In April 2004, the new Remote Gaming
Regulations entered into force. If under the previous
regulations, only online betting companies could be established,
the new Regulations provide for a comprehensive list of licences
for remote gaming that may be obtained in Malta. One can opt for
a betting operation, a betting exchange, an online casino,
casino-type games, a lottery, a bingo - a licence can be
obtained for any of these operations. Moreover, licences for
gaming platforms are also available. There are no limitations on
a number of licences under the Remote Gaming Regulations.
The Regulations have proved popular with seasoned gaming
operators. The last years have seen a significant influx of applicants from the
interactive gaming industry applying for Maltese gaming licences. The
addition of casino licence to the Maltese gaming licence offering has proved
especially popular with operators of casino-type games.
Malta's entry into the European Union has also played a very
important in attracting remote gaming operators to Malta. In a difficult current
situation for online gaming providers to the European market, when some
countries heavily restrict or prohibit altogether the provision of remote gaming
from abroad, being established in Malta for an operator means that the freedoms
in the EU internal market, in particular, the freedom to provide cross-border
services within the EU, apply to such operator.