New Jersey hires new chairman of Malta LGA to aid online launch

New Jersey has brought in Mario Galea, the former CEO and recently appointed chairman of the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority, to help the state with its efforts to launch online gaming before the end of the year.

David Rebuck, director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, confirmed yesterday at the East Coast Gaming Congress at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City that Galea’s Random Consulting business had been selected to help the state implement online gaming this year.

Galea has extensive experience in the online gaming industry, having set up Malta’s Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) in 2004, the public single regulatory body that is responsible for the governance of all forms of gaming in Malta.

He served as its first CEO from 2004 until 2008, and also co-authored the Remote Gaming Regulations of 2004 which made Malta the first EU member state to regulate remote gaming.

Last week, Galea was appointed chairman of the LGA, five years after leaving the authority.

His appointment was one of five made by the Malta government to form a new board for the LGA.

“The new government desires to strengthen and grow the online gaming industry, both strategically and originally,” said Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Zammit Lewis.

The new board is composed of Galea as chairman, Dr. Chris Cilia, Dr. Rachel Tua, Caesar Grech and Ruth Trapani Galea. The LGA will continue to be run by CEO Reuben Portanier.

“I am delighted to be returning to the LGA and look forward to work with the staff to keep Malta as a center of excellence for gaming policy,” said Galea.