I-gaming in the digital economy : a macro & micro evaluation of Malta’s international attractiveness

Abstract

This study consists of a qualitative research related to the I-Gaming sector in Malta, its including its status and its options. Information has been collected and analysed from multiple, competing and complimentary sources, including: 1. Local and overseas, 2. Public and private, 3. Industry-level and company-level sources, 4. With an objective to enable macro and micro understanding The researcher is himself a law enforcement professional with knowledge of economic crimes and fraud. The research has shed light, both directly through the interviews and through critical evaluation of documents (e.g. by; UN institutions, EU institutions, Maltese Regulators) on issues relating to the Maltese industries comprising of: 1. International environment, 2. Its current positioning, 3. Opportunities and threats, 4. Malta’s attractiveness to the sector. On the basis of many facts, perceptions, viewpoints, and hard statistics, both local and overseas, this study articulates an analysis and recommends strategic options for the Industry, both defensive and offensive. The latter include increasing diversification of a digital industry that is per se International, to increasing levels of Internationalisation into other: 1. Geographies, 2. Jurisdictions, 3. Linguistic / cultural groupings The latter, together with enhancing the perceived Value of the Maltese iGaming licence (LGA), would constitute substantial and substantive business proofing of the sector in Malta – in other terms, the systemic risk reduction. It is hoped that the study would constitute interesting reading for the various stakeholder groupings, including prospective investors / operators, public sector thinkers, and last but not least, for academics. Apart from that, the design and development of the questionnaire instrument used for this research was based on the “Ease-of- doing-Business” study (which is related to international benchmarks), that the World Bank publishes every year. Interviewing was 360-degrees, with the different sector players, namely: 1. Business sector organisation and Regulator, 2. Overseas iGaming Operators with investments in Malta, entrepreneurs and professionals The latter consists of Maltese and expatriates who know our and overseas Industries and Operators, including persons from: 1. Consultancy, 2. Banking, 3. Law, 4. IT Audit