The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued the country’s National Lottery licence to Malta-based operator National Lottery PLC, enabling it to take over the operation of the country’s lottery.
The new licence will run for a period of 10 years, with National Lottery PLC, a subsidiary of IZI Group, replacing Maltco Lotteries Limited as operator of the lottery.
In July 2021, the Maltese government’s Privatisation Unit issued a Request for Proposals for any parties interested in taking over the running of the lottery, with National Lottery PLC being granted these exclusive rights.
In March this year, a Concession agreement was signed between the Maltese Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands and National Lottery PLC, clearing the way for the licence to be issued.
National Lottery PLC becomes the first fully-owned Maltese company to operate the lottery for the first time in 18 years.
“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,” MGA chief executive Carl Brincat said.
Malta’s Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands, Silvio Schembri, added: “I’m sure that the new National Lottery licensee shall continue to enhance the popular National Lottery games, such as the Lotto and Super 5, among others, as well as introduce other games which will further enrich the games portfolio.
“Together, we have ensured that National Lottery PLC will be committed to promoting, designing and putting into practice the principles of actively responsible gaming, while protecting the personal wellbeing of players. The national economic profit that translates from gambling should be given importance, but not at the expense of the player.”
National Lottery PLC chief executive Johann Schembri also said: “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.”
Confirmation of the licence comes after National Lottery PLC last week entered into deals with EveryMatrix and International Game Technology (IGT) to supply online games and technology to the National Lottery of Malta.
