By Ulises Gil, journalist at G&M News.
According to your experience and knowledge, what’s the current landscape of the gaming industry in Malta?
If we look at the last major show in November of last year (SiGMA 2022), it is clear that the industry is growing in a vibrant and consistent way. Also, if you take into account the constant demand for professionals in Malta, you can also get an idea of the pace of the industry. Just watch the LinkedIn showcase or visit one of the recruiter company sites to check it out. Although I would say that not everything is all roses, since just as there are companies that appear or others that grow explosively, there are also some that close operations or reduce their headcount dramatically, with all the collateral damage that this implies for their employees.
Can you define the Maltese gaming business in just a few words?
I think the word that best explains it is dynamic. iGaming companies such as TonyBet stand out for being pioneers in the sense of exploring and taking advantage of opportunities that are presented. You can see this in Malta. There are markets that are becoming “trendy,” such as LatAm or Japan, and you can see that the positions to be covered are beginning to flourish, from Online Casino Presenters, Customer Support Agents, and so on. Malta is a small place; news and trends spread fast, even more so if you consider that most of the operators and companies are generally located in three zones.
What about the future? How will this sector evolve, in your consideration?
As the hub of iGaming, Malta will grow more and more and remain the beacon of the industry. Although there are other places with favorable characteristics for the development of similar businesses (Cyprus, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, etc.), this country has unique conditions that attract all kinds of talent, not only from Europe, but from the whole world. The life quality, security and strategic position within Central Europe make it a place where global professionals can project a long and fruitful career. On the other hand, the MGA license is still very valuable in the industry, and I feel that it will continue to be attractive to operators in the long term. It could be said that Malta is the “island of cranes”, due to the large number of cranes and impressive real estate projects of all kinds that spring up throughout the island. I think this is a good analogy for a thriving industry that will continue to build projects and attract talent.