Dozens of iGaming companies relocate to Malta ahead of UK Gambling Act
Wednesday 29th August 2007
The introduction of the UK Gambling Act on September 1 has proved to be good news for Malta with no fewer than 27 international gaming companies set to relocate their online operations to the island.
Some of the industry’s biggest names such as Intercasino, William Hill, Littlewoods, Playboy Casino and Virgin Games are geared up to provide online poker and casino services from Malta within the next week.
Currently there are 84 iGaming firms licensed on the island, while a letter of intent has been distributed to 76 others and a further 36 companies are awaiting the outcome of their license applications.
'Malta's becoming the natural hub of online gaming', Mario Galea, Chief Executive of the Lotteries Gaming Authority, told Malta’s The Times newspaper.
Gaming companies have flocked to Malta ahead of the introduction of the UK Gambling Act 2005 on September 1, which only permits gambling companies in EEA, and approved ‘white list’ areas such as Alderney, to promote their services on UK TV, radio and other forms of media.
The introduction of the UK Gambling Act on September 1 has proved to be good news for Malta with no fewer than 27 international gaming companies set to relocate their online operations to the island.