Our Story

1993

The journey commences as the vision of a young entrepreneur. Johann Schembri takes his first small step into an emerging industry and introduces the first parimutuel wagering system at the Malta Race Track challenging a 60-year-old fixed-odds status-quo.

Established a nationwide operation of AWP machines under the Amusement Machines Regulations of 1988.

Gaming Operations Limited (GOL) sets up a state-of-the-art Bingo operation after being awarded a licence by the Department of Lotto.

The Pinnacle Gaming Group (PGG) was founded.

International Game Technology (IGT) and PGG form a joint-venture and launch Electronic Class II Bingo following approval by the Lotteries & Gaming Authority.

PGG teams up with Novomatic AG and the Bianchi Group of Companies to form the Novomatic-Peninsula Consortium to bid for the management and operation of the Dragonara Casino.

The Novomatic-Peninsula Consortium wins the bid to manage and operate the Dragonara Casino beating renowned international and local competition in the process.

2010

Dragonara Gaming Limited (DGL) awarded concession and licence to operate the Dragonara Casino. DGL embarks on a €20M investment programme to restore leadership to the Dragonara brand.

GOL obtains a gaming licence from Malta Gaming Authority to open and operate a network of Controlled Gaming Premises for the provision of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs).

GOL launches the first retail gaming network providing bespoke VLT games for the local market from leading international technology companies.

2012

PGG acquires a majority stake in Dragonara Casino.

DGL establishes Dragonara Interactive Limited (DIL), providing casino products via its online portal www.dragonara.com.

Dragonara Casino commemorates the 50th Anniversary from the establishment of the casino in 1964, while consolidating its leadership in the casino sector.

GOL rebrands its retail network into IZIBET and launches retail sports betting nation-wide.

GOL signs partnership with French state-owned company Pari-Mutuel-Urbain (PMU) to provide horse betting products on French & International racing.

IZIBET becomes the first retail gaming operator to offer Virtual Sports betting in the local market.

PGG establishes IZI Interactive Limited (IIL) and obtains a B2C online gaming licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

IZIBET becomes Malta’s leader in retail sports betting.

DGL signs agreement with the Government of Malta and acquires the Dragonara Palace and its surrounding grounds for a period expiring in 2083 following unanimous approval by the Maltese Parliament.

PGG registers a record gaming turnover of €345,000,000.

PGG secures a multi-million loan facility from Bank of Valletta plc as part of the Group’s long-term business strategy.

IZI Interactive undertakes a major investment project for the development of a new online gaming platform in line with its strategy to provide the Group’s subsidiaries with best-in-class interactive solutions.

DGL embarks on a comprehensive project for the restoration, development and conservation of the Dragonara Palace and its surrounding grounds.

PGG’s asset base valued at €64,300,000.

GOL extends its retail network to 40 outlets, becoming the largest privately-owned network of controlled gaming premises in the market.

Dragonara Gaming Limited wins an international call for tenders and extends its casino concession for a further 10 year term.

Pinnacle Gaming Group changes its status from an LTD to a PLC and rebrands to IZI Group.

National Lottery was established to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, issued by the Privatisation Unit (PU) on behalf of the Government of Malta, for the concession to operate the National Lottery of Malta.

National Lottery concludes concession agreement with the Government of Malta to operate the National Lottery of Malta commencing July 5th 2022.

IZI Finance was established to act as the finance company of the IZI Group operating subsidiaries and associated companies.

IZI Finance plc issue a €30 million 4.25% Unsecured Bond 2029. The issue was oversubscribed and bonds commenced trading on the Malta Stock Exchange in April 2022.

National Lottery, a subsidiary of the IZI Group, takes over the operation of the National Lottery of Malta from Maltco Lotteries on July 5th 2022.

IZI INTERACTIVE LIMITED the iGaming subsidiary of IZI Group launches www.lottery.mt offering the full suite of lottery products online.

National Lottery plc completes the European Lottery (EL) Responsible Gaming (RG) certification. This certification is also recognised by the World Lotteries Association (WLA).

National Lottery plc launches the first Historical Horse Racing (HHR) service outside the USA in collaboration with Exacta Services, Inc. a subsidiary of Churchill Downs, Inc.

National Lottery earns prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for excellence in security and operations.