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The Real Worth of Malta’s iGaming Industry
The original source of the information found beneath was created by Rebecca Anastasi (MaltaChamber.org.mt) – View original source here.
Malta’s iGaming sector contributes over 12 per cent of the country’s GDP. Does it have a knock-on effect in the economy?
The official figures about online gaming industry reveal overall prosperity, high employment and revenue rise. Its worth is estimated roughly to be €1.2 billion, or over 12 per cent of its GDP. However, but these direct effects tell only part of the story. The iGaming industry has also positively affected the other industries in the country as well.
Leisure and entertainment
The rise of iGaming has “coincided with the increase of affluent business professionals on the island”, according to Jon Grafton, Creative Marketing Manager for Azure and Azure Ultra – an outfit which organises yacht charters. Mr Grafton says that the industry sees chartering a yacht “as an ideal way to spend leisure time and de-stress.” He estimates that around 20 per cent of Azure Ultra’s business comes from those involved in iGaming, from professionals seeking to book a private charter or from businesses organising team-building exercises. “The increased demand has had a positive impact on our bottom line, which we plough back into the business through purchasing more yachts and employing more captains and crew,” Mr Grafton explains.
Indeed, as a result of the increased business, the agency has created tailor-made charter packages for the sector, since “iGaming-oriented bookings tend to include a lot more special requests in terms of cuisine, water-sport activities and themed itineraries, such as famous film locations around the Maltese archipelago,” he says. Moreover, the company has had to become more flexible to accommodate last-minute changes, and bookings, in order to keep up with the demands from the sector. The team also now includes a specialist charter executive “who is a wiz at creating bespoke charter packages.”
While Azure is experiencing an increased demand for specialised on-board catering and services, such as massages or water-sports instruction, which do come as an extra cost, it is careful to ensure that its prices are fair. “Our prices are always right because we – quite uniquely among Malta yacht charter companies – own our own yachts and they’re all fully insured,” Mr Grafton says. In the future, the company plans to keep building on this success, offering corporate conference packages at sea. “iGaming has a great need for variety and excitement, and that’s what we’ll offer,” Mr Grafton asserts.
Back on dry land, catering establishments in the main entertainment areas of Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s seem to be constantly pounding with patrons, with tables often difficult to secure, unless you have a booking. Robert Bonnici, PR and Marketing Manager for the ubiquitous Hugo’s brand, underlines this “positive effect” on the industry. Not only do professionals working in the iGaming sector “frequent our venues on a regular basis, but their spend is often much higher than average,” he explains. Moreover, there has been a demand for corporate functions and private events catering to the local and international iGaming community according to Robert.
Andrew Galea, the Sales and Marketing Manager of hotel Group Corinthia, adds that while the company picks up some business for corporate and social events, as well as some hotel bookings for visiting delegates, the business accrued during industry conferences, such as Sigma, is what really makes a difference to the company’s bottom line, with many delegates staying in the hotel. Indeed, the remote gaming sector is a market the Group is very interested in. “We are currently in the process of promoting the range of services Corinthia possesses, not only in terms of hotel rooms, but also ancillary entertainment services such as restaurants, bars and event venues,” Mr Galea says.
IT infrastructure
As a sector which relies heavily on technology, iGaming requires high-level resources and services. Computime Software, a company which specialises in providing IT infrastructure, software and business solutions, is one stakeholder which supplies such products and capabilities to businesses operating in Malta’s online gaming industry.
John Wood, the company’s CEO, says that the company has seen a positive multiplier effect arising from the increased business with iGaming companies. “The sector attracts large multinational iGaming operations which create demand for the software and infrastructural solutions which we deliver,” he states, going on to assert that this accounts for “currently, approximately 15 per cent of our revenue.” The most common solutions on-demand are IT engineering and infrastructural solutions, IT security products and services, and software solutions focused on compliance monitoring and marketing optimisation, he explains.
He also notes that iGaming clients demand sophisticated solutions and, as a result, the market “provides us with an opportunity to develop our business, and to adapt our solutions by widening our product portfolio with a clear focus on servicing iGaming companies.” Indeed, he explains the changes in the type of solutions the company is currently offering, specifying that Computime is customising its software solutions to meet the specific demands of the iGaming sector, enabling them to deliver a quick return-on-investment to their clients. Other changes the company has instituted include adapting its client onboarding process to make sure “we only do business with reputable and established iGaming companies”, allowing the company to better manage its payment and credit terms, along with the other business risks inherent in such an enterprise.
Insurance
The meteoric rise of the iGaming industry has also resulted in a demand for ancillary corporate services in a variety of fields such as insurance. “Remote gaming has provided a lot of potential to prove our mettle in managing the varied and sometimes complex insurance requirements that the Gaming industry needs,” says Malcolm Ellul, Associate Director of Mediterranean Insurance Brokers, specifying that it now manages a sizable gaming portfolio, which is growing rapidly in size.
While Mr Ellul admits it is hard to establish the percentage of MIB’s business derived directly from the iGaming sector, he claims that the requirements are broad and range from “the direct insurances taken out by the business operators themselves” to “affinity and benefit schemes for employees.” In the future, the company hopes to attract even more interest, and, to this end, it has started attending Gaming-related conferences locally and overseas, and “plans to remain a market leader in providing insurance arrangements for the gaming Industry” since “gaming falls within the natural growth process of the Group,” Mr Ellul asserts.
Indeed, this seems to be the trend, for as Malta continues to attract further investment in the field of iGaming, businesses in attendant sectors are gearing up to continue offering the specialised resources to the sector, thus enabling Malta to retain its competitivity and its winning streak.
Source: MaltaChamber.org.mt
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Tom Horn Gaming is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest Hold & Win slot game, Majestic Coins. This high-volatility 3×3 slot takes players on a winning quest, where shimmering coins, respins, and grand jackpots lead to massive wins. Set against a sleek black 3×3 reel grid with 5 win lines, Majestic Coins offers classic slot excitement with a modern twist.
Candy Links Bonanza 2 is the newest slot game from Stakelogic, inviting you to wander through magical realms filled with delightfully sweet treats. Amidst this charming backdrop, two 5×5 grids are placed side by side. The grid on the right is where all the gameplay unfolds, while the other grid collects coins. Forming lines of coins wins their values and activates the powerful Wheels of Fortune!
Step into a world where opulence meets nature in Zillion’s latest release, Royal Crown Fruits – a dazzling slot experience filled with vibrant fruit symbols, golden crowns, and thrilling rewards. With 20 winning lines, the game blends classic charm with modern excitement, offering players a chance to strike royal-sized wins.
Big Time Gaming is back with its most exhilarating instalment yet. Max Megaways III invites players to gear up and embark on a high-stakes Arctic mission that’s shaken, stirred, and loaded with epic rewards. In this 6-reel Megaways™ slot, players get up to 117,649 ways to win, and that’s just the start of the action. Armed with MegaDozer™ mechanics, Free Spins, and a treasure trove of bonuses, Max Megaways III is set to deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement like never before.
Play’n GO delves into the mysteries of ancient Egypt with the release of Myth of Dead, a visually stunning slot that combines engaging gameplay with the allure of legendary treasures. This 5-reel, 3-row game with 10 paylines offers a captivating journey into a world ruled by powerful deities and golden riches.
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has released Blast the Bass, a brand new title that immerses players into an adventure on the open seas. Set out in the deep ocean, Blast the Bass brings together engaging mechanics, big bonus features and fun graphics that entertain players on every spin. A salty old skipper acts as the Wild symbol and will substitute for all regular symbols to combine for winning lines.
Push Gaming has launched Mad Blast, a volatile, multiplier-focused, pay-anywhere game that builds crazy robots along with wild winnings. Set in the workshop of the Mad Tinkerer, quirky, colourful bomb symbols populate the reels, with eight or more required to award a win. Winning symbols are removed from play, and the cascade of replacement icons allows subsequent wins to be formed.
Relax Gaming has revealed Glyph of Gods, an Egyptian-themed slot where hieroglyphs hold the key to wins. Bringing a fresh take on the much-loved Egyptian theme, this game features Glyph Positions which allow for Wild, Bonus, and Glyph symbols to land in dedicated spots, opening up multiple opportunities for big winning moments.
Blueprint Gaming returns in style with Big Catch Even Bigger Bass, offering a plethora of modifiers to maximise players’ winning potential. After years of success with its iconic Fishin’ Frenzy™ series, Blueprint has moved from the ocean to a picturesque lake where a bait box of aquatic symbols take their place on the 6×4, 4,096 win matrix, nestled in a mountainous landscape.
Amusnet announces the exclusive launch of 20 Wild Goals at Betano in Romania from February 20th to March 24th, 2025. 20 Wild Goals is a 5-reel video slot set in a stadium environment, offering 20 paylines. The Wild symbol, represented by a ball, expands to cover the entire reel, boosting the potential for higher wins. The tumbling reel feature adds a layer of excitement by removing winning combinations and increasing multipliers with each subsequent spin.
The post Week 8/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
International Esports Federation (IESF) has confirmed the official game titles for the 2025 IESF Season. The WEC25 will feature five of the most popular Esports titles:
- Counter-Strike 2,
- Dota 2,
- eFootball™ series,
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and
- PUBG MOBILE.
2025 marks the third consecutive year that IESF has maintained the same lineup, reflecting the consistency and popularity of these titles in the World of Esports.
With 136 member federations organizing National Qualifiers, the road to the 2025 IESF Season is set to be bigger and more competitive than ever. Around the world, national tournaments are already underway, as each federation seeks to crown their nation’s champions who will go on to compete at the highest level.
Igor Nedeski, Esports Manager at IESF, said: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with leading game publishers to ensure the highest quality of competition for the 2025 season. The excitement among athletes is already incredible as they prepare to represent their nations on the grand stage. This year, we anticipate an even higher level of competition as teams and players push the boundaries of Esports.”
The 17th edition of the IESF Season will not only highlight the competitive excellence of esports athletes but also reinforce IESF’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and fair play within the Esports ecosystem.
Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has participated in every IESF World Championship since the inception of the World Championships in 2009.
Players registered with MSSA may qualify for National Team Trials (NTT) in MSSA events that have been held for one Calendar Year before the National Team Trials are held.
Events still to be held are:
- 22 February 2025 – 6th WESTERN CAPE Online Championships
- 8 March 2025 – 6th GAUTENG Online Championships
- 15 March 2025 – National Team Trials for 17th IESF World Championships
The post Official Game Titles for 2025 IESF WEC25 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet announces the exclusive launch of 20 Wild Goals at Betano in Romania from February 20th to March 24th, 2025. This collaboration further strengthens the company’s long-term partnership with the operator and reflects Amusnet’s focus on providing localized gaming solutions to meet the needs of the Romanian market.
“With a clear focus on delivering localized, high-quality content, we continue to foster our mutually beneficial collaboration with Betano. By providing tailored gaming experiences, we ensure both Amusnet and our partners drive growth, meet player expectations, and strengthen our collective presence in the region,” said Andreea Popa, Commercial Manager at Amusnet Romania.
20 Wild Goals is a 5-reel video slot set in a stadium environment, offering 20 paylines. The Wild symbol, represented by a ball, expands to cover the entire reel, boosting the potential for higher wins. The tumbling reel feature adds a layer of excitement by removing winning combinations and increasing multipliers with each subsequent spin. The game presents a dynamic and engaging experience designed to appeal to players seeking thrilling gameplay.
Features
Expanding Wild
During the base game, the Wild symbol expands on the whole reel and substitutes for other symbols, increasing the winning potential.
Tumbling Reels with Increasing Multiplier
Winning symbols disappear, making way for the symbols above them while increasing the multiplier with each consecutive win. If new winning combinations appear on the screen after filling the empty positions, they are multiplied by Multiplier, which starts from x2 and increases by 1 with every consequent Tumbling Reels Feature.
Jackpot Cards
The four-level mystery jackpot bonus game Jackpot Cards is also available, just like in the rest of Amusnet’s Online Casino portfolio.
The post Amusnet Deepens Collaboration with Betano for Exclusive Launch of 20 Wild Goals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Week 8/2025 slot games releases
Official Game Titles for 2025 IESF WEC25
Amusnet Deepens Collaboration with Betano for Exclusive Launch of 20 Wild Goals
IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell
Playtech’s Bingo Technology Powers Buzz Bingo’s Launch of Innovative Omni-channel Experience
Casino Estoril Installs NOVOVISION CMS
CT Gaming Receives Approval to Launch Diamond King 4 in Bulgarian Market
Network 10 Breaches Gambling Ad Rules During Formula 1 Grand Prix Broadcast
Super Group Appoints Merrick Wolman to its Board of Directors
CT Interactive Joins Forces with LiveScore Bet to Expand Innovative Gaming Experience
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