Malta to build national betting exchange for operators

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has announced plans to set up a national betting exchange to help sportsbooks hedge positions and lay off liabilities.

The concept was first revealed yesterday by MGA chief executive, Joseph Cuschieri, as part of a series of changes designed to make the Mediterranean island “more attractive as a remote gaming jurisdiction”.

The exchange project is currently undergoing a feasibility study, with details including operator access, technology provision and commission rates still being worked out.

However, Cuschieri told EGR Intel: “From initial feedback to the idea, existing licensees, operators (who are not licensed in Malta) and other local institutions are supportive of the concept.

“I believe that this project will further enhance Malta’s reputation as a gaming jurisdiction and create an innovative structure where bets can be hedged.

“Once the evaluation process is complete, the relative announcements will be made in due time”.

As part of the effort to update its regulatory framework, the MGA also pledged to focus on future gaming technologies to help “future-proof” the jurisdiction.

“We are looking at new technologies such as skins gambling, virtual reality and others which will shape the industry to come,” Cuschieri said. “We are also studying the possible introduction of virtual currencies in a gaming context.”