Our Story

A successful business, home to a family of passionate and driven employees with dreams and aspirations to create and live an amazing experience together

Defining a Legacy

From humble beginnings as a small operator to a market leader operating two of the most trusted brands in Malta

The Beginning

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.

Establishment of a Route Operation

1994

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

First Gaming Licence

2002

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

Group Foundation

2004
The Pinnacle Gaming Group (PGG) was founded.

Joint Venture

2006

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

The Casino

2009

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.

Beating International Competition

2010

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

€20M Investment

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.

Video Lottery

2011

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).

Retail Network

2012

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

New Acquisition

2012

PGG acquires a majority stake in Dragonara Casino.

Dragonara Interactive

2013
DGL establishes Dragonara Interactive Limited (DIL), providing casino products via its online portal www.dragonara.com.

Golden Anniversary

2014

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

Introducing IZIBET

2015

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

Horse Race Betting

2016

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

Virtual Sports

2017

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

B2C Licence

2018

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

Market Leader

2018

IZIBET becomes Malta’s leader in retail sports betting.

Forging the Future

2019

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.

Strong Performance

2019

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

Credit Worthiness

2020

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

Major Investment

2020

IZI Interactive undertake 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.

Restoration & Conservation

2020

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

Asset Base Value

2020

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

Network Expansion

2021

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

Dragonara Casino Concession

2021

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

IZI Group plc

2021

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

National Lottery plc

2021

National Lottery plc 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 Concession

2022

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

IZI Finance plc

2022

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

€30M Bond Issue

2022

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.

Track Records

The IZI Group is a remarkable success story built on the core values of excellence and integrity. Today the Group employs over 300 people, attracts 1,000,000  visitors annually, generates €345,000,000 in gaming turnover and an EBITDA of €5,000,000. The group has an asset base of €64,300,000.

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