Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has become a top destination for luxury travellers and serious gamblers alike. Its warm climate, stunning coastline and welcoming culture make it the perfect place to combine leisure with high-stakes gaming. The island offers a unique blend of beautiful historic sites, upscale resorts and a thriving online gaming scene that appeals to discerning visitors.

Prestigious casinos like Casino Malta and Dragonara Casino cater to VIP guests with private rooms, exclusive lounges and high-limit gaming tables featuring bets up to €20,000. These venues use advanced surveillance systems, RFID chip tracking and real-time analytics to guarantee fair play and enhanced security.

Luxury accommodations such as The Westin Dragonara Resort and Corinthia Palace provide world-class service, gourmet dining and rejuvenating spa treatments utilizing cutting-edge wellness technologies like hydrotherapy circuits and infrared saunas. Many resorts also offer smart room controls, private butler service and limousine transfers for added convenience. Malta’s yacht marinas, including the Grand Harbour Marina capable of hosting superyachts over 100 meters, along with helicopter tours and curated cultural excursions, add to the island’s allure for luxury and adventure seekers.

As a global hub for online gaming, Malta features tech lounges and VIP eSports betting rooms equipped with ultra-low latency streaming, interactive touchscreens and AR/VR gaming booths. Regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), these platforms allow secure live betting via mobile devices using blockchain technology and two-factor authentication. Combined with year-round sunny weather and English as an official language, Malta offers an unmatched blend of relaxation, luxury and cutting-edge gaming innovation.

The attraction of Malta’s iGaming set-up

Malta’s reputation as a premier gaming hub is well-earned. The island hosts over 300 iGaming companies, contributing roughly 12% to the national GDP and creating thousands of high-skilled jobs. This dynamic sector is tightly regulated by the MGA, established in 2001, which enforces strict licensing standards, comprehensive anti-money laundering protocols, mandatory player protection policies and regular independent audits to ensure fairness and transparency. The MGA’s Remote Gaming Regulations provide a secure and adaptable framework allowing companies to offer a wide variety of services including sports betting, online casinos, poker and emerging game types and all under rigorous compliance monitoring and responsible gaming mandates.

Malta’s iGaming ecosystem continually embraces cutting-edge technology to enhance player safety and experience. Online casino review sites like www.norgesspill.com play a vital role by evaluating different online casino operators that deploy certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) independently tested by labs such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs, guaranteeing game fairness. They also verify the use of advanced cybersecurity measures like end-to-end SSL encryption to protect user data, multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access and AI-powered real-time fraud detection systems that analyse user behaviour patterns to mitigate risks. Additionally, geo-location services ensure compliance with jurisdictional restrictions, vital for maintaining legal operation across global markets.

In recent years, Malta’s regulatory framework has evolved to accommodate rapid technological advances and industry trends. The MGA has recently strengthened its supervisory strategies through enhanced external compliance audits and thematic reviews, addressing concerns related to virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and cryptocurrency usage within gaming platforms.

Malta also remains at the forefront of blockchain adoption, encouraging operators to experiment with smart contracts and decentralized gaming models. Cryptocurrency payment gateways supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins have become increasingly common, offering players faster, more transparent transactions.

Supporting this robust regulatory and technological environment is Malta’s top-tier IT infrastructure. The island hosts multiple Tier III+ certified data centres, ensuring 99.99% uptime and redundancy, coupled with high-speed fibre-optic networks and ultra-low latency connectivity. This infrastructure enables seamless, high-quality gaming experiences, including HD live dealer streams, instantaneous bet processing and cross-platform playability on mobile and desktop devices. Such technical excellence attracts not only operators but also a global player base seeking reliable, immersive entertainment.

With its combination of strong regulation, innovative technology and global market reach, Malta remains an unrivalled leader in the iGaming industry. Online casino review sites serve as trusted guides for players worldwide, helping them navigate the expansive Maltese gaming market by providing detailed insights on licensing status, software providers, payment methods and security features. This symbiotic ecosystem cements Malta’s status as a premier destination for both iGaming companies and players seeking the highest standards of safety, fairness and innovation.

Luxury accommodations

Malta offers a wide array of luxury accommodations and premium lifestyle experiences that cater to elite travellers and high-net-worth individuals. From five-star resorts perched along the island’s scenic coastline to Michelin-starred restaurants that reimagine Mediterranean cuisine, Malta continues to evolve as a top-tier destination for luxury tourism. As of 2025, the hospitality sector has seen increased investment in smart tourism infrastructure, with luxury hotels now integrating advanced automation technologies, energy-efficient systems and AI-powered personalization tools to elevate guest experiences.

Landmark properties such as The Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta and Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Gozo seamlessly combine Maltese architectural heritage with state-of-the-art amenities. These include climate-responsive building designs, automated lighting and temperature systems and NFC-enabled room access controlled via mobile apps. Guests enjoy private infinity pools equipped with temperature sensors and LED lighting, voice-activated smart controls and 24/7 virtual concierge services that leverage AI to tailor recommendations based on user preferences.

Malta’s luxury accommodations also emphasize immersive cultural and historical experiences enhanced by the latest digital tools. For instance, augmented reality apps used during private guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Valletta and Mdina enable real-time visualization of historical reconstructions, offering guests an interactive journey through Malta’s 7,000-year-old past. QR-coded exhibits and multilingual AI guides further personalize the storytelling experience.

For relaxation and entertainment, exclusive beach clubs such as Café del Mar Malta and MedAsia Playa now feature premium VIP lounges outfitted with surround-sound audio zones, biometric entry systems and gourmet menus supported by IoT-enabled kitchen management. These venues also offer interactive touch-ordering systems for food and drink service via tablets, enhancing guest convenience and minimizing wait times.

Adventure and luxury merge through bespoke excursions like private yacht charters equipped with autopilot AI navigation, radar-assisted docking systems and underwater drones capable of live-streaming marine life in 4K. Companies offering these services now include onboard 5G satellite connectivity, eco-desalination units and real-time marine mapping tools for eco-conscious exploration.

Recent developments in Malta’s luxury tourism sector include the 2024 launch of Valletta Waterfront’s Smart Marina Project, which integrates IoT sensors for berth availability, renewable energy supply for yachts and digital concierge kiosks. Additionally, several resorts are piloting blockchain-based guest loyalty programs, allowing visitors to earn and redeem rewards through secure digital wallets accepted across partnered luxury brands and hospitality services on the island.

Malta’s seamless fusion of cultural richness, advanced hospitality technology and personalized luxury ensures a world-class experience for travelers seeking sophistication, comfort and exclusivity. Whether enjoying AI-curated spa treatments or piloting a submersible to explore underwater wrecks, visitors will find that Malta’s premium offerings are on par with, if not surpassing those of major global luxury destinations.

Prestigious gaming events

Malta plays host to some of the most prestigious and technologically advanced iGaming events in the world. These events not only enhance the island’s global profile but also inject significant value into the local economy. The Battle of Malta poker tournament, first launched in 2012, has evolved into one of Europe’s premier stand-alone poker competitions. The 2024 edition attracted more than 7,500 entries and featured a record-breaking prize pool of nearly €4.8 million. The tournament incorporating automated RFID-enabled card tracking, digital card shuffling machines with ISO/IEC 27001 certification and real-time gameplay analytics displayed on live dashboards. These technologies improve transparency and player trust while enabling tournament directors to monitor table flow, chip counts and player stats with remarkable accuracy. Live-streamed events also use ultra-low latency broadcast systems and multi-angle HD cameras for enhanced spectator engagement worldwide.

Another cornerstone of Malta’s gaming calendar is the SiGMA Europe Summit, widely regarded as one of the largest and most influential iGaming expos globally. The 2024 edition drew over 25,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, contributing over €100 million to Malta’s tourism and hospitality sector and supporting around 10,000 local jobs annually. SiGMA has become an essential meeting point for industry leaders, tech innovators, regulators and investors.

Technologically, SiGMA continues to push the boundaries of innovation through its expansive tech expo, where the latest advancements in the gaming industry are showcased. Recent highlights include the introduction of AI-powered player behaviour analytics that enable real-time risk assessments and automatic flagging for responsible gambling, helping operators proactively manage player well-being. Blockchain-based RNG validation platforms were also featured, offering provably fair gaming with transparent audit trails to ensure integrity and trust.

The expo demonstrated Web3 casino infrastructure, including wallet less login systems and NFT-based loyalty programs, which simplify user access and reward engagement with secure, blockchain-backed technology. Attendees also had the chance to experience hyper-immersive VR and AR casino environments, with games like roulette, blackjack and slots brought to life through Meta Quest and HTC Vive headsets, providing a glimpse into the future of fully immersive, interactive gaming experiences.

SiGMA also hosts live hackathons and developer challenges, where coders build prototype gambling apps under regulatory constraints in 48 hours, fostering innovation in AML compliance tools, crypto payments and GDPR-compatible data systems. Several iGaming startups debuted quantum encryption prototypes for payment security at SiGMA 2024, signalling the industry’s focus on future-proofing its infrastructure.

The conference is also instrumental in driving discussions around regulatory convergence, cross-border licensing and the implementation of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) metrics in gaming operations. Panels frequently feature representatives from the MGA, European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and Fintech blockchain consortia, emphasizing a holistic and forward-looking industry roadmap.

These world-class events serve as catalysts for collaboration, technological evolution and policy dialogue, ensuring Malta remains a trailblazer in the global gaming ecosystem. For gaming professionals and tech entrepreneurs, attending events like Battle of Malta and SiGMA Europe is not just a networking opportunity but a front-row seat to the future of iGaming.

Economic diversification of Malta

While iGaming remains a major pillar of Malta’s economy, the island has been actively expanding into other high-value sectors to ensure long-term economic resilience and sustainability. Key industries experiencing rapid development include fintech, aerospace, biotechnology, digital health and automotive technology which all are supported by government policy, EU partnerships and cutting-edge infrastructure.

Malta’s fintech sector has witnessed exponential growth, thanks in part to the Virtual Financial Assets Act (VFA) and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). These frameworks have attracted companies in blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital banking, particularly those developing smart contracts, digital wallets and regtech solutions. Malta is also becoming a testbed for CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) and cross-border digital payment trials, making it a significant player in Europe’s fintech future.

In the automotive sector, Malta is promoting sustainable transport through various initiatives, such as grant schemes for electric vehicles and pedelecs, reflecting its broader commitment to environmental responsibility. The nation has deployed over 400 public fast-charging stations, compatible with CCS (Combined Charging System) and Type 2 connectors, enabling widespread EV adoption. The government is also rolling out IoT-enabled smart traffic management systems across urban centres, which use real-time data analytics to reduce congestion, lower emissions and improve travel efficiency. Meanwhile, local startups are innovating in fleet telematics, utilizing AI-driven predictive maintenance, blockchain for secure vehicle data logging, vehicle diagnostics and GPS-integrated fleet optimization software for logistics providers.

In aerospace and aviation, Malta is home to Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hubs serving major international airlines. Facilities such as SR Technics Malta and Lufthansa Technik use digital twin technology, 3D printing for aircraft parts and predictive analytics to streamline maintenance and compliance procedures. The Malta Aviation Cluster is further encouraging R&D in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

The biotech and life sciences industry is also gaining momentum, with firms focusing on genomic research, clinical trial data management and AI-assisted drug discovery. Malta’s Life Sciences Park offers shared lab spaces, high-speed connectivity and access to supercomputing resources for molecular simulation and data-intensive bioinformatics work. EU-funded programs are further accelerating research into pharmacogenomics and biodegradable medical devices.

Meanwhile, the digital health sector is integrating telemedicine, remote patient monitoring systems and AI-based diagnostic tools into the national healthcare framework. Malta’s centralized eHealth platform now supports blockchain-secured medical records, cross-border health data exchange and wearable IoT integration, offering opportunities for MedTech companies targeting Mediterranean and EU markets.

These strategic developments combined by strong regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure and skilled talent, signal Malta’s transformation into a multi-sector innovation hub. Through targeted investment and cross-sector collaboration, the island is positioning itself as a resilient, forward-looking economy ready to lead in several emerging global industries and not just gaming.

Final thoughts

Malta’s unique blend of luxury, historical richness and a dynamic gaming industry positions it as the ultimate destination for gamblers and jetsetters. With continuous investments in technology and infrastructure, the island is poised to maintain its status as a premier luxury hotspot for years to come. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G connectivity and cloud-based gaming platforms ensures that both online and land-based gaming experiences remain fast, secure and immersive.

Additionally, ongoing developments in smart city initiatives, including AI-powered public services and sustainable energy projects, enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Malta’s focus on personalized luxury, supported by AI-driven concierge services and advanced biometric security systems in high-end resorts and casinos, creates an unparalleled experience of convenience and exclusivity.

Moreover, the island’s expanding portfolio of exclusive events, including VIP gaming tournaments and elite cultural festivals, continues to attract a global audience seeking both entertainment and sophistication. All these elements combined reinforce Malta’s position as a forward-thinking, luxurious destination that balances tradition with innovation.

Disclaimer: Play responsibly. Players must be over 18. For help visit https://www.rgf.org.mt/

Illicit streaming is the biggest financial threat ever faced by the sports media industry, according to Barney Francis, executive vice president of Studios at IMG, who has called for greater industry cooperation to tackle piracy.

Speaking in response to findings in a new research report by Enders Analysis, Francis called for collective action across the sector and cited the French sports market as a cautionary example, pointing to issues with piracy affecting Ligue 1 and DAZN.

The Enders Analysis research accuses Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft of “ambivalence and inertia” and said the issue is damaging broadcasters’ revenue and puts users at risk of cyber-crime.

The Enders report also cited “continued depreciation” of digital rights management (DRM) tools from the likes of Google and Microsoft as a factor in aiding illicit streaming, with a lack of maintenance of the tech firms’ DRM systems blamed for “compromised” security levels.

The Amazon Fire Stick was also highlighted by the authors of the Enders research as “a piracy enabler”.

Speaking to the BBC’s World Business Report programme, Francis said illicit streaming via modified Amazon Fire sticks had evolved from what was “a bit of a nudge and a wink in a pub 15 years ago” to become a more endemic problem.

“Now, it has become a cultural norm, and I worry greatly that enough isn’t being done. But it’s going to take a collective effort from the entire industry, because this is the biggest threat to its finances that we’ve ever known.

“We’ve always called it a game of Whack-a-Mole. The problem is now so big, and we can we just look across the water to France and what’s happening with Ligue 1 and DAZN there, which is the result of rampant piracy that is escalating all the time.

The French league had sold Ligue 1 domestic TV rights to DAZN for €325 million per season from 2024 to 2029. However, earlier this year DAZN withheld a payment amid claims that French football governing body LFP had not done enough to tackle piracy. DAZN has since terminated its contract after one season of Ligue 1.

“It is organised crime, as the report suggests, and [Enders’] conclusion is that the big tech companies around the world can be the only ones that can come up with the right sort of protection that’s needed going forward.”

IMG’s clients – sports federations and leagues – seek to maximise revenue from media rights, and broadcasters invest heavily to secure these, Francis explained, but piracy erodes that value, forcing price increases to cover losses from customer churn, and ultimately impacting investment in the sport itself.

“The consequence of that will be less investment into the players, athletes, performers on the field of play, which means for the fans…they’re going to see less quality players on the pitch, because a club won’t be able to afford them because of the declining revenues that come from media,” said Francis.

When asked whether direct-to-consumer streaming may offer a solution, Francis acknowledged that leagues can pursue this route but warned of the trade-offs. Using the Premier League as an example, he said that guaranteed multi-year media revenues provide financial certainty for clubs. “When you go direct to the consumer, you start to put into jeopardy guarantees of your revenue,” he said.

Francis is not the first industry leader to call for greater action from major technology companies. La Liga president Javier Tebas has long called for action to combat piracy from the likes of Google and Cloudflare, recently describing the latter as an “accomplice in the widespread theft of intellectual property” from the Spanish football league.

And in a BBC article about the Enders report, Nick Herm, chief operating officer of Sky Group, said “we’d like to see faster, more joined-up action from major tech platforms and government to address the problem and help protect the UK creative industries.”

JOHN STOSSEL

Why does Uber make videos where people say, “I’m non-binary or genderqueer”?

And why does Lockheed Martin fund floats at Pride parades?

Because companies want to raise their score on the Human Rights Campaign’s “Corporate Equality Index.”

Equality is a good thing. I support human rights. But the Human Rights Campaign? That’s something else.

“They have nothing to do with actual human rights,” says Robby Starbuck in my new video. “They’re an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization that pushes topics about transgenderism into the workplace.”

Starbuck uses his social media following to criticize the many companies that partner with the Human Rights Campaign.

The Campaign “does great harm,” he says, because companies that want a high score must do things like pay for trans employees’ gender reassignment surgery and fund puberty blockers for employees’ kids.

I push back, “I know people who’ve had the surgery and they seem happier!”

“If you’re an adult and you make a set of decisions I disagree with, that’s your prerogative,” replies Starbuck. “I don’t want to give my money to a company that’s going to use it to fund any sex changes of any child.”

People can debate the age when you’re considered competent to medically change your gender. What surprises me is how many companies suck up to the Human Rights Campaign by paying for it.

Google even brags about providing a “trans liaison” to help people transition.

Even some of your Amtrak tax subsidy goes to pay for this stuff. Amtrak’s “Lead Environmental Specialist” touts “education on personal pronouns.”

To raise their Corporate Equality Index scores, companies are encouraged to donate to LGBTQ+ groups — like the Human Rights Campaign! That helps the Campaign collect $42 million in tax-free money.

The more I looked at the organization, the less it seems to be about human rights, and the more it seems to be about left-wing advocacy.

Its homepage features protesters holding signs saying, “I will aid and abet abortion.”

When I point that out to Starbuck, he says, “Yeah, which humans? Which rights? Apparently, if you’re a small enough human, you don’t have rights.”

The Campaign’s president says its Corporate Equality Index is “about partnership with businesses to make workplaces as inclusive as possible for LGBTQ+ people.”

But today, most businesses are inclusive, and in America, LGBT people are more accepted than ever. Twenty years ago, 37% of Americans supported gay marriage. Forty-five percent said gay relationships are moral. Today, support for gay marriage is at 69% and 64% consider gay relationships moral.

Yet, as life gets better for LGBT people, the Human Rights Campaign declared a “national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans!”

“This is a crisis right now!” said HRC president Kelley Robinson.

I think I know why she said that. If activists acknowledge that Americans have come to accept LGBT people, the Campaign might go out of business. One HRC executive says “we are never going to reach a destination.”

Of course not. There’s money to be made and leftist propaganda that needs spreading.

Starbuck, by pointing out what the HRC really does, has persuaded some companies to stop sucking up.

Ford, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, Molson Coors, Toyota, Tractor Supply, Walmart and others announced that they will no longer participate in the Index.

“We came along and told people the story and the backtracking began,” says Starbuck.

The Campaign’s president says, “What we’re seeing from these companies is short-sighted.”

Maybe.

Businesses can join whatever lists they want, but they ought to do what’s good for their business. That means listening to customers, not progressive activists.

“At the end of the day,” says Starbuck, “that’s all people want, is for businesses to do their business. Not to virtue signal … or to perpetuate a political ideology.”

———

John Stossel posts a new video every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com.

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SAN JOSE — Life Time, a company that describes itself as an “athletic country club,” has signed a lease for a site occupied by Best Buy at Santana Row in San Jose, saying it hopes to open more Bay Area locations.

Life Time leased a building at the southeast corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and South Winchester Boulevard for its fitness- and health-oriented country club, according to documents filed on May 28 with the Santa Clara County Recorder’s Office.

“Santana Row is a great location,” said Meghan Akradi, a vice president of real estate with Life Time. “It’s hard to do better than Santana Row in terms of iconic properties.”

The building at 3090 Stevens Creek Blvd. is 60,000 square feet and is two stories, according to commercial real estate database Property Shark. The initial term of the lease is 15 years, Santa Clara County property documents show.

“This is a market where we’ve wanted to be for many years,” Akradi said. “We hope to open our San Jose location during the first half of 2027. It depends on how quickly we can get permits.”

The only Bay Area location for Life Time currently is in downtown Walnut Creek at 1315 Broadway Plaza.

The future San Jose location is expected to feature an array of amenities, according to Life Time.

“We will have great fitness areas, fitness studios, personal training sites, yoga, pilates, cafe, work lounges, a sauna, and hot tubs,” Akradi said. “We will have a kids’ academy.”

Minnesota-based Life Time takes a different approach to fitness than is the case with typical health clubs in the country, according to company executives.

“Members are calling us a country club without the golf,” said Natalie Bushaw, a spokesperson for Life Time.

In March, Fast Company placed Life Time at No. 23 on its list of the 50 most innovative companies of 2025.

“It goes much further than a typical gym,” Bushaw said. “Life Time takes a holistic approach to health, wellness, recovery and fitness. People can literally spend all day at Life Time, and they do.”

Life Time operates at least 175 athletic country clubs that have an average size of 100,000 square feet, according to the company’s website.

“It’s like a Four Seasons resort every time you walk into one of our country clubs,” Akradi said.

The company has 1.4 million members and 41,000 employees. Life Time also has at least 150 kids’ academy locations.

Life Time executives believe the company’s approach can capitalize on post-pandemic attitudes to staying healthy.

“Our company has come back stronger than ever,” Akradi said. “We are exceeding our pre-COVID member engagement, member satisfaction and member attention.”

Over the one-year period that ended in March, Life Time posted a profit of $207.5 million, an increase of 182.3%, or nearly triple the profits over the similar 12-month period the year before.

Revenue over the year-long period ending in March totaled $2.73 billion, an increase of 18.6% from the same period the prior year, according to Finance Charts.

“People are clearly emphasizing their health and wellness,” Akradi said. “We feel well positioned to continue to serve those people.”

Originally Published: June 5, 2025 at 5:30 AM PDT

Garmin has been in the space of digital fitness watches for some time now and it has just launched two new models including the Forerunner 970. The Forerunner 970 kicks off the launch with a titanium body construction. It comes in the tonal options of gray, white and silver, or a soft gold color.

However, the colors are turned up a notch at the bands with a sportier touch of white and yellow on the white model. The soft old is detailed with gray and indigo on the band, and it all elevates the aesthetic with a dash of color. Details of the watch include its standard tracking along with the new Triathlon Coach feature.

Image Credit: Garmin