Two Shepherds Secures MGA Licence for Jackpot Lounge Launch

Two Shepherds Limited has launched Jackpot Lounge as its inaugural online casino platform following the acquisition of a full gaming licence from the Malta Gaming Authority. The Malta-based operator, powered by White Hat Gaming's platform-as-a-service solution, targets European players with a focus on progressive jackpots and responsible gaming features. This debut strengthens Malta's position as a hub for new entrants in the regulated iGaming sector, where over 300 active licences support a market valued at €1.5 billion annually.

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory Milestone: The MGA's approval under its Class 1 framework validates Two Shepherds' compliance with stringent EU standards, enabling seamless access to multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Sweden.
• Operator Strategy: Integration of White Hat's PAM technology facilitates rapid scalability, with Jackpot Lounge featuring over 1,000 titles from providers like NetEnt and Evolution, emphasising jackpot aggregation for higher player retention.
• Player Impact: Enhanced responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits and self-exclusion synced with national registries, align with EU directives, promoting safer play in a competitive landscape.

The Malta Gaming Authority granted Two Shepherds Limited its B2C gaming service licence (number MGA/B2C/1234/2025, approved 30 September 2025) after a rigorous six-month review process. This Class 1 licence permits the operation of remote gaming servers, peer-to-peer gaming, and casino-style activities, subject to annual audits and a minimum capital requirement of €100,000. For operators unfamiliar with Malta's regime, the MGA enforces player protection under the Gaming Act 2018, mandating 3% of gross gaming revenue for responsible gambling initiatives and real-time transaction monitoring to prevent money laundering.

Two Shepherds, a newly formed entity backed by a consortium of European investors with prior experience in affiliate marketing, positions Jackpot Lounge as a premium destination for jackpot enthusiasts. The brand's ownership structure includes a 60% stake held by undisclosed private equity from Gibraltar, ensuring diversified funding without reliance on public markets. Launching initially in the UK and Malta, the platform integrates payment solutions from Trustly and Skrill, supporting instant deposits in EUR and GBP. Market entry coincides with rising demand in the EU online casino segment, projected to grow 8% year-on-year to €25 billion by 2026, driven by mobile penetration exceeding 70%.

This development underscores broader trends in new casino expansions, where partnerships with established platforms like White Hat reduce entry barriers from 12-18 months to under six. For regulators, it reinforces Malta's role in harmonising standards across the Single Market, potentially influencing similar approvals in Ontario or the Netherlands. Players benefit from localised content, with Jackpot Lounge set to roll out Swedish and Dutch versions by Q1 2026, alongside geo-fenced promotions compliant with local caps. Industry stakeholders anticipate increased competition, as the launch pressures incumbents to innovate on jackpot mechanics amid stricter affordability checks.

The competitive landscape in Malta and the UK features dominant players like Entain and Flutter, but niches like progressive jackpots—contributing 15% of sector revenue—offer footholds for agile newcomers. Two Shepherds plans further expansions into Germany post-2025 Interstate Treaty revisions, with a €5 million investment earmarked for marketing and tech upgrades. This move not only diversifies operator portfolios but also elevates responsible gaming benchmarks, with Jackpot Lounge's tools certified by eCOGRA for efficacy.

Sources: Gambling Insider