Skybet has contradicted statements made by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Wednesday, saying that it has no plans to set up shop in Malta.

Muscat said that, contrary to allegations by the Opposition that the igaming industry was moving out of Malta, a big gaming company, Skybet, was coming to Malta.

But, asked by The Malta Independent, Skybet said that this is not the case.

“Not anytime soon,” Skybet said when contacted by The Malta Independent. “All we have done is apply for a licence. It won’t have any impact on the location and running of our operations.”

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that Skybet will be coming to Malta at least on three occasions (see video).

The first instance when Skybet was mentioned was during the Labour Party mass meeting in Gozo. Dr Muscat said that, “Skybet submitted an application to come and operate from Malta.”

A few hours later, during the Broadcasting Authority Leaders’ debate (which had been recorded earlier), he said that, “Skybet, a betting company, will be coming to Malta.”

Someone must have pointed out to the Prime Minister that what he was saying was not correct. So much so that, later, in Fgura, Muscat changed his version and said, “Skybet, a gaming company, applied for a licence.”

Applying for a licence is a completely different game than coming to Malta, as the Prime Minister said on two occasions yesterday. A licence does not mean physical presence here and the creation of jobs.

A TMI reader who contacted Skybet to verify what role this igaming company has received the same answer: “We do not have any plans to relocate or open offices in Malta, however we have applied for a licence to operate in Malta.”

Yesterday, the Malta Gaming Authority issued a press release saying that, “it has received a formal application from Sky Betting and Gaming for a sports betting licence.” Joseph Cuschieri, Executive Chairman of the MGA said: “We are delighted that a prestigious operator and brand like Skybet applied for a licence with the MGA. It is encouraging to see that Malta’s reputation as a gaming jurisdiction is recognised by world leading brands. The Authority is committed to addressing the ongoing evolution of the industry and its future challenges with integrity, transparency and a focus on consumer protection. The fact that Skybet applied for a license in Malta is testimony to our reputation and encourages us to keep raising the bar in innovation, governance and thought leadership in gaming regulation.”