Malta may be a small island country just to the south-east of Sicily but its clout in the iGaming world outstrips its size. The country is known in the sector for its robust but fair i-gaming jurisdiction and as a booming hub in the internet gambling industry. Here, we see how this plays out locally with a review of the physical, bricks and mortar casinos on the islands and casino etiquette.
Casinos
There are three casinos in operation in Malta: the Dragonara, Portomaso and the Oracle Casino. Casino di Venezia, in a beautiful waterfront setting in Birgu on a creek of the panoramic Grand Harbour, still exists but in name only; its doors have been closed for a while now.
A Look Inside Malta’s Casinos
The gambling age for tourists in Malta is 18. Locals, however, are not allowed to gamble until they are 25. The interiors of the casinos are roomy but they are all smaller in comparison to those in bigger gambling countries. Limits are low and friendly. Many of the table games allow €5 to €10 minimum investment on games and have €500 as the maximum investment. The allowance is similar on some of the new casinos online currently operating from the Islands.
The casinos are always quiet and rarely at full capacity. Casino gamers are often casually dressed: but don’t expect to find tank tops and flip flops although jeans and t-shirts are usually allowed. Malta has one of the best food scenes in southern Europe and the local casinos have excellent dining facilities within or right next door given that they operate within hotel complex areas. In the casinos, however, there are restrictions on what can be eaten over the course of a game.
The alcohol policy is the standard fare you’d find elsewhere in Europe and non-alcoholic drinks are free. When it comes to price, alcoholic drinks are the prices you’d find in a local bar or during the islands’ annual beer festival.
Players are not allowed to smoke while inside the casino. There are enclosed slot rooms provided for smoking and all the casinos have done a good job with ensuring that the smoke-free zones stay smoke free.
Casino Games in Malta
Like in most parts of Europe, Roulette is the most popular game in Malta. The rules are not different too as the wheel has one zero. Even money bets lose half if the ball lands in zero. There is a house edge of 1.35% on even money bets and 2.70% on the others.
Blackjack is the next most popular game in Malta. The rules are nearly the same as in the United Kingdom; the major difference is that splitting of aces is not allowed in Malta.
Slot Machines are generally in the backseat in Malta when compared to say, the US. You can expect to find modern, five-reel video slots but there are no IGT or Bally Slots.
The Verdict
All in all, while there is a somewhat reduced offer in Malta, the Islands make a good place to go for a relaxed stay combining all the benefits of a southern Mediterranean vacation with some casino gambling fun. What’s not to like for the casual gamer?
References
http://www.westinmalta.com/en/malta-casino/
http://www.newcasinosonline.co/new-online-casinos/
http://www.lawyersmalta.eu/open-a-business-in-malta
Disclosure: This article is a sponsored post.