Meridianbet Completes Fairbet Malta Acquisition

Meridianbet, a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc., has completed the acquisition of Fairbet Ltd., expanding its retail footprint in Malta as part of its wider igaming and land-based strategy. Fairbet is a licensed retail gaming operator in Malta, holding MGA licence B2C/195/2011.

The transaction results in Meridianbet taking full ownership of Fairbet’s operations across Malta and Gozo, the second-largest island in the archipelago. As part of the deal, nine additional retail locations are added to Meridianbet’s existing estate, increasing its total number of storefronts in the market to 20. The enlarged network is expected to comprise more than 60 sports betting terminals and over 120 slot machines, strengthening Meridianbet’s retail presence alongside its igaming activities.

Meridianbet and Fairbet previously operated under a technology partnership, which will now transition into full operational integration. Following completion of the acquisition, Fairbet’s retail operations will be brought under the Meridianbet brand, with Meridianbet assuming full control of day-to-day operations and compliance responsibilities.

Malta’s retail gaming sector operates under a tightly controlled regulatory structure overseen by the Malta Gaming Authority. Only three operators currently hold retail licences in the jurisdiction: Meridianbet, Izibet, which operates the national lottery, and Fairbet. With the completion of the acquisition, Meridianbet will control two of the three licensed retail gaming operations in Malta, highlighting the limited number of market participants permitted under the framework.

The Maltese market is characterised by stringent licensing, capital and compliance requirements, which apply to both retail and igaming operators. These regulatory conditions have historically limited new market entry and encouraged consolidation among established licence holders. Meridianbet has maintained a licensed presence in Malta since 2008 and is among the jurisdiction’s early regulated operators.

The acquisition aligns with Meridianbet’s stated approach of combining organic growth with selective mergers and acquisitions in regulated markets where structural and regulatory factors support consolidation. Malta continues to serve as a strategic operational hub for the group, supporting both its retail estate and broader igaming operations.

Meridianbet’s expanded network across Malta and Gozo increases its exposure to both local customers and international visitors. Malta recorded more than three million visitors in 2024, according to data from the National Statistics Office, underlining the relevance of retail gaming alongside igaming in a market shaped by tourism and cross-border activity.

“Completing the acquisition of Fairbet strengthens our position in a market where regulatory barriers create inherent scarcity value,” said Zoran Milosevic, CEO of Meridianbet. “The transaction will enable us to expand our operations and retail infrastructure in Malta, with our technology serving the majority of licensed retail gaming in the country. The deal also demonstrates our strategic M&A approach – targeting acquisitions in high-barrier markets where limited licensing to create structural competitive advantages.”