ICE Barcelona 2026: How Malta Shapes a Sustainable iGaming Ecosystem

At ICE Barcelona 2026, Malta presented its full industry ecosystem. The national stand demonstrated how the island supports companies at every stage, from launching new products to expanding worldwide. The event highlighted Malta’s role as a centre for regulated online gaming businesses.

Malta’s Industry Community on Display

The exhibition space presented Malta as a coordinated ecosystem rather than a group of separate organisations. The stand brought together founders, operators, service providers, and public institutions that support the sector.

A special feature of the stand was a virtual reality roulette installation developed by the Malta-based company Draw & Code. The interactive experience attracted strong interest from visitors and reflected the jurisdiction’s focus on technological creativity.

The exhibition was coordinated by GamingMalta. The foundation operates as an independent non-profit entity created by the Government of Malta and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Ivan Filletti, the organisation’s CEO, said they have developed a kind of global Silicon Valley for iGaming in the country. The international exhibition provided an opportunity to demonstrate how this model works in practice.

Collaboration Across the Ecosystem

The Malta stand reflected close cooperation between the private sector and public institutions. Visitors met representatives of Maltese businesses and learned how companies establish and grow their operations on the island.

For the 1st time, several major institutions participated together at the national booth:

1. Bank of Valletta (BOV) — the country’s largest banking institution.
2. Malta Enterprise — the national agency responsible for economic development.
3. Identità — the authority responsible for identity management and migration processes.

The joint participation helped visitors understand how different aspects of business operations are supported in Malta. Questions related to licensing, banking services, recruitment, and relocation were discussed in one place.

This collective presence demonstrated Malta’s intention to present itself as a unified jurisdiction. Government agencies and industry stakeholders are working together to support long-term business development and attract institutional investment.

Another initiative highlighted during the exhibition was the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. campaign, which focuses on responsible entertainment, strong compliance standards, professional conduct, and sector transparency.

Key Advantages of the Jurisdiction

Malta’s attractiveness as a hub for operators results from a combination of several strengths. Instead of relying on a single competitive factor, the island offers a balanced environment that supports businesses at different stages of development.

Brands operating from Malta benefit from:

• regulatory stability and predictable oversight;
• international recognition within the industry;
• relatively low barriers to entering the market;
• a strong network of specialised suppliers and partners.

The island also serves as a convenient gateway to the European Economic Area. English is widely used in business communication, which simplifies operations for international teams. In addition, immigration procedures and employment programmes help attract professionals from around the world.

National Economic Strategy

The government’s long-term development plan, Envision 2050, was also featured in the presentation at ICE Barcelona. The strategy outlines clear objectives for financial upturn over the coming decades.

One of the central goals is to achieve an average annual GDP growth rate of about 5% by 2035. Investment will focus on 7 priority industries, with gaming recognised as a key contributor.

According to economic projections, the sector’s value may increase significantly over the coming years. Its current revenue is estimated at approximately €1.5 billion. By 2035, this figure could range from €2.3 to €2.8 billion. At that level, the industry would represent roughly 6–7% of the country’s gross value added.

To support this development, the jurisdiction has launched the “Make it in Malta” campaign. The initiative promotes real business stories from companies that have expanded successfully on the island. Instead of marketing claims, the project highlights measurable results, including funding, recruitment growth, and product launches.

Recent data shared at an iGaming Council meeting confirmed that several operators have already committed around €60 million in new investments.

Importance of Skilled Professionals

Human capital remains one of Malta’s strongest advantages. The local gaming workforce currently includes approximately 14,000 employees.

The MGA’s research shows a high level of satisfaction with the available talent pool among industry participants.

The results indicate that:

• 85% of companies gave favourable feedback on the availability of skilled personnel and training opportunities;
• around 80% expressed satisfaction with labour mobility and recruitment conditions;
• 87% rated the ethical standards of conduct among staff positively.

Educational institutions help maintain this pipeline of professionals. The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) provides specialised courses for individuals interested in industry careers.

At the same time, migration and employment programmes managed by organisations such as Identità and Malta Enterprise continue to strengthen the international talent base available to Malta-based companies.

Growth Through Technology and Innovation

Malta is also investing in the convergence of several digital entertainment sectors.

Authorities support the simultaneous evolution of different areas:

• eSports;
• casino game development;
• immersive and interactive technologies.

These industries share similar technical expertise and creative resources. Collaboration between them can lead to new opportunities for innovation and product development. Government policy focuses on maintaining a transparent regulatory system while also encouraging technological experimentation. Fiscal incentives, investment initiatives, and education programmes are designed to support this approach.

Sustaining Industry Growth

Today, more than 350 operators have established their presence in Malta. The stability of the business environment encourages brands to remain in the jurisdiction for extended periods.

Statistics from 2023 show that among the largest 100 companies in Malta, the average duration of activity on the island was 13 years. This figure suggests that once gambling firms establish their operations there, they tend to continue growing within the same ecosystem.

Malta’s influence on the global gaming industry remains considerable despite the country’s relatively small size. The authorities continue to strengthen the regulatory framework, support innovation, and attract new investments.

Through coordinated participation at international events such as ICE Barcelona, the island demonstrates how a small jurisdiction can play a significant role in shaping the future of the online gambling sector.