There are many cruise liners visiting Malta and these are now allowed to operate their on-board casinos when they are in Maltese waters, including when they are berthed in Gozo or Malta.
Jose Herrera, the Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth said, that this regulation will be beneficial for the gaming and cruise lining industry, and that the decision of Malta was right to give both industries incentives. Malta will benefit from increased investments and more jobs.
The Executive Chairman of the MGA, Joseph Cuschieri said, that these new regulations will help safeguard the interests of the cruise ship passengers and those of the gaming industry as well.
The new regulations can attract even more cruise liners to visit Malta. The cruise ports in Valletta and Gozo are becoming popular destinations for many cruise ships that also stay only for one night in Malta. In order to operate the on-board casino, the cruise ships need to apply with the MGA, and once approved they are allowed to open their casinos for the whole duration of their stay in Maltese waters or at the ports. Part of the regulations stipulate that only passengers of the licensed cruise ship are allowed to visit the on-board casinos.
If these new regulations are in fact going to attract more cruise liners to Malta, the effect on the overall economy will be very positive as well. More cruise liners also mean more tourists and money for the islands. The tourism industry is already growing and recording very positive results, and so is the gaming industry in Malta. The future outlook is very bright and we are looking forward to seeing how it develops!
