Cruise operators angry over casino tax proposals

The cruise line industry is lashing out at plans by the government to charge ships up to €30,000 to open their casinos in Maltese waters. Times of Malta is informed that a few days ago the Government sent draft regulations to Brussels outlining proposals for the operation of casinos on board cruise ships in Maltese waters. The proposals, seen by this newspaper, ask operators for a €20,000 concession fee and €8,500 annually for a licence, plus the additional charges for ‘fruit’-type machines and gaming tables. Currently, cruise ships are obliged to close their gambling parlours and casinos inside Maltese territorial waters. Full story in The Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.