Malta’s iGaming sector is far from stagnating. It is evolving. Let’s look at what we actually know.
Strong Economic Contribution
In 2025, Malta’s gaming sector generated €1,422 million in gross value added (GVA). This represented a 3.5% increase over 2024 and made up approximately 6.3% of Malta’s overall economic output – or about 8.2% including spill-over effects. That’s solid growth despite fewer licences on the books. This financial uplift isn’t just a flash in the pan; it demonstrates the robust health of an industry that’s both efficient and impactful. Reports from the Malta Gaming Authority confirm this trend towards greater efficiency and impact from a leaner set of operators. Efforts have centred around streamlining operations, with firms focusing more intently on strategic integration and technological upgrades. Automation and data analytics play a crucial role here, enabling companies to maximise output while maintaining compliance.
Employment Continues to Grow
Despite falling licence numbers, the workforce tied to MGA-licensed operators rose noticeably. By the end of 2025, around 15,039 people were employed by these operators, up 4.8% from 2024 and significantly above the 13,404 recorded in 2023. More output, more jobs – yet fewer players on the licence register. This growth in employment highlights a crucial aspect of the industry’s strategy: diversification. Many companies have broadened their horizons, providing a wider range of services from compliance to data analytics. Additionally, the demand for a skilled workforce reflects Malta’s pledge to nurturing a knowledgeable and adaptable pool of professionals, capable of steering the industry toward further innovation. The rise in remote work and global connectivity has also expanded Malta’s talent reach, allowing firms to tap into a diverse pool of expertise worldwide.
Fewer Licences, Stronger Outcomes
At the close of 2025, there were 302 licensed companies with a total of 311 gaming licences. That’s down from 315 companies and 323 licences in 2024, and from 316 companies and 326 licences in 2023. The decline is intentional. The MGA describes it as a sign of an industry in transition – one consolidating, maturing, aligning strategies and prioritising compliance. And while licence numbers dropped, economic contribution and employment marched onward. The shift reflects a discerning approach towards refining operational capacity, ensuring that only serious and compliant operators hold licences. This selective licensing strategy helps weed out unstable businesses, fostering a more secure and trusted environment for stakeholders.
Shift to B2B Strategies
2025 brought a clear tilt towards B2B activity. Of the 38 new licence applications received, 24 were for B2B. Of the 19 new licences issued, 12 were B2B. Meanwhile, employment across non-MGA-licensed functions rose by 41% year-on-year by mid-2025, reinforcing Malta’s growing role in support services rather than direct player-facing operations. The pivot to B2B reflects evolving industry needs, with more companies focusing on providing platforms, software solutions, and infrastructure to other gaming businesses. This back-end focus is sharpening Malta’s competitive edge, marking another chapter in its adaptive growth narrative. Cloud computing and AI-driven solutions are at the forefront of this shift, boosting efficiency and innovation in service delivery.
A Long-Term Vision
Malta isn’t sitting on its laurels. The SBC Summit 2026 emphasised that Malta is the EU’s leading iGaming hub, with over 300 licensed companies, more than 12,000 direct and indirect jobs, and over €1.5 billion in GVA, representing roughly 6% of GDP. The long-term target: push sector GVA to between €2.3 and €2.8 billion by 2035, equal to about 6 – 7% of projected GDP. That’s a clear signal. Malta is aiming not just to maintain its status but to deepen it – expanding into esports, video game development, immersive tech, and prediction markets, all wrapped into the national Vision 2050. This commitment underscores Malta’s proactive stance in leveraging technological advancements, ensuring the sector remains future-proof in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Collaborative initiatives with tech firms and universities are paving pathways to these future markets, nurturing a culture of continuous improvement.
What’s Behind the Staying Power?
- Regulatory first-mover advantage. Malta was the first EU country to regulate iGaming in 2004. That gives it a head-start and shapes EU norms. The early establishment of regulatory frameworks attracted businesses seeking a stable environment.
- Open regulatory culture. Authorities maintain dialogue with operators. They are accessible, adaptable, not reactive or politicised. This openness has allowed companies to navigate regulations effectively, fostering a spirit of innovation.
- Rich ecosystem. Malta offers banking access, talent pipelines, education, enterprise support, and growth across digital entertainment sectors. These elements are pivotal in nurturing an environment where iGaming businesses thrive, grounded in robust support networks that enhance operational efficiencies.
- Geopolitical stability. As an EU member with a favourable tax regime, Malta offers a politically stable environment, which is a significant drawcard for international businesses.
A Friendly but Focused Ecosystem
The sector isn’t just business. Malta blends quality of life with substance. Its ecosystem includes game studios, aggregators, platforms, data centres, legal and accounting supply, affiliate marketers, customer support outsourcing – even SEO agencies. Plus sunshine, culture, a skilled workforce and EU access. That’s why so many operators choose not just to licence out of Malta, but to root their operations there – in talent, infrastructure, regulatory trust and creativity. The island’s holistic appeal is crucial in attracting top-tier international talent and companies, turning Malta into a fertile ground for creativity and collaboration across geographical borders. Regular industry events and networking opportunities further boost Malta’s standing as a top destination for iGaming development.
Is Malta Still Growing as an iGaming Hub?
Let’s be clear. Malta isn’t booming in licence counts or player-facing platforms anymore. Growth looks different. It’s leaner. More tech-driven. More business-to-business. Yet growth persists – in economic output, jobs, and ecosystem maturity. That’s real resilience. This is no longer raw expansion. It’s consolidation with sophistication. Malta remains a centre of innovation and trust. It has redefined growth, not lost it. A home built to last. With a firm commitment to sustainable development and an eye on technological advancements, Malta is poised for continued influence over the iGaming world, fostering both prosperity and innovation. Investment in AI and sustainable technologies reinforces Malta’s position as a leader in nurturing forward-thinking solutions.
