National Lottery plc receives official MGA licence as 10-year Maltese NL term begins

Malta Gaming Authority
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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has officially licensed National Lottery plc as the IZI Group subsidiary takes over the National Lottery of Malta, according to Malta Today.

National Lottery plc’s 10-year term began today, July 5, replacing previous incumbents Maltco Lotteries following last November’s successful €105m bid.

It will continue the operation of the Grand Lottery, the Lotto, Super 5, Tiritombola, Fast Keno, scratch-cards, sports betting, and electronic gaming machines.

“I’m sure the new national lottery operators will continue to add to the popularity of the lotto and Super 5, as well as introduce other games, which will further marry the list of games on offer,” said Economy Minister Silvio Schembri.

“Our responsibility goes beyond a mere licensing within our regulatory framework. Together we ensure that National Lottery plc continues to promote, design and put into practice the principles of responsible gaming, while protecting its customers.

“The economic profit from gaming should be given its importance, but not at the expense of the gamblers.”

Meanwhile, Carl Brincat, CEO of MGA, said that the Authority is confident that operators will devote all necessary resources to maintaining the high level of operation of this licence, as well as protecting the interests of their customers and ensuring accountability in the games.

As previously stated, following a pledge from IZI Group, National Lottery plc is set to increase the payout ratios of the National Lottery in an attempt to ‘curb the rampant illegal gaming linked to this game’.

National Lottery plc also recently announced its corporate rebrand, with the stated intention of re-establishing ‘National Lottery’ as its operational name.