Online Casino Firms Relocate to Malta

Since the introduction of the UK Gambling Act, online gambling companies from across the globe have relocated their businesses to the Island of Malta.

Some of the biggest names in online gambling such as Inter Casino, William Hill Casino, Littlewoods Casino, Playboy Casino and Virgin Games are set to provide their online poker and casino services from Malta within the next few weeks.

There are currently over 84 iGaming firms licensed on the island, while a letter of intent has been given out to 76 others and 36 firms are awaiting the outcome of their license applications.

Chief Executive of the Lotteries Gaming Authority, Mario Galea, told Malta's newspaper, The Times, "Malta's becoming the natural hub of online gaming."

Many online gambling companies have moved their businesses to Malta ahead of the introduction of the UK Gambling Act which was approved on September 1, 2005.

This act only permits gambling companies in EEA and approved 'white list' areas such as Alderney, to promote their services on UK TV, radio and other forms of media.