The Maltese government is asking the EU for clearance to be allowed to offer cruise ships docking in Maltese waters to keep their casinos open, the cost to cruise ship operators would be €20,000 concession fee and €8,500 for an annual license.
Currently cruise ships that have casinos on board must close while entering and docking inside Maltese waters, but under the new plan this will be scrapped. However some operators think the fee is too high for the money they believe they could possibly generate by staying open.
Also apart from the concession fee and license there would under the proposals be an extra charge for additional slot machines and table games above the stipulated amount, sadly this number has not been communicated so far to cruise operators.
Time will tell if the Maltese government will see any increased revenue for this new legislation as many so far are unconvinced of its success to generate any new tax income for Malta.
