Through a combination of forward-thinking economic policies and structural reforms, Malta is aiming to solidify its role as a leader in the iGaming industry further.
Malta Vision 2050: a blueprint for sustainable growth
The comprehensive long-term strategy Malta Vision 2050, recently published by the government, sets clear and measurable targets for the nation’s development through 2050 and beyond. Among the seven strategic pillars of this plan, the gaming sector stands out as one of the primary drivers of growth.
“Malta is targeting a more sustainable average annual GDP growth rate of 5% by 2035,” the Vision 2050 document reads, “driven by strategic investment in seven priority sectors: tourism, gaming, shipping and maritime, blue and green economies, financial services, aviation, and high-end manufacturing.”
Gaming has already proven itself to be a cornerstone of the Maltese economy. According to Vision 2050 projections, the sector’s contribution is expected to rise from €1.5 billion to between €2.3–€2.8 billion, making up 6–7% of the nation’s projected GDP by 2035.
Macro initiatives
To attract talent, promote innovation, and encourage sustainable practices, the Maltese government is launching a set of macro initiatives.
Among the most ambitious proposals are:
Offering fiscal incentives to position Malta as the default jurisdiction for new gaming and video game studios.
Establishing Malta as a hub for interactive entertainment by fostering global partnerships in video game development and eSports.
Hosting annual Tier 1 eSports tournaments and supporting grassroots competitions to cultivate local talent and incentivise international team relocations.
Implementing apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with industry stakeholders to develop a robust domestic talent pipeline.
Mandating all licensed operators to transition to 100% renewable-powered data centres by 2035, with tax incentives for early compliance.
Regulation as the foundation for trust
Regulatory stability is one of the key reasons Malta has become a global hub for the gaming industry. The country plans to reinforce its regulatory framework further, ensuring compliance with EU standards and adopting a proactive role in shaping EU policies. In the coming years, Malta aims to provide an “active contribution to policy-making within [the] EU regulatory framework,” according to the government.
Domestically, the government intends to support operators further by reopening dedicated Commercial Courts, better equipped to handle increasingly complex legal disputes—particularly those involving foreign-registered gaming companies.
From courtroom to codebase, Malta is building the digital infrastructure, legal systems, and economic policies necessary to remain a global leader in the gaming industry well into 2050.
