Casino and gaming rules change for cruise ships in Malta and Gozo

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published new regulations to allow cruise ships to operate onboard casinos while berthed in Malta, Gozo and its territorial waters.

The Cruise Casino Regulations (S.L. 400.03) have been issued as part of the Gaming Act (Chapter 400 of the Laws of Malta) as part of a policy announced by the Maltese government last November.

According to the regulations, cruise lines must submit a formal application to the MGA, which will approve the request when it is satisfied that the cruise ship’s casino will take place in accordance with the fundamental principles established by the authority.

Following approval, cruise lines will be able to continue operating their onboard casinos according to certain conditions throughout the ship’s stay. For example, only the people listed on the passenger list for that particular voyage can gamble at the vessel’s casino, which must only be open during the time window specified in the MGA approval.

“Through the Cruise Liner Casino Regulations, we will be able to safeguard both the interests of passengers onboard cruise ships, as well as those of the Maltese gaming industry,” said Joseph Cuschieri, the MGA's executive chairman. “Cruise ships that are issued with the necessary approval by the MGA will be able to operate their casinos in line with the stipulated conditions whilst berthed here.”

It is hoped that the new regulations will encourage more cruise liners to berth in Malta and Gozo overnight.

“Valletta Cruise Port welcomes the publication of the new casino regulations, following our instigation of the process in recent years,” said Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port. “These regulations make Malta a more attractive proposition for cruise liners, particularly those who do opt to call at Malta for an overnight stay. This is undoubtedly an incentive to encourage cruise liners to include both Malta and Gozo in their Mediterranean itinerary.”