From now until July 2032, the island’s nation’s National Lottery will be managed by the new company, subject to the regulation and supervision of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
One year ago, the Maltese Government’s so-called “Privatisation Unit” put out a request for proposals, kicking off the application process for prospective operators.
The incumbent licence holder, Maltco Lotteries Limited, had managed the National Lottery since the nation ended its government monopoly in 2004.
Maltco won an extension in 2012, but the incumbent’s run has now come to an end after National Lottery PLC emerged victorious in Malta’s most recent public tender.
A concession agreement was inked between the new licence holder and Malta’s Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands in March, clearing the way for National Lottery PLC to take over once Maltco’s licence expired.
This occurred on 4 July and the MGA has now issued the new licence to National Lottery PLC. The company’s Chief Executive, Johann Schembri, remarked: “Today marks a new era for the National Lottery of Malta.
“The licence attained from the Malta Gaming Authority affirms the hard work that we have been undertaking and our commitment to deliver an innovative, forward looking and above all, fair and transparent national lottery service.”
Meanwhile, Carl Brincat, MGA CEO, commented: “The Authority is confident that the concessionaire shall dedicate all resources necessary to maintain the very highest level of operational and compliance standards, and as has already been made clear, will invest in taking care of its players and doing its utmost to avoid gaming-related harm.”
