Malta — The iGaming Capital of the World

Malta is to iGaming what Silicon Valley is to tech. A tiny Mediterranean island with a population of ~540,000 has become the regulatory and operational headquarters for a significant share of the global iGaming industry.

Malta by the Numbers

• 500+ iGaming companies based on the island
• 305 active MGA licenses (as of 2023 annual report; the MGA received a record 28 new applications in H1 2025)
• ~10% of the world's virtual casinos regulated by the MGA
• ~12,000 people employed directly in iGaming (estimates vary)

Sources: MGA annual reports, SOFTSWISS, MaltaToday (2025)

Why Malta?

Malta was the first EU member state to regulate online gambling, starting in 2004. The combination of English-speaking population, EU membership, favorable tax structures, and a purpose-built regulatory framework (the Malta Gaming Authority) created a self-reinforcing ecosystem. Once a critical mass of companies established there, the talent pool, legal expertise, and service providers followed.

Key Events in Malta

• SiGMA Euro-Med — the flagship edition (~12,000 attendees), typically held in November
• NEXT Valletta — operator-focused festival (~6,000 delegates, 40% operators), February
• Malta Gaming Week — a cluster of smaller conferences, workshops, and networking events organized by various companies throughout the year

Practical City Guide for Attendees

Getting There

Malta International Airport (MLA) is well-connected to all major European hubs. Budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air) serve many routes. The island is small — you can get from the airport to any conference venue in 30 minutes.

Where to Stay

St Julian's and Sliema are the main conference hotel areas. Valletta (the capital) is more atmospheric but slightly less convenient. Book early during SiGMA week — hotels fill fast and prices spike.

Getting Around

Bolt and taxi apps work well. Public buses cover the island but are slow. Many iGaming professionals walk between offices in St Julian's — the industry is concentrated in a few square kilometers.

See all Malta events on iGamingEvents.ai.