Malta Focus 2024

Editor's Letter

When it comes to how we work, the Covid-19 pandemic had a lasting, undeniable impact.

In some cases, we look back in horror at having to cram our work computers into our living spaces four years ago and think ‘never again.’

More widely across the industry, however, the idea of working at home actually left a positive impact. In Malta – and iGaming more broadly – the idea of fully remote work has been embraced by tech companies and game design studios alike.

More commonly, as our cover feature explores through various interviews and statistics, companies are setting up a hybrid system. This way, employees regularly meet in groups at a physical office to preserve a sense of team togetherness, while additionally utilising the flexibility of not having to commute on certain days of the week (and allocate more time for childcare, chores and more).

As some of our interviewees point out, remote work suits certain vocations – one example given is recruitment – as the main action doesn’t happen 9-5 but in prime evening hours.

However, in the office vs remote debate, we quite often hear one-sided stories of the benefits of working in pyjamas, skipping train rides and saving time.

There are obviously productivity issues that are exacerbated when an underperforming employee is allowed greater freedom and scope to avoid deadlines; there are obviously human elements that are missed when people do not meet in person, and socialise at lunchtimes and after work; and there are obvious disadvantages to trying to train someone remotely when they can’t see or hear how the job is done all around them.

That’s why, in our cover feature of this Malta Focus edition, we try to present an objective assessment of all three sides: fully office-based, fully remote and hybrid. The overall concept most at stake across the three is that of company culture – and, whichever model you find most effective, the importance of culture cannot be underplayed.

Elsewhere in this issue, we of course provide our In Focus company profiles, featuring a host of organisations with prominent operations in Malta. Some tell us all about the company itself, while others – such as Soft2Bet – have used the space to talk about Bill 55, which pits Maltese law vs the EU. Ahead of the Global Gaming Awards EMEA’s move to Barcelona in January, meanwhile, we review some of the Awards’ biggest Malta-based winners from over the years. As time goes by, Malta’s impact on the wider gaming industry grows – as does the number of winners hailing from the archipelago.

We also preview SiGMA Malta (a show at which you may well be reading this very page…) and look back on a timeline of Malta’s history as a gaming hub. Further into the magazine, we hear from Malta Gaming Authority CEO Charles Mizzi, look into AML developments within Malta – and assess the growth of Ceuta as a potential rival hub.

All in all, as another year goes by in gaming, there is plenty to reflect upon, discuss and still so much to learn heading into 2025. And that applies to everyone – whether you’re sitting in an office right now or reading this in your living room!

TP, Editor

In the Magazine

The best of Malta at the Global Gaming Awards

Powered by Gambling Insider, the Global Gaming Awards are the gaming industry’s most prestigious. With the EMEA edition coming up to its eighth edition in January, we looked back at a few of the winners originating from Malta

Preview: SiGMA Malta 2024

A place in the winter sun: SiGMA returns to the home of iGaming for the final major gaming summit of 2024

Company profile: Soft2Bet

Bill 55: Advantages and challenges for Maltese operators in the EU

Company profile: DS Virtual Gaming

DS Virtual Gaming is a leader in the gaming industry, utilising state-of-the-art technologies to transform virtual gaming experiences

Company profile: Spribe

The future and the vision: CCO Giorgi Tsutskiridze explores Spribe’s path to leadership, and the techniques it uses for market success

Company profile: Hub88

Following it's unveiling of HubConnect at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, Hub88 broke down the use case of the aggregation platform, among other things

Company profile: iGP

At iGP, we are redefining the digital gaming landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions

Company profile: Habanero

Since its inception in 2012, Habanero has cemented its status as one of the world’s leading gaming providers, offering a rich array of RNG titles and table games that are accessible across multiple devices.

Malta Gaming Authority CEO Q&A: A duty of care

Malta Gaming Authority CEO Charles Mizzi speaks with Gambling Insider about the changes he’s made since his appointment earlier this year, as well as where he thinks the Authority is heading in 2025 and beyond

Company profile: WA.Technology

With a reputation as one of the world's premium emerging market B2B iGaming solutions providers, WA.Technology is now the partner of choice for some of the world's biggest frontier brands. Andrea Giuliani, Head of Commercial at WA.Technology, shares his expertise on what it takes to become a market leader

Company profile: Praxis Tech

Optimising payments for both merchants and their players

Company profile: MiFinity

Enhancing Efficiency and User Experience in iGaming Payments

Cover feature: Finding the balance between office vs remote working

With analysis from Jennifer Innes, Cordelia Morgan-Cooper, Christine Parkhill and Chanelle Demanuele, Gambling Insider Staff Writer Beth Turner investigates the status of office and remote work within Maltese iGaming, and how the way we work is changing. Contributions from Hannah Ward

Company profile: Xanada Investments

Setting new investing standards in iGaming

The benefits of both: Betsson's two cents on hybrid working

Keeping in line with our cover feature, we asked Betsson Group Chief HR Officer Lena Nordin for her thoughts on the pros and cons of both office and remote work in Malta

Company profile: PayRetailers

Cross-border payments are no longer optional – they’re a must-have for any merchant who wants to make a splash in the global iGaming scene.

The frontline: Dealing with new ML risks in Malta

Gambling Insider speaks to the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit Malta (FIAU) to discuss how operators can stay one step ahead of developing money-laundering threats in remote gaming

Company profile: Swintt

Swintt unpicks the importance of storytelling in the modern iGaming landscape - in conversation with Gambling Insider

Company profile: Pin-Up Global

International holding, iGaming technologies and B2B solutions specialist - Pin-Up Global - explores the top 5 commandments on how to build an effective international team

The rise of Ceuta: A Burgeoning hub

The autonomous city of Ceuta has become the centre of much discussion thanks to its favourable tax regime in recent times. Gambling Insider sits down with Spanish gaming law specialist - Alla Serebrianskaia - to find out more about the emerging market

Betby CEO Q&A: The future of sports betting

Betby CEO Leonid Pertsovskiy speaks to Gambling Insider about how the sports betting supplier can stay competitive in such a big market and how the industry is changing

Company profile: Trustly

Shaping the future of payments in gaming

Company profile: Volt

Lili Piper, Volt's Head of Gaming and Gambling, unpacks the power of open banking payment