Malta: Trouble in Paradise

Malta is one of the online gambling industry’s largest bases. The people of Malta aren’t big gamblers per se, but much of the industry is based in Malta because the Maltese government issues gambling licenses in large abundance. Online bingo, poker, sportsbooks and casinos can all be traced back to Malta through their licenses.

The online gaming industry contributes to Malta’s GDP in a very big way. In 2007, the online gaming industry’s contribution to Malta’s GDP was 5.4%. In total 6.3% of the total gross value of Malta’s economy is composed of, or is a result of, internet gambling. As of 2007, the sector in Malta had a 12% market share of the entire industry. A total of 1,882 people were employed in this industry as of June 2008. These figures are all fruit of the European Commission’s labor, but the numbers have grown since then.

Despite all the benefits of being one of the heads in a booming industry, the Maltese may experience some setbacks in the near future. As can be gathered from our gambling news articles, online gambling is a hot topic in countries all over the world and Malta is no exception. Recently Bishops from Malta and Gozo as well as the country’s Vicar General wrote a joint statement to MP’s who are now considering legislation on the topic.

The statement warned against all forms of gambling, which may appear harmless at first, but that could easily lead people towards harmful habits. In the statement, the Bishops asked MPs to be “mindful of the serious consequences which compulsive gambling could cause to individuals, their families and society in general,” while amending the legislation.

Based on the prosperity that online gambling awards Malta, especially during these hard times, we can assume that the laws will not be amended in a way that would harm this industry. Information on the policies and changing legislations of Malta and other countries can be accessed through Gaming Zion’s interactive gambling map.