A New Era for Malta’s 10-Year Casino Concession with Dragonara

July 31, 2021News
A New Era for Malta’s 10-Year Casino Concession with Dragonara

10-Year Casino Concession Agreement Signed

The Government of Malta, in collaboration with the Ministry for the Economy and Industry, has officially inked a groundbreaking 10-year casino concession agreement with Dragonara Gaming Limited, marking a pivotal moment effective from August 1st, 2021. This monumental agreement stems from a global Request for Proposals (RFP) orchestrated by the Privatisation Unit (PU), titled ‘To Open and Operate A Casino in Malta.’

A Decade-Long Commitment to Innovation

Throughout this forthcoming concession period, Dragonara Gaming Limited is set to inject a substantial investment of €10 Million into cutting-edge technology, advanced systems, and state-of-the-art equipment. The primary goal is to elevate and sustain an unparalleled player experience that meets the highest standards of quality.

Dragonara’s Ongoing Legacy of Success

Having successfully managed the Dragonara Casino since June 2010, Dragonara Gaming Limited has proven its mettle in the industry. This success story began with the triumph in an international call for tenders in 2009, securing the license from the Malta Gaming Authority. Now, with the renewal through the new concession agreement, Dragonara Gaming Limited is poised for another decade at the helm of Malta’s premier land-based casino.

Paving the Way for Southern European Excellence

This consecutive term enables Dragonara Gaming Limited to further solidify the Dragonara’s status as one of Southern Europe’s most prestigious casino establishments. Simultaneously, the company remains committed to contributing significantly to the growth of Malta’s land-based casino industry.

Johann Schembri’s Vision for a Casino Renaissance

Johann Schembri, the Chief Executive Officer of Dragonara Gaming Limited, reflected on their journey, stating, “When we assumed control of the Dragonara Casino in June 2010, our vision was to revitalize and modernize it, thereby catalyzing the growth of Malta’s land-based casino sector. We inherited a property lacking investment and innovation, serving an underserved business sector. Despite recent setbacks due to COVID-19 restrictions, we face the future with renewed optimism and an unwavering commitment to invest in the sector, creating a unique European destination.”

The Future of Dragonara Palace

Looking ahead, the next years will witness the extensive development and restoration of the Dragonara Palace and its surrounding grounds. Dragonara Gaming Limited plans to introduce innovative entertainment concepts that complement the casino operations, unleashing the full potential of the Dragonara peninsula. This development will prioritize preserving the historic and cultural value of the property while ensuring a fully compliant and responsible gaming and player protection experience.

National Lottery is a fully owned subsidiary of IZIGROUP, the largest land-based gaming operator in Malta. National Lottery is the exclusive concessionaire of the National Lottery of Malta. IZIGROUP also operates the Dragonara Casino, Malta’s No 1 land-based casino established in 1964. IZIGROUP offers a full range of online casino and sports betting products via dragonara.com and izibet.com and offers lottery products online via lottery.mt. IZIGROUP is an equal opportunities company and one of the largest privately-owned groups providing full time employment to over 500 employees.

IZIGROUP is committed to providing unique gaming experiences in responsible and safe environments. We emphasize responsible gaming and encourage patrons to visit the Responsible Gaming Foundation website for support and information.

IZI Interactive Limited (MGA/B2C/345/2016), Dragonara Gaming Limited (MGA/B2C/181/2010), and National Lottery (MGA/B2C/003/2022) are all gaming operations under IZIGROUP and are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority under the Gaming Act Chapter 583 of the laws of Malta.

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