Meridianbet completes Fairbet acquisition in Malta

• Meridianbet takes 100% ownership of Fairbet, adding nine retail locations to reach 20 total storefronts in Malta and Gozo.
• The deal gives Golden Matrix Group control of two of only three retail betting licences in Malta’s restricted market.
• The expanded network will include more than 60 sports betting terminals and over 120 slot machines across the Maltese islands.

Meridianbet, a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has completed its acquisition of Fairbet Ltd., securing full ownership of the licensed retail gaming operator in Malta.

The transaction, announced on Friday (30th January), sees Meridianbet take 100% control of Fairbet’s operations across Malta and Gozo. The deal brings nine new retail locations under Meridianbet’s ownership, expanding its physical presence to 20 total storefronts in the jurisdiction.

Dominant position in highly restricted market

Malta’s retail gaming sector operates under one of Europe’s most restrictive regulatory frameworks. Only three licensed operators currently serve the market: Meridianbet, Izibet (the National Lottery operator), and Fairbet.

With the completed acquisition, Meridianbet now controls two of the three retail licences in Malta.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) enforces stringent licensing standards and capital requirements that create significant barriers to entry. Fairbet holds an MGA licence B2C/195/2011.

The expanded network is expected to include more than 60 sports betting terminals and more than 120 slot machines across Malta and Gozo.

The two firms’ previous technology partnership will now transition into Meridianbet taking full operational control, with immediate integration under the Meridianbet brand.

Zoran Milosevic, chief executive of Meridianbet, commented:

“Completing the acquisition of Fairbet strengthens our position in a market where regulatory barriers create inherent scarcity value,” said Milosevic.

“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.”

Strategic expansion in established hub

The Fairbet acquisition forms part of Meridianbet’s strategy of combining organic growth with selective mergers and acquisitions in markets where regulatory frameworks favour consolidation. Malta has served as an operational hub for Meridianbet since 2008. The company is among the jurisdiction’s original licensed operators.

Meridianbet’s position in Malta strengthened in December 2025 when it secured a multi-year B2B licensing agreement with Fairbet to supply sports betting software, backend infrastructure, and risk management systems.

The partnership saw Meridianbet’s technology serving two of Malta’s three retail operators before this full acquisition.

Malta’s gaming sector operates under MGA oversight, which established the jurisdiction as one of Europe’s most credible regulatory environments. The MGA’s licensing framework combines investor protection, technical standards and capital requirements that position Malta-licensed operators for credibility across European markets.

Golden Matrix Group expansion

Founded in 2001, Meridianbet Group operates as an online sports betting and gaming group licensed in 18 jurisdictions across Europe, Africa, and South America. The company utilises proprietary technology and scalable systems, operating with an omni-channel approach across retail, desktop online, and mobile platforms.

Golden Matrix Group (NASDAQ: GMGI), based in Las Vegas, operates globally through B2B divisions including GMAG and Expanse Studios that develop and license proprietary platforms. B2C operations include RKings (UK competitions), Mexplay (Mexico online casino), and Meridianbet.

The Fairbet acquisition reinforces GMGI’s position in high-barrier European markets.

This deal positions Meridianbet to capture increased market share in Malta’s tightly controlled retail betting environment, where regulatory barriers function as protective moats for licensed operators.

The consolidation gives GMGI subsidiary unprecedented control over the jurisdiction’s retail betting distribution, serving both local customers and the millions of annual visitors to the Mediterranean archipelago.