This weekend in Malta and Gozo is going to be rife with anticipation as the general election to determine the makeup of the country’s parliament, and subsequently who will be in government for a five-year term, takes place. SiGMA News contacted the Labour Party (PL), currently in government, and the Nationalist Party (PN), the current Opposition party, to outline their views and plans for the iGaming sector.
The two parties were asked to detail their proposals and potential initiatives with regard to iGaming, as well as adjacent sectors such as prediction markets or esports. Additionally, they were asked for their general view on Malta’s standing within the wider industry and how important they deem iGaming to be as part of the country’s economy.
Labour Party response
In its response to the questions posed by SiGMA News, the PL described Malta’s iGaming industry as “one of the largest sectors of the economy,” as it commented that iGaming contributes to approximately 8 per cent in added value to the economy and employs “around 14,000 people”.
The PL deemed the future of the gaming and esports industry in Malta to be promising, as it said that eight projects are expected to be implemented in the sector over the next two years. These projects, it said, represent “an investment of €60 million and the creation of 1,300 new jobs”.
It said that the PL in government amended the VAT legislation related to the gaming whitelist “to make iGaming companies more competitive without the need for them to create alternative structures in other jurisdictions”. It continued that “as this sector continues to evolve rapidly,” it intends to introduce a legal framework on indirect taxation that safeguards the sector’s competitiveness.
On the topic of prediction markets, the PL stated that it aims to position Malta as a “frontrunner in the prediction markets” by introducing “a clear regulatory framework which safeguards market integrity and responsibility”.
Discussing its plans with regard to gaming and esports, the PL said that it has declared that it will strengthen collaboration with Unity Technologies and Epic Games so that more young people receive training, while also integrating the teaching of coding and video game development into secondary education.
Their plans also include an expansion of the Malta Gaming Authority’s remit to allow it to licence studios involved in narrative-driven games, esports platforms, and immersive virtual content.
Additionally, it said that an esports centre would be established, “equipped with modern gaming facilities which will be able to host international tournaments and competitive gaming events”.
On a similar note, the PL said that it also reaffirms the need for an adequate venue where large-scale events, fairs, and conferences can be held. It said that this project would be implemented in collaboration with the private sector.
Nationalist Party response
In response to the questions posed, the PN stated that it “pioneered and invested in the iGaming industry in Malta,” as it continued that this commitment to the industry transformed Malta into “a globally recognised digital and financial hub”.
“Through forward-looking regulation, legal certainty, and strategic investment, Malta became one of the first jurisdictions in Europe to successfully regulate online gaming, attracting leading international operators, highly skilled professionals, and billions in economic activity. This vision created thousands of quality jobs and opened new opportunities for Maltese businesses, professionals, and young graduates.”
The PN stated that it believes the success of the iGaming sector was built on stability, credibility, and a reputation for serious regulation. It continued that Malta established itself as a trusted jurisdiction for digital industries “by creating a business-friendly environment with strong institutions and modern legislation”.
With that in mind, the PN remarked that the iGaming sector continues to contribute significantly to economic growth, foreign investment, and government revenue, while also supporting other industries such as hospitality, real estate, financial services, and technology.
“Today, the PN remains committed to strengthening this success story by investing in innovation, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and advanced technological education,” the PN said, as it continued that it believes Malta must continue adapting to global technology changes by encouraging research, supporting startups, and ensuring that businesses operating in Malta remain internationally competitive.
It also noted that investing in skills development and specialised training is essential in order to prepare Maltese workers for the next generation of digital careers.
The PN concluded its response by saying that it is committed to protecting Malta’s reputation while also ensuring the sustainable growth of the iGaming industry. This commitment, it said, “includes maintaining a competitive and transparent regulatory framework, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and promoting good governance and international compliance standards”.
It said that the party’s belief is that “with the right leadership and long-term vision, Malta can continue strengthening its position as a leading European hub for iGaming, technology, and digital innovation”.
What the election means for Malta’s iGaming industry
In addition to the comments provided to SiGMA News, members of both parties have also made public statements with regard to iGaming ahead of the election. Both the PL and the PN have expressed a positive outlook on the iGaming industry and its economic impact on Malta.
The PN’s Head of Delegation at the European Union, MEP David Casa, has been an outspoken critic of a push to establish an EU-level online gaming tax, as he said that a Maltese government led by the PN would veto such a proposal without hesitation.
On the PL’s part, it has previously spoken about a Malta e-residency initiative which would allow foreign entrepreneurs to digitally establish and manage their business through Malta. In practice, this would mean that they could manage a Europe-based business with Malta acting as the regulatory base.
While early voting for the general election has begun, most voting will be done on Saturday, with the votes then being counted starting Sunday morning at 9AM local time in Malta.
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