Malta showcases the full strength of its gaming ecosystem at SBC Lisbon

Malta’s key gaming stakeholders are coming together at a dedicated national booth at SBC Lisbon for the first time, offering delegates direct access to the wider ecosystem that supports business growth, investment and innovation.

The upcoming SBC Summit Lisbon will see Malta represented through a dedicated national booth for the first time, bringing together the institutions and organisations that contribute to one of the world’s most established gaming ecosystems. GamingMalta will be joined by the Malta Gaming Authority, Malta Enterprise, Bank of Valletta and Identità in a coordinated presence designed to demonstrate how businesses can establish, grow and thrive from Malta.

The initiative reflects the wider objectives of the Make It in Malta campaign, which positions Malta as more than a licensing jurisdiction. Instead, it highlights the country’s ability to support businesses throughout their growth journey by connecting them to expertise, talent, investment opportunities and a mature business ecosystem.

At the heart of Malta’s success is an approach to gaming that has always extended beyond regulation alone. While a respected regulatory framework laid the foundations for the sector, the industry that has developed around it is considerably broader, bringing together technology, payments, compliance, financial services, recruitment and a deep pool of specialist expertise.

“This is Malta’s first time with a dedicated booth at SBC Lisbon, a move that gives us the opportunity to showcase the full strength of our ecosystem at one of the industry’s largest international events,” GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filletti explains.

“More importantly, it allows international delegates to engage directly with the organisations that play an active role in helping businesses establish and grow in Malta. Rather than having separate conversations across different stages of their journey, they can gain a complete picture of the opportunities available through a single point of contact.”

This is particularly valuable for companies evaluating potential jurisdictions for expansion. Establishing or growing an operation involves much more than securing a licence. Businesses must also consider investment support, banking, talent acquisition, compliance requirements and the relocation of international employees.

A key strength of Malta’s gaming sector is that it does not operate in isolation. Instead, it functions as a highly connected ecosystem in which regulators, service providers, educational institutions, investors and businesses work closely together to support growth and innovation.

This is the message GamingMalta is bringing to Lisbon.

The Malta Gaming Authority will provide insights into its regulatory framework and experience overseeing a mature, internationally focused gaming jurisdiction. Malta Enterprise will discuss the support measures and investment incentives available to companies looking to establish or expand operations in Malta.

Bank of Valletta and Identità will offer further practical guidance on banking services, business requirements and the processes involved in attracting and relocating international talent.

Beyond the practical aspects of doing business, Malta also offers access to a highly international workforce and a business community with decades of experience supporting gaming and digital industries.

“Malta’s strength has evolved far beyond licensing. Today, it is defined by the people, services, expertise and partnerships that enable companies to build long-term value. Through Make It in Malta, we are inviting businesses to see Malta not simply as a place to operate from, but as a place where they can grow, innovate and establish a lasting presence.”

Figures from the Malta Gaming Authority’s 2025 Annual Report indicate that the industry supported approximately 19,150 direct and indirect jobs, equivalent to around 6.5% of Malta’s national workforce.

Employment among MGA-licensed companies also increased by 4.8 per cent in 2025, reaching 15,039 full-time equivalent positions.

“The figures show that Malta’s gaming ecosystem continues to evolve and expand. We want companies to recognise Malta as a place where they can access talent, build partnerships, develop new capabilities and create long-term value within an established ecosystem that understands the needs of a global industry.”

This article has been published in the iGaming Capital 2026 Publication by Content House.