MGA grants National Lottery licence to National Lottery PLC

On Tuesday 5 July 2022, the Malta Gaming Authority (the ‘Authority’) issued the National Lottery licence to the Maltese company National Lottery plc, enabling the latter to take over the operation of the National Lottery in Malta for the next ten (10) years from the previous operator, Maltco Lotteries Limited.

Following a Request for Proposals issued by the Government’s Privatisation Unit in July 2021 and pursuant to the evaluation of Proposals, National Lottery plc was granted the exclusive right to operate the National Lottery. In March 2022, a Concession agreement was signed to this effect between the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands and National Lottery plc. Pursuant to the Concession Agreement, the National Lottery licence was issued by the Authority and shall be valid for a ten-year term. The operation of the National Lottery shall be subject to the regulation and supervision of the Authority.

Whilst addressing the event, the Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands, Silvio Schembri said “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 well-being of players. The national economic profit that translates from gambling should be given importance, but not at the expense of the player.

Carl Brincat, MGA CEO said “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.”

“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” said Johann Schembri, CEO of National Lottery plc.