Malta’s phenomenal rise as one of the world’s premier iGaming hubs has encouraged some of the biggest names in the business set up shop on the island and make Malta their new home base.
This didn’t happen because of a mere stroke of good luck, but due to a strategic confluence of financial, legal, technological and cultural factors which successive administrations moulded over the years, and which ultimately tipped the odds in favour of gaming companies deciding to relocate here.
Among the advantages that Malta enjoys and which contributed to the rapid and remarkable growth of iGaming within its shores since 2000, is the fact that the country has positioned itself as one of the most attractive financial services centres in the European Union, providing a favourable fiscal regime to iGaming operators.
This is strengthened by the presence of a sound regulatory framework, which is overseen by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) and that seeks to benefit both operators and players. In the coming months, the Maltese government will also set up Gaming Malta: a specialised entity which will focus on promoting Malta as an remote gaming centre of excellence around the world, cementing further the country’s reputation in the field.
Malta’s membership in the European Union and its strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean sea make it an ideal place for iGaming companies to settle in and for their employees to advance their careers and raise their families in an economically and politically stable environment.
Among the illustrious names that Malta managed to attract over the years, one can mention Betsson, Betfair and Tipico, which will be represented at the 2014 editions of the Summit of iGaming in Malta (SiGMA) by their top-ranking executives who will be among the list of 60+ distinguished speakers for the event.
These three operators are just a tiny sample of the over 300 companies located in Malta and mainly based in the popular St Julian’s, Sliema and Birkirkara areas. Malta also licences 200 other gaming companies which base their operations mainly overseas.
SiGMA will be taking place between the 30th of October and the 2nd of November, and during those four conference-packed days, we’ll be hosting the biggest expo of iGaming companies on the island. Gathered together under one state-of-the-art roof at the Bay Arena in St Julian’s, will be over 70 exhibitors, including: gaming companies, game developers, recruitment agencies, internet marketing firms, affiliate programs many more.
Here’s a peek into 20 of the many gaming-related brands which will be manning a stand at the SiGMA 2014 summit.
888 Casino – 888 Casino was established in 1997, making it one of the longest running online casino destination. With over 25 million members, more than 280 top-class brand and in-house slots as well, as a wide variety of card games, this multi-award winning casino is one of the most trusted online casino games sites in the world. 888casino.com
AnnaBingo – AnnaBingo delivers an exciting, player-centred offering of games that guarantee less fuss and more fun while you play. AnnaBingo.com
Betsson – Betsson offers a wide range of first-class online games, including a sportsbook with over 4000 sports betting channels, an online casino with every kind of slots and table game imaginable and massive online poker opportunities and tournaments amongst others. Betsson.com
Casino Saga – Casino Saga boasts an enviable online game collection, consisting of a wide variety of slots, roulette games, blackjack, video poker and other popular casino games which ensures an enjoyable gaming experience everytime. CasinoSaga.com
ComeOn! – ComeOn! is a on online gaming site that offers a wide range of cutting-edge instant casino games, as well as innovative graphics and user-friendly payment methods. ComeOn.com
Energy Casino – Energy Casino was launched in 2013 and quickly became one of the fastest-evolving gaming operators in the industry. The casino offers a wide range of cutting edge games from the land-based slots manufacturer Novomatic and has recently updated their game portfolio with 100 of the latest games by NetEnt. EnergyCasino.com
EuroSlots – EuroSlots offers one of the widest variety of the leading games available online and promises only the best quality gaming experiences for its players, a commitment reflected in its company motto which makes it clear that any game deemed to be substandard won’t be allowed anywhere near the website. EuroSlots.com
Guts – Guts came to be after a group of highly qualified iGaming professionals banded together with the sole aim of developing the best online casino experience possible. Their speciality is in providing an unbeatable, high quality gaming experience. Guts.com
iGame – iGame serves around 1 million customers from all around the world, each of which is greeted to the website with the promise of top-notch support and a truly entertaining gaming experience that matches the company’s ambition of becoming a market leader in the European online gaming industry. iGame.com
Ladbrokes – Ladbrokes is a British-based gaming company that enjoys the role of world leader in online sports betting and gaming, including: poker, online bingo and many other classic casino games. Ladbrokes.com
LeoVegas – Leo Vegas is an online casino that provides world-class game entertainment on mobile, tablet and computer. It prides itself on being Europe’s fastest and most user-friendly mobile casino, delivering a gaming experience on the move like no other. LeoVegas.com
MamaMia Bingo – MamaMia Bingo was established in 2008 and quickly won the favour of many online players who log into the website to enjoy the fun and relaxation of playing bingo online. The company also takes its bingo action outdoors, with regular bingo get-togethers for members. MamaMiaBingo.com
Mobilbet – Mobilbet offers a unique gaming experience that spans sports betting, casino and live casino. The company was founded by four industry veterans driven by the desire to make online gaming more exciting, accessible and user-friendly. Mobilbet.com
Portomaso Casino – Portomaso Casino is one of Malta’s most glamorous and chic casino which offers players the opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement of high-class casino gaming from the comfort of their home. PortomasoGaming.com offers a variety of online games including live roulette, blackjack and punto banco. PortomasoGaming.com
Redbet – Redbet Csino offers more than 100 online gaming opportunities on its platform, including: a sportsbook with the best fixed odds and live betting option, hundreds of sports events to choose from and a massive range of multiple bet options for live events; a live and mobile casino; and online poker. Redbet.com
SlotsMillion – SlotsMillion is a brand new online casino, where classic and new casino game are always a click or a tap away. The casino is fully-adaptive, guaranteeing the same brilliant casino experience no matter which device is used. SlotsMillion.com
SuomiVegas – SuomiVegas offers a great range of popular casino games and excellent odds for betting! The online casino offers a vast selection video games, table games, blackjack, video poker, roulette and many more exciting games. SuomiVegas.com
SverigeKronan – Sverigekronan is Sweden’s fastest gaming site with plenty of online entertainment opportunities. Players can enjoy online casino and sports betting on their desktop, laptop, smartphone and tablet device and, when they win, the casino credits their winnings instantly. SverigeKronan.com
Vera&John – Vera&John offers a wide range of first-class online gambling products and games in a safe and user-friendly gaming environment. At the Vera&John Casino, players will find everything from table games such as blackjack and roulette, to slot machines, video slots and other online casino games. VeraJohn.com
VideoSlots – Videoslots.com is the only casino in the world providing more than 850 games from leading game providers and developers. The company works continuously to offer its players more games, a wider range of convenient payment options, a variety of exciting promotions and other special offers. VideoSlots.com
Yobetit – Yobetit is an online gaming operator that implements a unique browser-based sports arbitrage trading model that lets players place bets on dozens of sporting events using an advanced algorithm and benefit from massive prizes. Yobetit.com
The Summit of iGaming in Malta (SiGMA) 2014, which takes place from the 30th of October till the 2nd of November, is your ticket to the latest knowledge that will shape the industry in the months and years to come.Register now.
