Meridianbet, a leading sports betting and gaming operator and subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has completed the acquisition of Fairbet Ltd., a licensed retail gaming operator in Malta holding MGA license B2C/195/2011.
Through this transaction, Meridianbet assumes 100% ownership of Fairbet’s retail operations across Malta and Gozo, expanding its physical presence beyond its existing locations and strengthening its position within the local regulated market.
The acquisition adds nine retail outlets to Meridianbet’s network, increasing its total storefront footprint to 20 locations. The expanded network is expected to operate more than 60 sports betting terminals and over 120 slot machines across the islands.
The deal follows a prior technology partnership between the two companies and now transitions Fairbet’s operations fully under Meridianbet’s ownership and brand, with immediate operational integration.
Malta’s retail gaming sector operates under one of Europe’s most restrictive regulatory frameworks, currently limited to three licensed operators: Meridianbet, Izibet (the National Lottery operator), and Fairbet, now wholly owned by Meridianbet. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) enforces strict licensing standards, capital requirements, and compliance obligations that create significant barriers to entry. With this acquisition, Meridianbet will control two of the three retail gaming licenses in the jurisdiction.
“Completing the acquisition of Fairbet strengthens our position in a market where regulatory barriers create inherent scarcity value,” said Zoran Milosevic, CEO of Meridianbet. “This transaction enables us to further expand our retail infrastructure in Malta, with our technology now supporting the majority of licensed retail gaming in the country. It also reflects our strategic M&A approach, targeting acquisitions in high-barrier markets where limited licensing creates structural competitive advantages.”
The acquisition forms part of Meridianbet’s broader growth strategy, combining organic expansion with targeted mergers and acquisitions in tightly regulated markets that favor consolidation. Malta has served as a key operational hub for Meridianbet since 2008, with the company maintaining a licensed presence since the early development of the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework. Meridianbet is among the original licensed operators in the market.
Malta’s gaming sector operates under MGA oversight, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most credible regulatory environments. The framework emphasizes investor protection, technical standards, and capital adequacy requirements, supporting international credibility for Malta-licensed operators and helping safeguard market stability.
Meridianbet’s expanded retail presence across Malta and Gozo enhances nationwide coverage, serving both the local population and the islands’ strong tourist market. Visitor arrivals exceeded three million in 2024, according to Malta’s National Statistics Office tourism report.
About Meridianbet
Founded in 2001, Meridianbet Group is a well-established online sports betting and gaming group, licensed and currently operating in 18 jurisdictions across Europe, Africa, and South America. The Meridianbet Group’s successful business model utilizes proprietary technology and scalable systems, allowing it to operate in multiple countries and currencies with an omni-channel approach to markets, including retail, desktop online, and mobile. The Company is part of the Golden Matrix Group (NASDAQ: GMGI). Contact https://x.com/meridianbet_ofc and [email protected].
Meridianbet is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority under license MGA/B2C/134/2007. Play responsibly. For help, visit www.rgf.org.mt. Players must be 18 or over. Terms and conditions apply.
