Eman, what drove you to create the Summit of iGaming in Malta, and can you give our readers more insight into the conference and its underlining context?
It’s no news that Malta is fast becoming the Silicon Valley of the iGaming industry. This little island is home to some 300 gaming companies, 500 gaming licenses, with a strong 9,000 workforce directly employed in iGaming. The country is also host to the Lotteries and Gaming Authority, what’s arguably the leading remote gaming jurisdiction worldwide.
Taking all this into consideration, it was only a matter of time to host a summit that showcases the vibrant industry in Malta to the rest of the world. From affiliates and operators through to regulators and vendors, the spotlight is on Malta.
The launch of SiGMA could not happen at a more pertinent moment for the iGaming industry; there is so much happening at both government and private levels. Preparations are underway to restructure the gaming industry, with the setting up of Gaming Malta, with distinct roles from those of the LGA. Just like Malta Enterprise is responsible for attracting business and the MFSA for regulating, Gaming Malta will be responsible for promoting the iGaming industry, while the LGA will retain its regulatory scope. Hence, clear roles, with no conflicting interests.
Our beliefs are that Malta has become the natural host for gaming entrepreneurs, with so much to offer, including:
1. An industrious, multilingual workforce with a Nordic work ethic. The recent economic crisis, for instance, hit most southern European states, but not Malta.
2. An unrivalled quality of life, weather and leisure opportunities, as well as a safe environment where young families have the peace of mind they require to raise children.
3. A solid jurisdiction, optimal tax benefits and a supportive government with an “open door policy”. Malta Enterprise (Digital Games), the LGA, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Malta Financial Services Authority: they all work in the same direction to ensure that brand Malta stays on top of the game.
4. The remote gaming community based in Malta is intensive, thus creating endless networking and recruiting opportunities.
You seem to have lined up a stellar cast of keynote speakers; can you tell us more about these conference headliners?
The conferences will leave no stone unturned, with conference one focusing on remote gaming global regulation, the legal landscape, best practices in operations and taxation and the convergence between interactive and land-based gaming. The second conference will be focused on remote gaming acquisition and will feature SEO professionals, latest e-marketing techniques, industry trends, affiliate, social media marketing tactics and more.
We have secured some of the world’s best speakers including the likes of Nick Nocton (Russel Green Law, UK), Simon Planzer (Planzer Law), Joseph Cuschieri (LGA), as well as directors and C-level executives from Amaya, NetEnt, EveryMatrix, XLMedia, LeoVegas and much more to share their insights in a number of presentations and panel discussions.
Finally what do you want delegates to achieve from the SiGMA summit?
We want delegates, from lawyers to accountants to c-level executives from the industry, to network. Today we have created a community of like-minded people where business ideas flourish. The excellent facilities, the existing network; Malta truly has all the makings of becoming a premium host to such a large summit. We’re looking forward to cut the proverbial ribbon this October and make sure that everyone walks out with better connections and business leads.
Eman Pulis is the organiser of SiGMA, the Summit of iGaming in Malta, taking place at the InterContinental Bay Arena, between 30 October and 2 November. For more details phone on +356 9926 3626 or register online at www.maltaigamingsummit.com