Malta Okays First Cruise Liner Casino

Crystal Serenity the first cruise liner to operate onboard casino in Maltese waters.

Crystal Serenity is set to become the first cruise ship to operate its onboard casino in Maltese waters after the country’s gaming regulatory body approved the application from its parent company Crystal Cruises

The high end cruise liner is expected to call to Malta on 5th and 6th June, and the passengers will be glad to hear they won’t need to move away from the Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold’em and other gaming tables while the ship docks in the island country.

After the Cruise Casino Regulations came into effect in April 2015, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has received its first application, with many more expected to follow.

The country’s impressive gaming industry should receive a fresh boost as a result of the new legislation, with exclusive cruise liners now having an extra incentive for an overnight stay in Malta or Gozo.

Valetta Cruise Port and MGA Working Hand in Hand

Valetta Cruise Port has started promoting the new regulations and they expect to see more ships follow in Crystal Serenity’s footsteps in the coming months.

Under the terms of the new rules, cruise liners that receive valid license will be allowed to run its onboard casino establishments only for registered passengers while docking in Malta or Gozo for an overnight stay and in the territorial waters.

After receiving an application, the Malta Gaming Authority will inspect the onboard casino in question to ensure it complies to existing rules and regulations before allowing the cruise ships to operate between 6pm and 6am.

About Malta Gaming Industry

Due to favourable gaming and tax laws, Malta has become one of the favourite destinations for leading gambling operators, with over 450 such firms currently based out of the island, employing more than 7,000 people.

The government has long ago recognized the potential of the remote gambling market and they continue to improve the legal framework to ensure foreign operators continue to operate in the country.

Malta Gaming Authority oversees all gaming activities in the country, and is in charge of issuing gaming licenses for both online and land-based gambling venues. The MGA also regulate the operators of the National Lottery.