GAMINGmalta
2O17 EDITION
Illustrations by Moira Scicluna Zahra
Malta needs to continue strengthening and developing its educational system in order to ensure that it maximises the potential of local human capital. This requires continued synergy between all educational institutions, coupled with the efforts put forward by the European Gaming Institute of Malta (EGIM). This said, Malta is an EU state, hence we shouldn’t limit ourselves to local talent. Heathcliff Farrugia Deputy Chairman – Gaming Malta
If I were calling the shots in government, I would implement a retention policy to ensure that the operators already in Malta are provided with enough reasons to remain here. Secondly, I would solve the issues of multiple licences and audits immediately. Thirdly, I would hold meetings with operators and industry associations to get a feel of what operators in Malta expect from the MGA. Alan Alden General Secretary – Malta Remote Gaming Council
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address certain capacity constraints in terms of schooling and kindergarten facilities, which reduce the island’s competitiveness. iGaming professionals report that there had been cases in which foreign professionals had not taken up positions being offered because they could not find schooling for their children. Most iGaming companies choose to locate in Sliema and St. Julian’s, which thus have become popular residential areas for iGaming executives. The high demand has driven up rent for both offices and apartments. Investment in highquality office space in other localities, coupled with improvements in transport and road infrastructure, would enable the sector to grow out of its traditional hotspots and spread across the island.
Future Outlook
Malta is in the enviable position of being the author of its own destiny, but this defining moment will not last forever. The island saw strong growth on the back of its regulatory framework, which was revolutionary at that
time and lured the sector’s strongest companies to the island. However, the future will be written by the level of regulatory, financial and technology innovation prevalent in Malta’s iGaming industry. The island’s success will also be built on its ability to constantly attract new entrepreneurs; Malta needs to accommodate global players while acting as a magnet for startups. However, to fit into the business plans of these companies, Malta needs to continuously make sure it has all the right elements in place: the availability of cross-sectorial talent, the depth and breadth of industry clusters, good air transport links and ICT infrastructure, as well as a reputation as a good place to live. Malta has the opportunity to be a truly global centre for the iGaming industry, similar to what New York, Hong Kong and London are to the finance industry. The gaming industry in global terms is still in its infancy and expected to expand significantly in the coming years. Malta understands the current and future value of the iGaming industry and is truly embracing it to unleash the sector’s full potential. n