Legislation

Malta – Malta enacts new laws on land-based poker

A new subsidiary legislation entitled the Poker Tournament Regulations has been published under Malta’s Gaming Act.

The law is of relevance to the land-based casino sector, and establishes the procedures and parameters to be followed by casino licence holders in organising large scale poker tournaments and festivals, when such events are organised outside the casino gaming area.

The Malta Gaming Authority said: “Poker tournaments and festivals may be organised by casino licence holders in areas that are next to, or adjoining the casino premises, or part of the same complex, and shall be subject to prior approval from the Malta Gaming Authority. The approval given by the Authority will be temporary and which shall not exceed fourteen days. The Authority will be performing checks on the area which will be utilised for the poker tournament, including all access points. Further checks include the conditions of the tournament, such as maximum number of participants, registration fee and estimated prize-pool, the rules of the game, control of access arrangements and security. The Authority will also require documentation relating to parties supplying critical services, including those on behalf of whom the tournament may be organised.”

An application for a poker tournament costs €300, together with a daily inspection fee of €700 for the duration of a tournament.
In order for a person to perform work in relation to a poker tournament, said person needs to hold a casino employee licence as provided in the Gaming Act Regulations , or a Poker Tournament Dealer Licence issued in terms of the new Regulations. Unlike casino employee licenses, Poker Tournament Dealer licenses are not tied to a specific casino licence holder, and are valid for a year. Persons interested in acquiring a Poker Tournament Dealer Licence need to submit the relevant application form, together with an application or renewal fee of €115.