A century of lotto heritage.
The history of the Lotto Receivers' Union is woven into the history of Malta's national lottery itself. From the very first public draw in Floriana to the modern concession era, lotto receivers have stood at the heart of the game — and since 1947 the L.R.U. has stood at the heart of the receivers. The timeline below charts the milestones that have shaped our profession and our Union across more than a century.
Malta's Public Lottery Begins
Malta establishes its public lottery, laying the foundations of a national institution that would grow to involve hundreds of receivers, sellers and their families across the islands.
The First Draw at Floriana
In February 1923 the very first lottery draw takes place at Floriana, marking the practical beginning of organised lottery gaming in Malta.
The L.R.U. Is Founded
Joseph Rossi founds the Lotto Receivers' Union to protect the interests of lotto receivers at a time when no relevant laws or regulations existed to safeguard them.
End of the Public Lotto Department Era
The Public Lotto Department, which had run gaming in Malta since the lottery's earliest decades, draws its long stewardship to a close, opening the way for a new chapter in how the national lottery would be managed.
Privatisation Proposals Sought
The government invites proposals to privatise the gaming industry while retaining oversight, setting in motion the transition from state administration to a concession model.
Maltco Lotteries Begins Operating
Maltco Lotteries, having won the contract, begins operating after negotiations with the L.R.U., commencing under an eight-year agreement that secured the position of the receivers.
Maltco's Ten-Year Tender
Maltco is awarded a new ten-year tender to operate the national lottery, running through to 4 July 2022.
National Lottery plc Takes Over
From 5 July 2022, National Lottery plc — a subsidiary of the IZI Group — becomes operator of the National Lottery of Malta under a ten-year concession. A ten-year agency agreement regulating the relationship with the agents' representatives, the L.R.U. and the GLAA, is concluded.
The story continues.
Under a ten-year concession and agency agreement, the L.R.U. is working to make the coming decade a success story for every receiver, seller and assistant.
More about the Union