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Malta economy and online casinos

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4 years ago

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Malta was one of the first countries in the world that recognized the potential of the online casino and iGaming industry in general. Formed in the 1990s, this industry is now worth over $50 Billion and thanks to the early recognition, this small Mediterranean county is now enjoying the benefits that come with this industry. It has a highly positive effect on the country’s economy in so many different ways.

The Malta Gambling Authority was formed way back in the early 2000s and it was part of the country’s strategy for the development of the iGaming industry. Unlike most countries of the time, Malta had a highly affirmative view of this industry from the early beginnings. The MGA was formed in order to issue licenses and support industry development in general. Obviously, the goal was to make this small island one of the best destinations for foreign operators. These days, around 300 global players in the industry are located in Malta.

With such a number of corporations operating in such a small country, there is no doubt that tax collection has had a significant impact on the overall economy. According to some reports, the iGaming industry has a 15% share of the country’s total economic activity. Obviously, that number will continue to grow.

Benefits from iGaming aren’t just displayed in GDP and tax numbers. This industry has also had a big impact on other fields. For example, Malta now has several educational programs specified for the online casino bonus industry.

The reason is obvious. This is a small country and if we look at the numbers, it turns out that 60% of employees in the industry come from overseas. Only 40% belongs to the domestic share. Obviously, one of the strategies is to change that trend and to increase the share of domestic workers. So, educational institutions have increased the offer of their classes, including numerous ones that target gaps that exist in the industry at the moment.

At this point, it is estimated that there are over 6.000 employees working in this industry and if we can trust experts, operators are currently in need of 3.000 additional workers. So, we may expect further arrivals of foreign workforce.

This leads us to another aspect of the iGaming influence on Malta’s overall economy. For example, with such a big number of abroad workers, it’s easy to conclude that demand for real estate has increased significantly. Workers prefer to rent a property, which has increased the rental prices by a notable percentage. According to some reports, the average property prices have been increased by 10% in the past several years.

Another impact of iGaming on Malta’s economy is the fact that offices of operators also have a positive impact on local businesses, such as service providers, restaurants, coffee shops etc.

In the last couple of years, more and more countries are starting with a similar practice as Malta. However, we don’t believe that this could slow down the growth of the country’s online casino industry and the overall economy. This small Mediterranean island will continue to grow, despite the growing competition. Simply, MGA is still one of the highest-reputable bodies in the business, who issues licenses to operators from all over the world. Simply, gaining these licenses is a matter of prestige, so operators who have gained them proudly advertise is, as a way to attract players from all around the world to register on their website.

Simply, the years of experience have provided MGA a kind of reputation that most newer regulatory bodies from other countries will hardly be able to reach. This body has set pretty high standards, whether it’s about player protection, fair gaming, operator accountability.

Founded in 2001, the Malta Gaming Authority also pays a lot of attention to the protection of youngsters and other vulnerable groups, and it is a body that ensures the integrity of games and operators, as well as that the industry is free from criminal activities.

Other than MGA, there are just a couple of more regulatory bodies in the world that can be considered as good. Those would be the UK Gambling Commission, as well as similar regulatory bodies from Gibraltar and Curacao. However, Malta still remains in the leading destination, and we have no reason to believe that things could change much in the future.

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AGLC Announces New Board Chair

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2 days ago

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July 28, 2025

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Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.

Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.

A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.

AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.

The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut

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6 days ago

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July 24, 2025

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EveryMatrix has expanded its partnership with tier-1 operator Pinnacle powering its new casino in Ontario, Canada, using CasinoEngine platform technology – the first time its platform solution has gone live in North America. 

The latest agreement builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration that saw EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine productivity platform power the well-known brand’s global casino offering.

The new launch takes the relationship to North America, marking EveryMatrix’s debut CasinoEngine platform integration in that market.

BonusEngine, EveryMatrix’s cross-vertical bonusing tool will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will equip Pinnacle Ontario with a host of bonus types as well as AI-powered bonus abuse solution Bonus Guardian.

BonusEngine is the first of multiple engagement tools from EveryMatrix’s EngageSuite that Pinnacle plans to integrate.

With this comprehensive toolkit at its disposal, and the opportunity to add even more casino products in the future, Pinnacle Ontario can tailor campaigns, segment audiences, and reward players more effectively, creating a world-class digital entertainment experience for its customers.

EveryMatrix has more than 300 global customers and holds North American licences in Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.

“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Pinnacle and support their ambitions in Ontario with a powerful combination of platform, content, and engagement tools that are proven to drive success.”

The post Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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AGCO

Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release

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1 week ago

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July 21, 2025

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As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.

Let me be perfectly clear

Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.

Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.

We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.

To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.

 

Sincerely

Matt Zamroźniak

Chief Executive Officer

Prime Skill Games Inc.

The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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