100% ownership of Fairbet strengthens the company’s position in a high-barrier regulatory market
Meridianbet, a leading sports betting and gaming operator and a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has announced the completion of its acquisition of Fairbet Ltd., a licensed retail gaming operator in Malta holding MGA licence B2C/195/2011.
Through the transaction, Meridianbet has acquired 100% ownership of Fairbet’s operations across Malta and Gozo, the second-largest island in the archipelago, extending its physical presence beyond its existing locations in the country.
As part of the deal, Meridianbet will add nine new retail locations, bringing its total footprint to 20 storefronts. From an operational perspective, the expanded network is expected to include more than 60 sports betting terminals and over 120 slot machines, significantly strengthening the company’s retail infrastructure.
The companies’ previous technology partnership will now transition into full operational integration under the Meridianbet brand, with immediate control assumed by the company.
Malta’s retail gaming market operates under one of Europe’s most restrictive regulatory frameworks, with only 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, substantial capital requirements and comprehensive compliance obligations, creating formidable barriers to entry. As a result of the acquisition, Meridianbet will now control two of the three retail licences in the jurisdiction.
Zoran Milosevic, CEO of Meridianbet, commented:
“Completing the acquisition of Fairbet strengthens our position in a market where regulatory barriers create inherent scarcity value. This transaction enables us to expand our operations and retail infrastructure in Malta, with our technology supporting the majority of licensed retail gaming in the country. The deal also reflects our strategic M&A approach, focused on high-barrier markets where limited licensing creates structural competitive advantages.”
The Fairbet acquisition aligns with Meridianbet’s broader strategy of combining organic growth with selective M&A in markets where regulatory frameworks encourage consolidation. Malta has served as a long-standing operational hub for Meridianbet since 2008, with the company maintaining a licensed presence since the early stages of the jurisdiction’s regulatory development, ranking among its original licensed operators.
Malta’s gaming sector operates under MGA oversight, which has helped establish the jurisdiction as one of Europe’s most credible regulatory environments. The licensing framework combines investor protection, technical standards and capital requirements, positioning Malta-licensed operators for credibility across European markets.Meridianbet’s expanded presence across Malta and Gozo enhances its retail network throughout the archipelago, serving both the local population and Malta’s significant tourist traffic. According to Malta’s National Statistics Office (NSO), visitor numbers exceeded three million in 2024, underlining the strategic importance of the market.
