In a highly competitive international landscape, Malta has established an investor-friendly jurisdiction that is attracting an increasing number of operators.
It is hardly a surprise, therefore, that Malta is consistently considered to be leading the way in terms of offering incentives and infrastructure for growing gambling operators and suppliers – as well as regulatory clarity.
At the heart of this well-earned reputation is a cohesive approach to supporting operators, with established and experienced organisations on hand to assist operators on their growth trajectory.
This support is borne out of Malta’s long-term commitment to the sector.
It is 22 years since Malta became the first European Union Member State to introduce remote gaming regulations, introducing a new business model to the heart of the gambling industry.
More than two decades later, Malta’s reputation for political stability, regulatory security, a skilled and multilingual workforce, and a business-friendly ecosystem – characterised by pro-investment policies – is recognised across the sector.
This January, Malta’s key organisations that help to provide the foundations for operators on their financial journey are presenting a truly united front at ICE Barcelona 2026.
Economic development agency Malta Enterprise, Malta’s largest bank Bank of Valletta, and citizens’ management and implementation of migration processes Identità, will be at the heart of the Malta booth at the gambling industry’s most influential annual gathering, alongside the Malta Gaming Authority and GamingMalta.
Malta Enterprise
Malta Enterprise is Malta’s national economic development agency and a strategic partner for foreign direct investment, supporting companies across the full investment lifecycle, from initial enquiry and market entry to long-term growth. The agency assists investors during the site-selection and establishment phase by supporting the identification of suitable business premises and coordinating with other relevant public authorities. Malta Enterprise works closely with stakeholders to facilitate efficient and timely project implementation.
Beyond initial set-up, Malta Enterprise provides expertise to support reinvestment, innovation, scaling, and diversification. Its end-to-end offering includes investor facilitation and advisory services, with the agency acting as a single point of contact on sector-specific insights, and practical guidance on establishing and expanding operations in Malta. This support extends to regulated sectors such as gaming, where Malta Enterprise works in parallel with the competent authorities to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated market-entry process.
For gambling and gaming companies in particular, Malta Enterprise supports operators in structuring and scaling their Maltese presence by facilitating access to talent, advising on operational set-up, and supporting investment in technology, data, and innovation. The agency also assists gaming operators with reinvestment projects, product diversification, and the establishment of ancillary functions including customer support.
Malta Enterprise advises investors on Malta’s incentive framework, including investment aid, research and development support, tax credits, cash grants, skills, workforce development initiatives, and innovation-focused programmes. Many of these schemes are applicable to gaming operators, particularly those investing in digital infrastructure, software development, responsible gaming tools, cybersecurity, and data-driven solutions.
In addition, Malta Enterprise supports investors in navigating the regulatory and business ecosystem, liaising with authorities and strategic partners to ensure clarity, compliance, and operational efficiency. Ongoing engagement with established investors further enables reinvestment, talent development, sustainability initiatives, and long-term value creation.
This investor-centric approach ensures that solutions are aligned with each company’s strategic objectives from the outset and has contributed to the financial resilience of businesses operating in Malta. Reflecting this long-term stability, at the end of 2024, the average equity-to-turnover ratio of licensed operators stood at 16.4%, increasing to nearly 25% among the 100 largest firms by turnover.
Bank of Valletta
For over 50 years, it has been widely considered to be a cornerstone of Malta’s economic landscape, with a long-held position as the country’s leading financial services institution.
The Bank provides retail and business clients with a suite of services, offered through a network of branches, business and investment centres, financial wellbeing centres, 24-7 services, and corporate and wealth management arms.
Its various areas of expertise include multi-currency account and payment solutions, corporate treasury services (typically foreign exchange and deposits) investment banking and custody services, bank finance, bank guarantees and private wealth and asset management.
Opening a business account with the bank is a six-step process, designed to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements, with the highest standards upheld when a new gambling enterprise is welcomed to Malta.
Firstly, applicants must provide full details of the company’s ownership, including the names of shareholders, their respective shareholding percentages, and any ultimate beneficial owners. Secondly, information about the individuals responsible for managing and controlling the business is required, including directors, authorised signatories, and anyone with decision-making authority.
Copies of any relevant licences or permits that authorise the activities must be submitted, as well as evidence that the business has a genuine presence in Malta – including a physical office address, local employees, or other indicators.
Details of a business’ trading account, which is used for day-to-day transactions, should be provided, helping the bank to understand the nature and volume of the operations.
Finally, and if applicable, information about any players’ accounts linked to the business must be included. This is particularly relevant for operators in sectors such as gaming or entertainment, where player funds are managed separately.
Support for gambling businesses in Malta is rooted in a commitment to ensuring the sector and the enterprises that are established in the country are as sustainable as possible. It is no accident that the average stay on the island among Malta’s 100 largest operators by turnover is well over a decade.
Identità
Another major presence at the Malta booth during ICE Barcelona 2026 will be government-run identity solutions management agency Identità, which has played a crucial role in Malta’s public administration since its establishment in 2013.
Working closely with the likes of GamingMalta, an independent non-profit foundation jointly established by the Government of Malta and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Identità’s role in the gaming industry holds even greater significance.
Malta’s burgeoning gaming sector has been built on an operator-friendly environment, which includes a 14,000-strong sector-specific workforce living on the island. Nearly nine out of every 10 operators based in Malta are satisfied with the availability of skilled personnel, and the quality and cost-effectiveness of local staff training in comparison with the industry’s other leading jurisdictions.
With this in mind, digital transformation has been central to Identità’s ongoing evolution. Recognising the importance of accessible and efficient digital solutions, the agency has made significant investments in technology to enhance service delivery.
The development and implementation of multiple online portals now enable clients to submit applications, track their status and access relevant information more efficiently.
Identità’s most sought-after services in terms of foreign recruitment include residence permits, employer registration on the Single Permit Portal, and visa requirements in Malta, as well as guidance for hiring highly qualified staff.
Together, Identità, Malta Enterprise and Bank of Valletta, alongside Malta’s gaming industry advocates, illustrate how the country operates as a coordinated support framework.
From initial investment and regulatory navigation to financial infrastructure and talent mobility, this joined-up approach continues to underpin Malta’s position as a long-term home for sustainable, internationally focused gaming businesses.
Malta Enterprise, BOV and Identita, the MGA and GamingMalta will be available for meetings at ICE Barcelona. ICE attendees are encouraged to book meetings here.
From investment incentives and banking infrastructure to talent mobility and identity management, Malta has built a joined-up ecosystem to support gambling operators at every stage of their journey in Malta.