ScatterKings announces MGA licence as studio steps up global expansion

ScatterKings says it has secured a Critical Gaming Supply licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), marking a further step in the slot studio’s plans to expand across Europe and other international markets. The company described the authorisation as an important foundation for developing operator relationships and extending the distribution of its games in regulated jurisdictions.

The announcement follows the studio’s public launch in 2025 and a period of commercial development involving distribution and operator agreements. Access to each market remains subject to its own legal requirements and any relevant product or operator approvals.

A new stage in the studio’s expansion

ScatterKings entered the market with a focus on distinctive slot themes and recognisable game worlds. Its stated approach combines established mechanics with individual visual identities and features designed around each title. Rather than presenting its releases as unrelated products, the studio has sought to develop a portfolio built around identifiable concepts and game series.

Regulatory standing forms part of due diligence for suppliers seeking relationships with operators in regulated markets. Operators and platform partners need to understand which services a supplier is authorised to provide and whether its games meet local requirements.

A Critical Gaming Supply licence is a business-to-business authorisation under the MGA framework. It is distinct from a business-to-consumer gaming service licence and should not be understood as permission for a company to operate an online casino directly for players. Its scope concerns the supply of critical gaming services to other businesses.

The MGA publishes guidance on the Critical Gaming Supply licence framework and maintains an MGA Licensee Register for checks on listed entities. Malta’s official gaming licence guidance also sets out the national application framework.

The distinction also matters when considering international expansion. An MGA authorisation does not automatically grant access to every regulated market. Local legislation, product approvals, technical standards and the licensing position of each operator remain relevant. Commercial arrangements must therefore be assessed against the requirements that apply in each target jurisdiction.

Distribution partnerships support wider reach

ScatterKings has also pursued distribution partnerships, including an arrangement with Hub88. The aggregation platform connects game suppliers with online casino operators, giving studios a route to make their portfolios available across a wider network. For operators, aggregation can simplify access to content through an established technical connection.

Distribution agreements still depend on local compliance, commercial terms and the supplier’s ability to provide technical integration and partner support.

The studio’s agreement with Stake represents another part of its distribution activity. The partnership was announced in October 2026, shortly before the MGA licence news. A direct operator relationship gives a supplier another route to present its titles, complementing distribution through an aggregator. Together, the Hub88 and Stake agreements show that ScatterKings is pursuing more than one route to market.

Games remain central to the growth strategy

The studio’s portfolio is central to its market positioning. The announcement refers to game worlds and franchises including Coins Forged in Fire, Big Bob’s Gold and Coins of Cleo. These titles give operators a clearer sense of the content ScatterKings is developing and provide individual games for commercial partners to assess for their catalogues.

A recognisable portfolio can help a new supplier communicate its identity to operators, although the performance of individual games depends on player preferences, product design and market conditions. A distribution agreement or regulatory authorisation does not guarantee a commercial outcome.

Further expansion will require a consistent release programme and coordination across game development, technical delivery, compliance and partner support. Each new jurisdiction brings its own requirements.

Management welcomes the regulatory milestone

Steven Cross, chief commercial officer at ScatterKings, described the licence as a team achievement and linked it to the company’s plans for future partnerships. He said: “This is a milestone the whole team can be proud of and I’d like to thank them for the hard work and commitment that made it possible. Securing our MGA licence gives us a stronger foundation to grow alongside our partners, build new operator relationships and bring our games to more players across regulated markets.”

The statement reflects the importance the studio places on the approval. Relevant authorisation can provide clarity for prospective partners reviewing a supplier’s regulatory position.

The announcement does not establish the regulatory position of every game in every jurisdiction. Operators remain responsible for ensuring that the products they offer are permitted under applicable rules, while suppliers must maintain suitable compliance and documentation processes.

What comes next for ScatterKings

The next stage will be to turn the regulatory development and commercial agreements into sustained activity through operator discussions, portfolio development and integrations that meet local requirements.

Operators also assess suppliers on content consistency, technical stability, documentation, partner support and their ability to meet market-specific requirements. A licence cannot replace reliable delivery.

ScatterKings can now place the MGA Critical Gaming Supply licence alongside its distribution activity and growing catalogue. Its progress will depend on converting that foundation into lasting operator partnerships and content suited to regulated markets.

Conclusion

ScatterKings’ MGA licence announcement marks a notable development in the studio’s effort to establish itself as an international games supplier. Coming after its 2025 launch and alongside distribution agreements involving Hub88 and Stake, the approval gives the company another element to present as it builds relationships with operators.

The authorisation remains subject to its business-to-business scope and the rules of each market. It does not guarantee access to every jurisdiction.

The opportunity now lies in execution. A wider network may help ScatterKings reach more operators, but sustained progress will depend on responsible expansion, reliable technical delivery and continued attention to compliance. If those priorities are matched by a consistent release strategy, the MGA development may provide a meaningful foundation for the studio’s next phase of growth.

FAQs

What has ScatterKings announced?
ScatterKings has announced that it secured a Critical Gaming Supply licence from the Malta Gaming Authority, supporting its plans to expand its business and distribution network.

What is a Critical Gaming Supply licence?
It is a business-to-business authorisation under Malta's gaming regulatory framework. It covers the provision of specified critical gaming services to other businesses.

Does the MGA licence allow ScatterKings to operate an online casino?
No. A Critical Gaming Supply licence is different from a business-to-consumer gaming service licence. It relates to supplying services to other businesses rather than directly offering gambling to players.

When did ScatterKings officially launch?
ScatterKings officially entered the online gaming supplier market in 2025 and has since pursued commercial partnerships and international expansion.

Which games are associated with ScatterKings?
The studio's portfolio includes titles and franchises such as Coins Forged in Fire, Big Bob’s Gold and Coins of Cleo.

What is the role of Hub88 in ScatterKings' expansion?
Hub88 provides an aggregation platform that connects game suppliers with online casino operators. Its partnership with ScatterKings supports the distribution of the studio's games through its operator network.

Has ScatterKings partnered with Stake?
Yes. ScatterKings announced a commercial partnership with Stake in October 2026, creating another distribution channel for its games.

Who is Steven Cross?
Steven Cross is the chief commercial officer at ScatterKings. He highlighted the team's work and the importance of the MGA authorisation in supporting the studio's commercial development.

Does an MGA licence guarantee access to all international gaming markets?
No. Suppliers and operators must comply with the applicable legislation and regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction. An authorisation in Malta does not automatically provide permission to operate in every country.

What are ScatterKings' next expansion priorities?
Its priorities include developing operator relationships, expanding game distribution and maintaining a consistent portfolio while meeting the regulatory and technical requirements of individual markets.