Legislation
Malta – Cruise liners to operate casinos out of Malta
By Phil - 23 April 2015
Malta’s land-based casinos will face new competition from cruise liners which will be allowed to operate casinos in return for a license fee per ship payable to the government.
The fee, which is €500 for cruise liners carrying less than 1,500 passengers and €1,000 for cruise ships carrying more, will allow cruise liners to operate casinos from six in the evening until six in the morning.
Parliamentary Secretary Jose Herrera said the new subsidiary legislation would boost tourism in the region.
Lotteries and Gaming Authority executive Chairman Joseph Cuschieri believes tough that the new laws won’t affect land-based casinos.
Steven Xuereb CEO of the Valletta Cruise Port said it would still be two years until any affect on land-based would be observed as bookings were now closed for cruise liners for the 2016 season.
