GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 2 - October 2007

26 MALTA GPWA TIMES | MALTA Riding high at the top of the White List By Cesar G. Soriano The tiny European island-nation of Malta has long been a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its sandy white beaches, clear blue Mediterranean waters and temperate climate. But in two short years, Malta has quickly transformed itself into the world’s new online gaming capital. Since May alone, 60 online gaming operators have been licensed in Malta, with another three dozen awaiting approval of their applications, said Kristy Spiteri, spokeswoman for Malta’s Lotteries and Gaming Authority. Gaming operators began betting on Malta in October 2006, when the United States barred financial institutions from processing gambling-related transactions. Malta’s latest jackpot came on Sept. 1 of this year, when the United Kingdom put into effect sweeping new gaming legislation that legalized casino advertising, but only from “White Listed” countries that match Britain’s strict gaming regulations. Malta made the cut. Coupled with low tax rate, low crime and high quality of life, Malta has it all. “It’s a domino effect,” said Spiteri. “We’re attracting so many reputable companies that other companies are following them. It’s a sign of confidence in our strong regulation and our support for licensees,” she said. “Malta has the complete package. It is one of the best jurisdictions in Europe, if not the only jurisdiction, that provides a safe, regulated environment for online gaming operators who want to operate within the European Union,” said Christopher Vella, regional director for Pentasia, a consultancy company catering to the online gaming industry. Eighteen months ago, the England- based company set up shop in Malta to help gaming operators make the move to Malta. “The online gaming industry was growing at a rapid rate in Malta. It made perfect business sense, of course,” said Vella. Riding high at the top of the White List