About Us

In 2004, the organization laid its foundation with the establishment of Pinnacle Gaming Group (PGG), which later evolved into IZIGROUP.

This marked the beginning of a journey dedicated to innovation, excellence, and leadership in the gaming and entertainment industry.

The Group partnered with Novomatic AG and the Bianchi Group of Companies to form a powerful consortium, successfully securing the exclusive concession to operate the Dragonara Casino, despite international competition, namley from Groupe Lucien Barriere.

This achievement, attained against strong international and local competition, highlights the Group’s strategic vision and ability to deliver excellence in the gaming and entertainment industry. The online arm of the casino, dragonara.com, was launched in 2013.

The Group sets up a nationwide network of high-street betting stores offering controlled Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) and Sports Betting under the IZIBET brand.

The Group immediately became a market leader in this industry vertical solidifying its position as an innovative and responsible gaming operator.

Co-founder Johann Schembri acquires 100% shareholding in the Group becoming the sole shareholder in Pinnacle Gaming Group.

The Group expanded its digital footprint with the formation of IZI Interactive Limited, securing a B2C online gaming license from the Malta Gaming Authority.

This milestone enabled the launch of izibet.com and dragonara.com, offering a comprehensive range of online gaming products and services, further reinforcing the Group’s commitment to innovation.

Dragonara Gaming Limited successfully secures the leasehold to the Dragonara Palace and its surrounding grounds until 2083 following unanimous approval from the Maltese Parliament in July 2019.

Dragonara Gaming Limited reaffirmed its leadership position by successfully winning a successive international Request for Proposals (RFP).

This achievement enabled the Group to extend its casino concession reflecting its operation excellence and commitment to deliver world-class gaming experiences and increased revenues to Government.

Pinnacle Gaming Group rebrands to IZIGROUP marking a significant milestone in its history.

This transformation reflects the Group’s commitment to growth, transparency, and strengthening its position as a leader in the gaming and entertainment industry.

IZIGROUP sets up National Lottery plc as a 100% owned SPV to participate in the international Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Privatisation Unit (PU) on behalf of the Government of Malta for the exclusive management and operation of lotteries in Malta.

National Lottery plc paid a concession fee of €105 million to secure the exclusive rights to operate the National Lottery of Malta, outbidding international competition, specifically a consortium led by Sisal Group S.p.A

The National Lottery of Malta was established in 1923 and was one of the first lotteries to be privatized in 2004.

National Lottery plc was successful in securing this exclusive concession in November 2021 beating strong international competition. This concession was operated by Intralot between 2004 – 2022.

National Lottery plc signed the concession agreement with the Government of Malta, securing exclusive rights to operate the National Lottery of Malta.

This agreement, effective from July 5, 2022, underscores the Group’s commitment to delivering a reliable and innovative lottery experience, further solidifying its leadership in the regulated land-based gaming industry.

The Group establishes IZI FINANCE plc as its dedicated finance vehicle, successfully raising €30 million through the issuance of a 4.25% Unsecured Bond maturing in 2029, and a €40 million bank loan from Bank of Valletta plc.

The bond offering was oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor confidence, and commenced trading on the Malta Stock Exchange in April 2022.

This milestone underscores the Group’s robust financial strategy and commitment to sustainable growth.

IZI Interactive Limited, the iGaming subsidiary of IZI Group, introduced lottery.mt, providing a comprehensive suite of lottery products online.

This strategic launch reflects the Group’s dedication to digital innovation, making lottery gaming more accessible and convenient for players.

National Lottery plc successfully completed the World Lottery Association (WLA) Level 4 Responsible Gaming Certification and Level 2 Security Control Standard Ceritification.

This achievement highlights the Group’s commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices and ISO Certified operational standards while adhering to the highest international standards in the lottery industry.

National Lottery plc, in collaboration with Exacta Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Churchill Downs, Inc., introduced the first-ever Historical Horse Racing (HHR) service outside the United States.

This groundbreaking initiative underscores the Group’s commitment to innovation and positions Malta as a leader in adopting cutting-edge gaming technologies.

National Lottery plc has been awarded the prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, recognizing its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of information security and operational efficiency.

This achievement underscores the Group’s dedication to safeguarding data and delivering trustworthy services in the gaming industry.

During the General Assembly at the World Lottery Summit (WLS) in Paris, National Lottery plc was unanimously voted as a full member of the World Lotteries Association (WLA).

This recognition highlights the Group’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and adherence to international best practices within the lottery industry.

The Group sets up IZI International Sarl in Luxembourg with subsidiaries in Austria and Brazil to tap into select international business opportunities.

During the ULIS annual general meeting held in conjunction with the European Lotteries Congress in Bern, National Lottery plc was unanimously voted as a full member of ULIS, underscoring the Groups commitment to fairness, transparency and integrity in sports betting.