Could Delta New Direct Flights Between USA and Malta Help Boost World's Largest Gambling Hub?
Malta is the world's leading licensing jurisdiction for online casinos and many of the big name sports betting brands as well. As of 2025, there were a total of 315 web gambling companies licensed ty the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), with around another dozen licenses held. Most of these companies maintain an office in this European island nation of nearly 600,000 located in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast.
Being that it is such a small community of industry professionals, any discrepencies or complaints are typically resolved quickly to avodi embarassment.
Well, that community might be ripe for expansion with the big news that Delta Airlines will be adding a nonstop flight between Malta and New York City.
What It All Means
Some of the gambling firms licensed by US state authorities do maintain a presence in Malta. As we prepare to head into 2026, MGA-licsensed operators typically list the USA as a "restricted jurisdiction" however.
For players outside the USA looking to try brands under Malta-licensed groups, here’s a useful guide to infiniza limited casinos.
For operators, this direct access opens up opportunities as industry executives and other key members of the sector can now cut down travel time by nearly a half a day in some cases.
Major industry events, including the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, just got that much easier to access for those operators based out of Malta while folks across North America will enjoy a smoother transfer process for attending some of the top internet-gaming focused events including SiGMA, iGaming NEXT and SBC Summit.
Up until this announcement, those arriving from the US would typically have to choose a connection point within Europe then wait hours to catch one of the few flights to Malta.
There are currently no direct nonstop flights between the United States and Malta.
Air Malta Ceasing Operations Last Year Didn''t Help Matters
Air Malta had operated services as the country's flag carrier to destinations ithroughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Air Malta ceased operations on 30 March 2024. It was the go-to carrier for those arriving form the United States.
in October 2023, Robert Abela, the prime minister of Malta, stated that the newly recapitalized KM Malta Airlines would retain Air Malta’s current fleet of eight Airbus A320 aircraft. The cities linking to Malta were still limited to London, Madrid, Paris and a few others, but often with long connection times.
Delta Answers the Call With Direct Flights Between New York City and Malta
Over a five day period in August, travelers were asked to vote on which European island—Sardinia, Italy; Malta; or Ibiza, Spain—they wanted for a new U.S. nonstop flight. With thousands of votes cast, Malta won the competition.
Sardinia also came through as there were two voting criteria offered.
“The results were tight: SkyMiles Members gave Sardinia the edge, while Delta employees crowned Malta their favorite,” the airline explained in a press release. “With both destinations ranking at the top for two of its most important communities, Delta chose to add both to its map.”
The New York JFK-Malta flights begin June 7, 2026, with three weekly flights. Delta is also looking into offering introductory deals on airfares to both Sardinia and Malta.
And for Our Canadian Friends
Flights beween Toronto and New York City are just over an hour. Delta Air Lines currently operates nonstop (direct) flights between Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and New York City (JFK).
What About Gamblers? Any Good Casinos in Malta?
Malta is home to several licensed casinos that offer a range of gaming experiences, the biggest and perhaps best known of those being Casino Malta in St. Julian's near all the major hotels.
- B.E. Delmer, Gambling911.com
