4 iGaming events in Malta you should attend

In 2004, Malta became the first EU member state to create a legal framework for online gambling. Since then, the Malta Gaming Authority has not looked back. Fast forward to 2022, and online gambling accounts for at least 13.6% of the country’s GDP. It employs more than 9000 people directly and thousands more indirectly in businesses like corporate service providers, accountants, and marketing firms. In short, the gaming sector is one of the main backbones of Malta’s economy. This means the island is home to a thriving iGaming community, including events, seminars, conferences, and large-scale exhibitions that attract tens of thousands of stakeholders every year.

Top iGaming events in Malta

Malta might be a small country, but it is home to some of the world’s biggest and most well-attended iGaming events. With conferences, exhibitions, networking events, and award ceremonies all scheduled during the next 12 months, there are plenty of opportunities to meet others in the industry and showcase your own skills and innovation.

CasinoBeats Summit

The CasinoBeats Summit takes place every may and brings together more than 2000 senior executives for the gambling industry. Taking place at the InterContinental in St Julians over the course of two days, it is one of the largest industry conferences in the country. Particular areas of focus include online slots, live casinos and poker and leading experts in their field are on-site to discuss developments, innovation, and game development. In addition, those present will also delve into lessons to be learnt, new trends on the horizon and the divergence and convergence between iGaming and video gaming. The exhibition closes with the Game Developer Awards to round off two days of panels, exhibits, and networking opportunities.

SiGMA

SiGMA is the organiser of the world’s largest and most renowned iGaming conferences and exhibitions. As well as holding events on every continent, it hosts SiGMA Europe in Malta every Autumn. This year’s event occurs between 14 to 18 November at the MFCC in Ta’Qali. The event is known for bringing the biggest names in the industry all under one roof for a week of networking, panels, workshops, and events. From CEOs to affiliates, developers to platforms, investors to payment providers, and everyone in between, the conference showcases the who’s who of the gaming world. As well as the exhibition and lots of high-level panels, SiGMA is known for its excellent networking opportunities. Dinners, drinks, treks, galas, and boat trips are just some of the possible events on the SiGMA horizon for 2022.

EGR Nordics Awards

EGR Nordics Awards is one of the most well-known awards ceremonies in the business. Scheduled to take place on 24 February 2022 at the Westin Dragonara Resort in St Julians, it aims to pay homage to the business’s most successful and innovative names. With a focus on companies operating in the Nordic region, awards are offered for customer service, marketing skills, commercial success, and of course, innovation in game development.

iGaming IDOL

Another leading awards ceremony is iGaming IDOL, which will occur in the autumn of 2022. Taking place over one evening, the event includes a drinks reception, gala dinner, and award ceremony. For those with stamina, there is an after-party that continues from midnight into the early hours of the morning. The event typically raises money for a local charity and is attended by all the leading names in the local iGaming industry. These include operators, service providers, affiliates, regulators, and more.

The future of iGaming in Malta

The future of iGaming in Malta remains positive. The number of applications for gambling licenses continued to rise over the last few years, despite issues related to the pandemic. Of course, other locations are gaining popularity as jurisdictions of choice for gambling companies. Still, Malta’s long and stable history as a hub for gambling companies stands it in good stead. Favourable regulatory and fiscal incentives, a welcoming business environment, and a large talent pool will continue to ensure that gaming thrives in malta for years to come. Even with a shift towards hybrid and work-from-home business models, there will still be a demand for the benefits that Malta brings.

To find out more about setting up or operating an iGaming company from Malta, CSB Group is here to help. With years of experience in the iGaming sector and having worked with many of the industry’s big names, we can assist with all aspects of establishing and running a business in Malta. Contact us today on [email protected] to start the conversation.