Maltese jurisdiction very conducive to setting up betting businesses

“When it comes to the betting industry,” said Tonio Fenech, joint managing partner at Fenech Farrugia Fiott Legal, “Malta is an ideal country for operators because, albeit a small jurisdiction, we have a very mature legal system with ample highly developed sectors run by professionals who are experts in their field.”

Dr Fenech was speaking at the recent MiGS 2012 seminar held at the Hilton Hotel. In his short address, he made a case for Malta as an ideal destination for all betting operators who want to establish their new business and mentioned the numerous advantages that any organisation relocating to Malta would enjoy.

He also noted how Malta’s infrastructure is very solid – offering a well-organised scenario in which so many key players are easily approachable, thus making the whole process more streamlined and seamless.

“The i-gaming industry is a deliberately acknowledged industry sector of the Maltese economy, a fact that has helped to attract more potential business to the country. As in other sectors, such as the financial services industry, this sector has been consistently supported by policy makers from all sides of the political spectrum. The approach taken in Malta has been inclusive but responsible, in terms of levels of regulation,” added Dr Fenech in his presentation.

Commenting on FFF Legal’s participation in the MiGS 2012 event, Dr Fenech said that the i-gaming sector is an industry that creates jobs, offers a regulated environment for legitimate entertainment and results in a significant positive effect on Malta’s economy. “It is a sector which offers significant multiplier potential to our economy and, as such, we have to make sure that regulatory development remains prioritised and supported”.

FFF legal are active as legal advisors to and in respect of this industry. With respect to licensing applications, as well as regulatory issues in general, they have however taken a multi-disciplinary approach, having forged a close alliance with Capstone Advisory Ltd ( www.capstonegroup.com.mt), through a Capstone special business unit organised for the industry. “Through this collaborative multi-disciplinary approach we believe that we can provide a value-added offering to the industry, in further making a case for Malta as an ideal destination for betting organisations looking for a friendly, properly regulated jurisdiction where to set up operations,” said Dr Fenech.