New iGaming job initiative launched, seeking mainly Maltese professionals

A new initiative has been launched to promote careers in the iGaming sector in Malta but, unlike other sites, it will be focusing on targeting Maltese residents, BusinessToday has launched.

‘Why iGaming’ is the brainchild of iGEN, the iGaming European Network, and its 22 member companies, with the support and collaboration of GamingMalta, a nonprofit set up by the Malta Gaming Authority and the Government of Malta.

The Why iGaming initiative has been kicked off with the launch of a new website,  www.whyigaming.eu, containing over 250 open jobs from iGEN’s own member companies.

And while it contains information for foreign nationals who are interested in relocation to Malta in order to work in the industry, the content is primarily aimed at Maltese residents.

Over time the website will be built out to include even more jobs posts, information for foreign nationals seeking work in Malta and career-related industry news. While the website is a core part of the initiative, it will also be expanded to include other local career-related and community activities on behalf of the industry.

Careers in online gambling have traditionally been seen as attractive in Malta due to the salaries and perks on offer as well as exciting growth opportunities. However, initial research performed by Why iGaming has shown that there are perceived barriers to entry.

Enrico Bradamante, founder and chairman of iGEN said Malta continues to be an extremely important hub for iGaming.

“Our vision is to provide a way for the biggest and most established iGaming companies to connect with the local community and talent, in particular providing a resource to individuals who are interested in working in the sector,” he said.

“Professionals can use our website to find out about our members, search for open roles and hear the truth about what it is like to work in the industry from a number of Maltese and foreign employees who work locally. This is not only in order to help fill current roles such as entry level roles, customer support, finance roles and other management and executives roles, but also future opportunities as the site will be constantly updated.”

Bradamante said there were currently around 700 job vacancies across the gaming companies based in Malta, but insisted he was confident that there was sufficient talent in malta to fill those positions.

“Having so many vancies is not something I see as a problem, but more of an opportunity for even more Maltese to join the industry,” he said.

Bradamante said the igaming industry had proven to be adaptable, maintaining high performance levels even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is an online hi-tech industry that has proven to be recession-proof,” he told BusinessToday. “I am sure many more Maltese will be attracted to the industry now there is a dedicated platform providing up-to-date information, news and vacancies.”

Clayton Bartolo, Parliamentary Secretary for the Digital Economy, said the new iniative would open the door of opportunity to Maltese residents interested in pursuing a carrer in the igaming sector.

“Having a single website containing over 250 open jobs from 22 different companies operating in Malta is truly welcome as we strive to increase the workforce in this industry,” he said.

“I am confident the ‘Why iGaming Initiative’ will prove to be a key component complementing the Government’s mission of creating a Digital Malta in the years to come.”

Ivan Filletti, COO of GamingMalta, agreed that the portal was in sync with his foundation’s mission to position Malta as the home of gaming excellence.

“A home where talent succeeds and thrives. An industry and iGaming ecosystem which promotes equality and diversity in their working culture,” he said.

“Why iGaming will serve as a real time showcase for the industry and the exciting opportunities which it offers. At GamingMalta, we will continue to support like-minded initiatives and being of constant support to iGEN and the sector in general.”

iGEN’s members are: Aspire Global, Bethard Group, Betsson Group, Betway, Casumo, Catena Media, ComeOn! Group, Gaming Innovation Group, Genesis Global, Greentube, GVC, Hero Gaming, Kindred Group, LeoVegas Mobile Gaming Group, Microgaming, NetEnt Group, Raketech Group, Suprnation, Tipico, Trustly, Videoslots, and William Hill International.