The iGaming industry is one of our highest value added industries, employing thousands of people in quality jobs and contributing heavily to our economy.   As one of the main pillars in Malta’s digital economy, it is interesting to note that this industry is one of the few sectors that often needs to import skills from abroad.  Some of the skills required to the iGaming market are not frequently found locally, thus necessitating the employment of foreign professionals which also result in the increase of their costs due to the expat salaries being incurred.   

The iGaming industry is considered to be a fast moving industry in effect it is expected to create over 500 new jobs in 2013, over 80% of these new recruits are expected to be working in ICT fields.   My objective as Parliamentary Secretary for Competiveness and Economic Growth is that with the support of the Lotteries and Gaming Authority, the New Government strengthens the context for the growth and responsiveness of this industry.  It is my firm intention that through both Government and Private educational institutions the ICT work-force is reinforced to be better qualified and trained in the mastering of ICT technologies and specialisations which are needed within the iGaming industry.  Our aim is to also work in a strategic and focused manner to create new services and incentives by which we can attire more companies in this sector as well as explore niche areas evolving globally such as social gaming and mobile gaming.

Through ongoing research carried out by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) and the Policy & Research Section of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Competitiveness and Economic Growth, the New Government aims to sustain the iGaming industry both in direction and support in digital infrastructure and human expertise. An example of this is a key regulatory area - Digital Games with Prize - often named ‘skill games’.   This Secretariat intends to use LGA’s research-basis to concentrate on technologies, emerging markets and regulation whilst focusing on policy and innovation to drive areas requiring change management such as the educational system. A detailed report has been developed indicating technologies and specialisations that are needed in the local market and from the initial findings it is clear that there exists a skills mismatch in particular when mapping some particular skills needed by the iGaming industry and the present local available skills.  Luckily, the Maltese employee is a fast-learning highly educated resource that can easily be skilled up, which is an option many iGaming companies opt for. The technical research was steered by the LGA through consultative meetings with industry representatives, recruitment firms, service providers and other specialist resources that indicated the gaps and this Secretariat is committed to ensure the educational system services the industry to the changes required in the educational system.  One major specialisation required is for example the practical application of IT technologies. There is a clear gap in the use of open-source technologies and through MITA we will ensure the necessary attention is given by ensuring training providers and the government educational system provide the correct platform to this industry.  The ICT industry should never be seen as a static industry and neither are the skills related to its technologies; constant updating, research and training are required by professionals falling within the Digital Economy.  

The iGaming industry is highly evolving and as a New Government we are committed to be  proactive and invest continuously in necessary tools and skills it needs to mature further.  This will allow both the industry in itself to further its already strong business roots and our human resources would be skilled enough to adapt to this innovative and continuously developing environment. And why not if we do have the human capital I can also see the development of an iGaming research cluster, another world first. This would truly affirm the New Government belief in Research and Innovation together with a strong business outlook and economic appetite that is second to none.