Like any civilization in the world, the Maltese people have been enjoying gambling since ancient times. Early forms of gambling on the island refer to the gambling game. The game of Latin origin was commonly played during holidays and public gatherings. This article will show how this tiny Mediterranean island has become a superpower in the gambling industry today.

Gambling in Maltese society

The country began to regulate gambling activities only in the 20th century, with the Lotto Regulations, in 1921. The government did not take long to realize the potential of gambling to increase tax revenue. Malta was also one of the first countries to regulate online gambling in 2004. In fact, the online gambling sector continues to make a major contribution to the Maltese economy, contributing around 12 per cent of its GDP.

Malta has overtaken other EU states with legislation that focused primarily on remote gambling with this move. The creation of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) in 2001 was an important step in regulating this market. In a way, the creation of the MGA resembles the Lotto Department, created by the Maltese government just after the Second World War.

Malta has overtaken other EU states with legislation that focused primarily on remote gambling with this move. The creation of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) in 2001 was an important step in regulating this market. In a way, the creation of the MGA resembles the Lotto Department, created by the Maltese government just after the Second World War.

Early days

The lottery was legalized in the country in 1922. Still, it has benefited greatly from government support; and the benefits go both ways. The Malta National Lottery was launched in 1948. Thanks to the visionary mind of John Mifsud, then head of the Lotto Department, the National Lottery has become a wild success. Soon enough, he was bringing in revenue from abroad as players from other countries wanted to participate as well.

The MGA was created in much the same spirit: to turn entertainment into a state-owned business. Bringing gambling under the arm of the law was also essential to curb illegal activities, severely reduce gambling-related crimes, and protect honest operators.

Illegal gambling is as old as the law of gambling. Having a legal framework prevents unscrupulous individuals and organizations from removing players and other stakeholders. In addition, dedicated laws on the subject build market reliability and protect all stakeholders.

The results of such an incredible forecast by Maltese regulators are palpable. The MGA license is one of the most respected in the online gambling industry, and is recognized worldwide. The sunny island is now home to more than 300 online gambling companies.

The future

The rapid expansion of remote work since 2020 has led some specialists to question whether the golden days of the Maltese gambling industry were coming to an end. After all, people were able to work for the most important companies based in Malta from anywhere. So why keep operations in Malta?

It turns out that the rise of remote work, and the creation of other gaming hubs around the world, have not dampened Malta’s appeal. The country still has one of the lowest employment costs on the continent. The high standard of education also ensures that gaming companies will have a pool of skilled professionals to choose from.

The country also offers fast and reliable internet, and English is the official language. It means it’s much easier for foreign workers to saddle down there. In addition, as an EU member state, Malta gives gaming entrepreneurs access to any other market in the bloc.

Freedom of movement also makes it easier for European countries to move to Malta in search of lower costs and highly trained staff. Therefore, despite the emergence of new gaming hubs and the expansion of remote work, Malta will not quickly lose its dominance in the online casino industry.

Disclaimer: Act responsibly. Players must be over 18 years old. For help visit https://www.gamcare.org.uk/