Malta Online Gaming Statistics 2020

Malta online gaming statistics are impressive. The online gaming industry in Malta is one of the fastest-growing industries, both locally and internationally. In fact, Malta's online gaming statistics show a significant increase in growth both through revenue and job opportunities. Xace now offers accounts for Malta companies.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) Chairman Joseph Cuschieri recently said that it is fast becoming “the jurisdiction of primary establishment for most operators within the industry.”

In fact, Malta is currently seen as the online gaming capital of the world and is continuing to innovate. It is the second largest industry in Malta behind tourism.

The beneficial tax and gaming regulatory approaches help create the ideal conditions for any company within the online gaming industry to base themselves in Malta.

Gaming in Malta

Online gaming or iGaming is essentially placing a bet on the outcome of a game via the internet, via a gaming payment processor or even cryptocurrency. Online gaming activities include online casinos, online sports betting, and online poker. Online casino games and online sports betting have the largest market shares.  

Malta, Gibraltar and the UK are the most popular iGaming hubs in the world. Read our UK 2020 Gaming report here or our Malta online gambling statistics 2021 report here.

Malta Online Gaming Statistics Snapshot

Below is a snapshot of some of the facts and figures relating to the success of Malta’s online gaming industry:

• 10% of the world’s gaming companies are registered in Malta. Many online gaming businesses of all sizes have chosen to operate from Malta so they can take advantage of its low tax rates (the lowest in Europe), outstanding financial services environment, world class hosting facilities, highly skilled and affordable workforce plus unparalleled access to the regulator. 

• In terms of employment, as of June 2019, the online gambling industry in Malta employed some 7011 full-time jobs, an increase of 200 on the amount employed in December 2018. Out of these 7011 individuals, 6142 work in online gaming compared to only 860 in the land-based industry.

• The MGA published an interim report in December 2019 which outlined how the gaming industry developed during the first half of 2019. In the first half of the year, online gaming contributed an impressive 13.6% of the value of the Maltese economy with 283 companies having received a license to operate in and from the country.

• More than 250 gaming companies call Malta home including giants like Betsson, Tipico and Betfair.

• The online gaming industry is responsible for 12% of Malta’s GDP and it shows no sign of halting in its tremendous growth. It generates about €700 million and employs 9,000 people.

• Industry forecasts predict a global online gambling market value of 94.4 billion US dollars by 2024 and Malta is a key player. With regulations relaxing around the world, notably in Asia, and with new elements such as virtual reality, esports and blockchain innovation, it’s clear to see why Malta, at the centre of it all, is buzzing with new ideas, business propositions, investment opportunities and non-stop recruitment.

• An annual survey carried out by international recruiting company Boston Link revealed there has been an 11% year-on-year increase in salaries within the online gaming sector in Malta.

• According to a recent analysis by CountryProfiler, nearly 7,000 people are directly employed full-time (or full-time equivalent) by online gaming companies, and an estimated additional 3,000-4,000 are employed for ancillary work. Companies seek to promote in-house, though many run active recruitment drives as well.

• Highly skilled recruits in the online gaming sector are now being offered a 15% tax cap on salary by the Maltese government. 

• LeoVegas, one of the leading mobile gaming companies is based in Malta. The company was established in May 2011 by Gustaf Hagman and Robin Ramm-Ericson. It employs a team of around 300 in Malta and Sweden. LeoVagas’s largest office is in Malta and the CEO, Johan Styren maintains that Malta has provided a great environment for the company to grow.

• Bet365 have announced plans to relocate to Malta, bringing with them over 500 employees and creating new job opportunities. The move from the company’s current headquarters in Gibraltar is being blamed on the uncertainty of the UK legislative framework. Aware of the upcoming upheaval, the company has already been consolidating its position in Malta for months.

• Other companies such as William Hill recently opened satellite offices in Malta, with chief digital officer Ulrik Bengtsson confirming that this is being done in preparation for Brexit, to be ready for all eventualities.

• Online gaming consumers are high in Malta. Recent forecasts from MGA reveal 56% of the population regularly spend money on online gaming activity, for a total amount of 150 million euros.

• Online gaming is popular in Malta due to its low gaming license fees and taxes. Also, the corporate income rate for businesses can be as low as an effective 5% rate. This is subject to meeting certain criteria and depending on individual circumstances. In respect of the revenue generated from licensable gaming services, the rate is set at 5% of the Gross Gaming Revenue. In Malta, gaming operators are only required to pay tax on revenue from Maltese customers.

As the statistics show, the online gaming industry in Malta is thriving and has an exciting future ahead. Watch this space for future developments!