally separate. This explains why you will not find autoplay or bonus buys at one Betsson Group brand, while another brand from the same group (under the MGA banner) does offer these features.

This separation is also visible with providers supplying both markets. The technical implementation of the autoplay function slots Malta license is often blocked server-side for Dutch IP addresses, even if the casino itself is located in Malta. Players must be aware that with these large groups they may sometimes have to deal with different customer service departments and bonus conditions, depending on which license the specific brand operates under. The Kindred Group, for example, is known for implementing strict responsible gaming tools, regardless of the license, but the legal frameworks differ per jurisdiction.

About This Article - Editorial Standards

Author:
Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst

Factually reviewed by:
Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst

Last updated: 2026-08-12.

This article on "autoplay function slots Malta license" was written by Sarah Weber and factually reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content for changes in regulation, licensing and bonus terms. All references to licenses, regulators and statutes link to public sources (the local gambling regulator, the applicable local gambling statute).

About the Author

8+ years reviewing casinos, 200+ personally tested platforms across the EU and globally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialty: wagering requirements, withdrawal workflows, customer-support evaluation.

About the Reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensed operators across multiple regulated markets. PhD in Economic Mathematics. Focus areas: bonus mathematics, wagering analysis, and player-protection systems.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control of your play, please reach out to the relevant problem-gambling helpline or use the national self-exclusion register (the relevant national self-exclusion register). Set personal deposit and loss limits BEFORE you play with real money. Operator pauses and cooldown tools exist to keep play sustainable.

Legal Notice

The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparison purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Players are responsible for compliance with local regulations.