“The robust growth of the gaming industry in recent years has been sustained in 2017,” the MGA report said. “The gaming industry thus consolidated its position as the third-largest economic sector, contributing to the generation of activity in other sectors.”

The MGA outlook for the gaming industry’s future is positive, with surveys indicating that gross gaming revenue should grow by an average of about 15% and employment should rise by 10%.

According to the report, “existing operators expect to increase their expenditure in Malta, in a range of around 8% to 13% per annum over the next two years, thereby further contributing to the growth, in particular, of the services, retail and real estate sectors.”

The MGA also think it is possible that the gaming industry could see more growth with the activities of new investors in Malta.

The MGA will be implementing GDPR-based impact assessments during 2018 in order to ensure the privacy of customer data. It will also be looking to focus on the security of its information with an overhaul of its IT infrastructure.

Malta's new Gaming Act comes into force on 1 August 2018, a month later than previously expected.