Dutch Supreme Court Closes One Door on Gambling Player Claims – What’s Next for Malta-Based Operators? Litigation & Dispute ResolutionRegulatory Compliance

Dutch Supreme Court Closes One Door on Gambling Player Claims – What’s Next for Malta-Based Operators?

On 3 July 2026, the Dutch Supreme Court (Hoge Raad) delivered its long-awaited judgment in the joined cases 25/00202and 25/00204, concerning claims brought by Dutch players against Malta-based gaming operators TSG Interactive Gaming Europe Limited (PokerStars) and Electraworks Europe Limited (bwin.party). While the judgment concerns the interpretation of Dutch law, its implications extend beyond the Netherlands and are of particular interest to Malta's remote gaming sector. The decision addresses one of the principal legal arguments relied upon by Dutch players seeking repayment of historical gambling losses from operators that accepted Dutch customers before the introduction of the regulated Dutch online…
Can Creditors Request a Change in Liquidator? Understanding your Rights during Liquidation Corporate and M&ALitigation & Dispute Resolution

Can Creditors Request a Change in Liquidator? Understanding your Rights during Liquidation

This article forms part of a series exploring key procedures and rights under the Companies Act (Chapter 386 of the Laws of Malta) in the context of company liquidation. While not every step requires a direct court application, creditors and other stakeholders still play an active role in shaping the process. Once a company is placed into liquidation by a court order, the Official Receiver is automatically appointed as the liquidator. However, this appointment is not necessarily permanent. Under Article 229(4) of the Companies Act, creditors holding at least one-fourth in value of the company’s debt may formally request the…
What happens to Directors and Shareholders After a Winding up Order is Issued? Corporate and M&ALitigation & Dispute Resolution

What happens to Directors and Shareholders After a Winding up Order is Issued?

This article is part of a series exploring court actions available under the Companies Act (Chapter 386 of the Laws of Malta). Each article gives a practical overview of a specific legal remedy or procedure involving court supervision; outlining when it applies, the steps required, and the purpose behind it. It is intended as a useful reference point rather than an in-depth academic analysis. Once a court issues a winding up order, the company enters into official liquidation, and control of the company is transferred away from its directors and shareholders. The court will appoint a liquidator, usually the Official…
Statue of scale of justice with background of lawyer
What happens to Court Cases once a Company is ordered into Liquidation? Corporate and M&ALitigation & Dispute Resolution

What happens to Court Cases once a Company is ordered into Liquidation?

This article is part of a series exploring court actions available under the Companies Act (Chapter 386 of the Laws of Malta). Each article gives a practical overview of a specific legal remedy or procedure involving court supervision; outlining when it applies, the steps required, and the purpose behind it. It is intended as a useful reference point rather than an in-depth academic analysis. Once a company is officially placed into liquidation by a court order, any ongoing court cases involving the company, whether filed by it or against it, may no longer proceed in the usual way. Under the…
Can a Legal Action be Paused Once a Company is Being Wound Up? Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Can a Legal Action be Paused Once a Company is Being Wound Up?

This article is part of a series exploring court actions available under the Companies Act (Chapter 386 of the Laws of Malta). Each article gives a practical overview of a specific legal remedy or procedure involving court supervision; outlining when it applies, the steps required, and the purpose behind it. It is intended as a useful reference point rather than an in-depth academic analysis. When a winding up application is filed before the Maltese courts, the company in question does not instantly enter liquidation. However, certain legal protections may immediately come into play, including the possibility of pausing other court…
A New Era for Commercial Disputes: Malta Revives the Commercial Court Litigation & Dispute Resolution

A New Era for Commercial Disputes: Malta Revives the Commercial Court

Malta has taken a significant step towards a more specialised framework for commercial dispute resolution with the enactment of Act No. IV of 2026 on 17 March 2026, formally paving the way for the re-establishment of a dedicated Commercial Court. This marks an important development in the handling of complex business disputes. The Commercial Court will form part of the superior courts and will be presided over by a single judge. It shall be given broad jurisdiction over commercial matters, including disputes arising under the Commercial Code, the Companies Act and the Competition Act, as well as cases concerning merchant…