“The issue centres on a new definition of ‘illegal sports betting’ being pushed forward by the Council of Europe in its Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions.
The definition in question reads: ‘“Illegal sports betting” means any sports betting activity whose type or operator is not allowed under the applicable law of the jurisdiction where the consumer is located.’
According to Malta Gaming Authority Executive Chairman Joe Cuschieri, the definition could have dire consequences for Malta’s remote gaming industry.
He explains, ‘This definition will effectively render illegal all operators who offer their services via their Malta Gaming Authority licence in other European states. […]’
‘If the EU were to ratify the Convention of the Council of Europe, such a definition will have automatic EU applicability which effectively gives the “stamp of approval” to the restrictions imposed by EU member states on the provision of cross-border services.’”
The gaming industry in Malta, which mostly serves customers in other EU countries, accounts for circa 11 percent of Malta’s GDP.
