Track Records
The IZI Group is a remarkable success story built on the core values in excellence and integrity. Throughout FY2023 the Group employed over 500 people and aside from the National Lottery operation attracted over 1.2M registered visitors. The Group generated €840 million in gaming turnover, total revenue of €73.7M and an EBITDAR of €16.56M.
1.2M
Annual Visits
↑229%
Increase in Online Customers
500+
Full Time Employees
>60M€
Investment
840M€
Gaming Turnover
16.56M€
EBITDA
Defining a Legacy
From humble beginnings as a small gaming operator to a market leader operating the National Lottery of Malta, the Dragonara Casino and IZIBET.
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
Established a nationwide operation of AWP machines under the Amusement Machines Regulations of 1988.
First Gaming Licence
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
The Pinnacle Gaming Group (PGG) was founded.
Joint Venture
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
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
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
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
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
DGL establishes Dragonara Interactive Limited (DIL), providing casino products via its online portal www.dragonara.com.
Golden Anniversary
Dragonara Casino commemorates the 50th Anniversary from the establishment of the casino in 1964, while consolidating its leadership in the casino sector.
Introducing IZIBET
GOL rebrands its retail network into IZIBET and launches retail sports betting nation-wide.
Horse Race Betting
GOL signs partnership with French state-owned company Pari-Mutuel-Urbain (PMU) to provide horse betting products on French & International racing.
Virtual Sports
IZIBET becomes the first retail gaming operator to offer Virtual Sports betting in the local market.
B2C Licence
PGG establishes IZI Interactive Limited (IIL) and obtains a B2C online gaming licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
Market Leader
IZIBET becomes Malta’s leader in retail sports betting.
Forging the future
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
PGG registers a record gaming turnover of €345,000,000.
Credit Worthiness
PGG secures a multi-million loan facility from Bank of Valletta plc as part of the Group’s long-term business strategy.
Major Investment
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.
Restoration & Conservation
DGL embarks on a comprehensive project for the restoration, development and conservation of the Dragonara Palace and its surrounding grounds.
Asset Base Value
PGG’s asset base valued at €64,300,000.
Network expansion
GOL extends its retail network to 40 outlets, becoming the largest privately-owned network of controlled gaming premises in the market.
Dragonara Casino Concession
Dragonara Gaming Limited wins an international call for tenders and extends its casino concession for a further 10 year term.
IZI Group
Pinnacle Gaming Group changes its status from an LTD to a PLC and rebrands to IZI Group.
National Lottery
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 Concession
National Lottery concludes concession agreement with the Government of Malta to operate the National Lottery of Malta commencing July 5th 2022.
IZI Finance
IZI Finance was established to act as the finance company of the IZI Group operating subsidiaries and associated companies.
€30M Bond Issue
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
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.