Parliamentary secretary for competitiveness Jose Herrera today reiterated the government’s commitment to the gaming industry, which employs 7,000 people in Malta and accounts for 12% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said the government will protect the industry and looks forward to further expansion.

Speaking during a visit to Tipico, a gaming company, Dr Herrera said he is delighted to see such serious companies operating in Malta’s jurisdiction.

Tipico’s consumer responsibility is top notch, he said, and can serve as a model for the whole gaming industry.

He said Malta has a strong legislative framework, as well as competitive taxes at both corporate and individual level.

A promotional arm for the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) will be set up in the near future, as well as a gaming academy to attract young Maltese people into the industry.

Jan Bolz, Tipico’s CEO, said the company currently employs 160 people and is planning to take on a further 80. The company’s current employees come from 22 different nations, and one-third of the workforce is Maltese.