The PokerListings Battle of Malta event accounts for 12% of the Maltese nation GDP according to Chief Operating Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority Paul Bugeja.

When I first saw the headline that PokerListing’s Battle of Malta (BOM) was a ‘significant part of the Maltese national GDP’ I had to check it wasn’t April. That surprising declaration came from Paul Bugeja, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Malta Tourism Authority speaking at a press conference held on Fri Oct 16.

“It accounts for 12% of the GDP and growing. It is second only to tourism.” Said Bugeja.

Joining Bugeja in that press conference was Ivonne Montealegre, BOM Project Director, Martin Carlesund, Chief Executive Office (CEO) Highlight Media Group Ltd, and Eros Ganzina, General Manager of the Portomaso Casino.