During the latest budget speech, the Prime Minister had announced that Government would be issuing international calls for two casino concessions, namely one in Gozo and one in Malta. Casinos in Malta have a long history which incrementally became a component of the Maltese entertainment culture. Their operations have increasingly involved the use of the latest technology, high direct investment and an innovative and creative management approach to the market. This offers the potential for both market and product development on the island, whilst ensuring at all times that gaming is kept within the parameters of an entertainment activity for consumers.
The issuing of an Expression of Interest for a Casino in Gozo also supports the determination of the New Government to increase creativity and innovation through a number of projects for Gozo, always with the ultimate aim of generating economic growth. This project also falls within the context of developing a holistic ‘Gozo Tourist Package’, whereby our sister island can offer a wide spectrum of tourist attractions which would encourage overnight stay tourism in Gozo, and thus generate more economic activity and employment in Gozo. Having a Casino in Gozo is one of the elements required for such a vision.
Furthermore a Casino in Gozo will continue generating more employment opportunities both in Malta and Gozo in the gaming sector, which over the years has become an important economic activity for Malta. To date, almost 1,000 people are employed on a full-time or part-time basis with the current licensed casinos. The establishment of a further two casinos could increase this number significantly. This would support the ongoing drive for further job creation in Gozo which has over the years been always challenging given Gozo’s endemic insularity.
In effect a casino in Gozo will enhance the Maltese island’s position on the international entertainment map allowing the island to offer a unique mix of cultural, geological and entertainment attractions. This should be taken into the context that there is a niche market of tourists that choose and visit destinations particularly for casino entertainment and would highly prefer a more relaxed and cultural environment than the cosmopolitan areas. Economic Growth will not only revolve solely within the gaming related careers but such increased activity will also create other related employment in the hospitality and other support services industry, creating more jobs in Gozo for Gozitans.
More importantly a Casino in Gozo, particularly within the ambit of an entertainment destination, would create a much needed focal point for nightlife which would attract a larger number of patrons than, for example, a wine bar would. This will increase the number of tourists, both from Malta and overseas, and their expenditure per capita. The net effect is an obvious one: patrons entertaining themselves by night at the casino will inevitably require accommodation increasing the relationship between hotels, hostels and other forms of accommodation and the Casino. Consumption of Food and drink, car rentals, as well as a myriad of other services that complement the casino package will also inevitably increase. We expect that the final result will create a substantial positive effect on Gozo’s economy, so much so that the Casino in Gozo will relate to the impact that the Dragonara casino had in Malta in the 1960’s.
The above discussion is within the context to the Government being committed to having a speedy process in assessing the expressions of interest, without obviously forgoing quality assessments. In the coming days I will be appointing a team of professionals in the field of major projects, concessions, gaming, casino operations, and financial feasibility that will ensure the process is smooth, transparent and fast.
I need to underline the fundamental importance of making a distinction between running a commercial operation in Malta and doing the same thing in Gozo, with the latter being more challenging. This happens with good reason: Gozo’s natural captive market is substantially smaller than Malta’s thus having an effect on all commercial operations being large or small. This is why the only way we can further ensure the viability of a Casino in Gozo is by treating it differently to a Casino in Malta.
Thus, in line with the process leading to a concession, I am also committing a team of policy makers that will give advice to Government on a number of incentives to make sure the Casino in Gozo finds a supportive administration. The team will be tasked with the development of a wide range of incentives and will not solely be limited to the regulatory nature of a casino. We will look into transport, advertising and taxation amongst others always all within the scope of developing an interesting mix for the future proponents that will tangibly feel Government’s support to their investment. This will be complementary to a much needed specialised focus on Gozo with a passionate intent of making Gozo an economic driver that can self-sustain itself, and a modern business destination cloaked in the charms of times gone by.
Dr Edward Zammit Lewis is Parliamentary Secretary for Competiveness and Economic Growth
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