GamingMalta delivered a strong and highly coordinated presence at ICE Barcelona 2026, reinforcing Malta’s position as a trusted and forward-looking jurisdiction for regulated gaming businesses. From 19 to 21 January, the Malta stand served as a central meeting point for international operators, suppliers and decision-makers seeking regulatory clarity, institutional support and long-term certainty in an increasingly complex global environment.
At the core of Malta’s participation was a clear message. Malta offers more than a licensing framework. It provides a complete and interconnected ecosystem designed to support gaming companies at every stage of their journey. GamingMalta was joined by key national stakeholders, including the Malta Gaming Authority, Malta Enterprise, Bank of Valletta and Identità Malta. Together, they presented a single, streamlined point of contact for businesses exploring licensing, relocation, expansion and operational set-up.
Regulatory certainty and long-term vision
During the event, GamingMalta Chief Executive Officer Ivan Filletti highlighted that Malta’s regulatory certainty, institutional alignment and long-term planning continue to provide a stable foundation for gaming companies navigating international regulatory change. This approach is strategically anchored in Vision 2050, the Government’s long-term framework that embeds gaming as a pillar of Malta’s economic development, with a strong focus on sustainability, responsible gaming, equality and innovation.
Throughout the three-day conference, representatives from GamingMalta and the Malta Gaming Authority held direct and practical discussions with delegates. These conversations focused on how regulation operates in practice, what regulators expect from licensed operators, and how businesses can scale with confidence from Malta. The presence of sister agencies on the stand reinforced the message that Malta’s approach is holistic, addressing not only compliance and governance, but also banking, talent mobility, investment incentives and workforce relocation.
A practical platform for doing business
The Malta stand functioned as an active working space rather than a traditional exhibition booth. Meetings took place back-to-back, allowing companies to move efficiently from initial enquiries to structured follow-up discussions. Malta Enterprise provided guidance on company set-up, incentives and operational support, while Bank of Valletta offered practical insight into corporate banking, payment services and compliance expectations. Identità Malta addressed residence, work authorisations and mobility pathways, reflecting the reality that Malta is not just a business location, but a place where people and families relocate to build long-term careers.
This coordinated presence enabled visitors to gain a comprehensive view of what it means to operate from Malta, positioning the jurisdiction as one where institutional cooperation translates into operational efficiency.
Innovation and ecosystem depth
Innovation formed an important part of Malta’s presence at ICE Barcelona. Visitors to the stand were invited to experience the Maltese Interactive Roulette virtual reality showcase, developed by the Malta-based studio Draw & Code. The immersive experience demonstrated how regulated gaming and emerging technologies intersect within the Maltese ecosystem, while also highlighting the growing role of immersive technology and service providers alongside traditional operators.
The showcase acted as both a point of engagement and a conversation starter, reinforcing Malta’s reputation for remaining ahead of the curve as the industry continues to evolve.
Industry dialogue and leadership engagement
ICE Barcelona also provided a platform for wider industry dialogue. Ivan Filletti participated in live panel discussions and on-stand interviews alongside senior executives from leading international gaming organisations. These discussions explored how mature jurisdictions are adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape, the importance of resilience and credibility, and the value of long-term thinking when making strategic investment decisions.
Across multiple interviews with industry leaders, a consistent message emerged. Malta’s strength lies in its stability, depth of expertise and the visible commitment of government and regulators to the sector. The Make It in Malta campaign was frequently referenced as a clear reflection of this approach, demonstrating how regulation, infrastructure and talent strategy are aligned to support sustainable growth.
A unified message
As ICE Barcelona 2026 came to a close, the Malta stand had firmly established itself as a focal point for meaningful and business-focused conversations. Rather than relying on slogans, Malta’s positioning was reinforced through consistent engagement, practical guidance and visible collaboration between institutions.
By presenting a unified national ecosystem that spans regulation, finance, identity, investment and innovation, GamingMalta and its partners demonstrated why Malta continues to be viewed not only as a gaming hub, but as a long-term home for regulated gaming businesses.
With strong momentum and sustained international interest, Malta’s message at ICE Barcelona was clear. For companies looking to establish, grow or future-proof their operations, making it in Malta remains very much game on.
