Poker in Malta: a beginner's guide to casinos, festivals and rules
Malta is one of Europe’s busiest poker destinations: small, sunny, English-speaking, and home to several poker rooms and big festivals every year. Here is what a beginner needs to know.
Where to play
Section titled “Where to play”Most poker happens in St Julian’s, a few minutes apart:
| Casino | Where | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Malta | InterContinental hotel, St Julian’s | Hosts many of the biggest festivals |
| Portomaso Casino | Portomaso, St Julian’s | Busy daily tournaments and cash games |
| Dragonara Casino | St George’s Bay, St Julian’s | Known for cash games late into the night |
| Oracle Casino | Qawra (St Paul’s Bay) | Smaller and more relaxed |
Schedules change often, so check each casino’s current tournament schedule before you go.
Entry rules
Section titled “Entry rules”- Age: 18+ for foreign visitors. Maltese citizens must be 25+ to enter a casino.
- Bring a passport or ID card; casinos register players at the door.
- Casinos are licensed and supervised by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
Festivals
Section titled “Festivals”Malta hosts big events, mostly from late spring to autumn:
- Battle of Malta: one of the largest festivals in Europe, with spring/summer and autumn editions. The autumn 2026 edition ran 27 October – 4 November at Casino Malta with a €600 Main Event and €1.5 million guaranteed.
- WSOP Circuit Malta: the World Series of Poker’s first Mediterranean stop, 25 September – 5 October 2026 at Casino Malta, with WSOP Circuit rings.
- Other regular events include EPT Malta and Malta Poker Festival.
Many festivals offer low buy-in flights and satellites, so beginners can play a big event without a big bankroll. Read your first poker festival and your first live tournament.
Mostly No-Limit Hold’em tournaments and cash games, plus PLO. Low-stakes cash games start with blinds of about €1, and daily tournaments often cost tens of euros.
Recreational players don’t pay tax on poker winnings in Malta. See poker and taxes.
Practical tips
Section titled “Practical tips”- Book hotels early for festival weeks: St Julian’s fills up.
- Most of the casinos are within walking distance or a short taxi ride of each other.
- Read live poker etiquette and how to tip dealers before your first session.
Want to warm up online before the trip? Our club PokerPal on KKPoker runs freerolls for members: join here.
Where can I play poker in Malta?
Section titled “Where can I play poker in Malta?”Mainly in St Julian’s at Casino Malta, Portomaso Casino and Dragonara Casino, plus Oracle Casino in Qawra.
How old do you need to be to play poker in Malta?
Section titled “How old do you need to be to play poker in Malta?”18+ for foreign visitors; Maltese citizens must be 25+ to enter a casino.
What are the biggest poker festivals in Malta?
Section titled “What are the biggest poker festivals in Malta?”Battle of Malta, WSOP Circuit Malta, EPT Malta and Malta Poker Festival are among the main ones.
Do you pay tax on poker winnings in Malta?
Section titled “Do you pay tax on poker winnings in Malta?”Recreational players don’t; professionals with poker as their main income may be taxed.