Malta is the undisputed capital of the iGaming world. Hosting over 300 licensed gaming companies and roughly 10% of global online gambling operations, the island offers unparalleled access to the industry. Whether you're in gaming tech, marketing, compliance, or looking to break in, here's your guide to Malta's iGaming events and networking scene.
🎰 Quick Stats
- Licensed iGaming companies: 300+
- iGaming employees in Malta: 15,000+
- Major annual events: 5-7
- Biggest event (SiGMA): 25,000+ attendees
- Industry contribution to GDP: ~12%
Major iGaming Conferences
Malta's calendar is packed with iGaming events, from massive expos to intimate executive gatherings. These are the ones that matter most.
🌟 SiGMA Europe (November)
SiGMA is THE event for the global iGaming industry. What started as a small Malta event has grown into a massive affair attracting executives, operators, affiliates, and suppliers from around the world.
Event Overview
- When: Mid-November (4 days)
- Where: Malta Fairs & Convention Centre (MFCC), Ta' Qali
- Attendees: 25,000+ (2024)
- Exhibitors: 1,000+
- Tickets: €200-2,500+ depending on pass type
What to Expect
- Expo floor: Massive exhibition with every major gaming company
- Conference tracks: Marketing, compliance, tech, payments, emerging markets
- Networking: Countless side events, dinners, and parties
- Startup pitch: Competition for gaming startups with significant prizes
- Awards: Malta Gaming Awards ceremony
Pro Tips for SiGMA
- Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead - hotels sell out
- Schedule meetings BEFORE the event via the app
- Pace yourself - it's a marathon, not a sprint
- Comfortable shoes essential - the venue is huge
- The evening events are where real deals happen
Insider Tip: The SiGMA networking app lets you connect with other attendees before the event. Start reaching out 4-6 weeks prior to fill your calendar with meetings. Don't waste valuable face time wandering aimlessly.
🎯 iGaming NEXT
Positioned as the more exclusive, executive-focused alternative to SiGMA. Smaller scale but higher-quality networking with decision-makers.
- When: Usually September
- Where: Premium venues in St Julian's/Valletta
- Attendees: 2,000-3,000
- Tickets: €500-1,500
- Focus: C-suite and senior management
🏆 Malta Gaming Awards (MGA Awards)
The industry's night of recognition, celebrating excellence across all aspects of iGaming. Usually held during SiGMA week.
- When: November (during SiGMA)
- Format: Gala dinner and awards ceremony
- Categories: Best operator, game provider, innovation, workplace, etc.
- Attendance: By nomination/invitation or premium tickets
📊 ICE VOX / London vs Malta Events
While ICE London (February) remains the world's largest B2B gaming event, SiGMA has captured the "industry social" crown. Many executives attend both. Malta events tend to be more relationship-focused, while ICE is more transactional.
| Event | When | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiGMA Europe | November | 25,000+ | Everyone in iGaming |
| iGaming NEXT | September | 2,500 | Executives/investors |
| MGA Awards | November | 1,000 | Industry recognition |
| CasinoBeats Malta | Various | 1,000 | Slots/casino focus |
Regular iGaming Meetups & Networking
Beyond the major conferences, Malta's iGaming community stays connected through regular events.
🍻 iGaming Socials
iGaming Club Malta
Regular networking events bringing together professionals from across the industry. Mix of operators, suppliers, and service providers.
- Frequency: Monthly
- Format: After-work drinks, usually 6-9 PM
- Location: Various venues in St Julian's/Sliema
- Cost: Usually free (buy your own drinks)
Women in Gaming Malta
Networking and support community for women in the iGaming industry. Regular events covering career development, industry topics, and networking.
- Frequency: Monthly/bi-monthly
- Format: Panel discussions, workshops, social events
- Open to allies and supporters
iGaming Tech Meetups
Technical community within iGaming sharing knowledge on platform development, data engineering, and gaming tech.
- Overlaps with Malta JS and general tech meetups
- Topics: scalability, real-time systems, fraud detection
🎪 Affiliate Events
Affiliate marketing is massive in iGaming. Several Malta events focus specifically on this segment:
SiGMA Affiliate Grand Slam
- Part of SiGMA, dedicated affiliate track
- Meet operators and affiliate programs
- SEO, content, and performance marketing talks
Malta Affiliate Conference (MAC)
- Dedicated affiliate event (when running)
- Focus on iGaming affiliate marketing
Networking Opportunities by Role
Different roles have different networking priorities. Here's where to focus:
👨💻 For Tech Professionals
- SiGMA Innovation stage: Tech talks and demos
- Malta JS: Overlaps with gaming companies
- Gaming company hackathons: Betsson, Kindred occasionally host
- LinkedIn: Very active for gaming tech jobs
📈 For Marketing/Affiliates
- SiGMA Affiliate Zone: Meet operators
- Affiliate Manager networking: Regular informal meetups
- Performance marketing roundtables: At major events
⚖️ For Compliance/Legal
- MGA consultations: Regulator events and updates
- iGaming NEXT compliance track: Regulatory focus
- Gaming Malta Foundation events: Industry association
💼 For Business Development
- SiGMA exhibit floor: Where deals happen
- Pre-arranged meetings: Via event apps
- Evening parties: Less formal deal-making
Breaking Into iGaming
Malta is the best place in the world to enter the iGaming industry. Here's how to do it:
🚪 Entry Points
Job Hunting
- LinkedIn: Most active platform, follow Malta gaming companies
- iGaming recruiters: ComeOn Careers, Gaming Jobs Malta, GRS Recruitment
- Company career pages: Betsson, Kindred, LeoVegas, Tipico, etc.
- Salary range: €30-70k for mid-level roles, higher for specialists
Freelance/Consulting
- Content writing (casino reviews, game descriptions)
- SEO and affiliate marketing
- Compliance consulting
- Development contractors always in demand
Starting Your Own Venture
- Affiliate websites
- B2B services (design, development, content)
- Game studios (slots, table games)
- Note: Operator licenses require significant capital
Breaking In Tip: Attend SiGMA with a clear goal. Prepare business cards, a 30-second pitch of what you offer, and research companies you want to meet. Follow up within 48 hours of every meeting.
Major iGaming Companies in Malta
These are the key players you'll encounter at events:
🏢 Major Operators
- Betsson Group: One of the largest, Swedish-founded
- Kindred Group: Unibet, 32Red, multiple brands
- LeoVegas: Mobile-first operator (now MGM-owned)
- Tipico: German market leader
- Casumo: Innovative operator
- Betway: Sports betting focus
🎮 Game Providers
- Pragmatic Play: Major slot provider
- Evolution Gaming: Live casino leader
- NetEnt: Classic slot developer
- Play'n GO: Popular game studio
🔧 B2B/Platform Providers
- Gaming Innovation Group (GiG): Platform and media
- SoftSwiss: Casino platform
- EveryMatrix: Platform solutions
Accommodation During Events
Major events (especially SiGMA) strain Malta's hotel capacity. Plan ahead:
🏨 Recommended Areas
| Area | Pros | SiGMA Prices |
|---|---|---|
| St Julian's | Near parties, walkable | €200-500/night |
| Sliema | Good value, close | €150-300/night |
| Valletta | Beautiful, premium | €200-400/night |
| Ta' Qali area | Near MFCC venue | €100-200/night |
📅 Booking Timeline
- 3+ months ahead: Best prices, full availability
- 1-2 months ahead: Limited options, premium pricing
- Last minute: Expect 3-4x normal prices or nothing
After-Event Parties & Networking
The real business often happens after hours. Major events include:
🎉 SiGMA Week Parties
- Opening night party: Kicks off the week
- Company-hosted dinners: Invite-only, request through contacts
- Official SiGMA closing party: Massive event
- Affiliate parties: Some of the best
- Pool parties: Daytime networking at venues
🍽️ Popular Event Venues
- Café del Mar: Sunset events
- Gianpula Village: Large parties
- InterContinental ballroom: Gala dinners
- Various St Julian's restaurants: Private dinners
Regulatory Events
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) hosts and participates in various industry events:
⚖️ MGA Events
- MGA annual conference: Regulatory updates
- Consultation meetings: Industry feedback sessions
- AML workshops: Compliance training
- Responsible gambling sessions: Best practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to attend iGaming events?
No. Events like SiGMA welcome newcomers. Just be clear about what you're looking for and be honest about your experience level. Many people come specifically to break into the industry.
How much does SiGMA cost?
Standard passes range from €200-500. VIP/Premium passes with extra access can exceed €2,000. Early bird pricing offers significant savings.
Are there jobs for digital nomads in iGaming?
Absolutely. Remote content writing, SEO, development, and design work is common. Many affiliates work remotely. The Nomad Residence Permit is perfect for this.
Is iGaming work legal everywhere?
It depends on your country of origin and tax residence. Malta-licensed iGaming work is legal. If you're working for Malta companies remotely, you're generally fine, but consult a tax advisor about your specific situation.
What's the best first event to attend?
If you can only attend one, make it SiGMA in November. It's the most comprehensive, with something for everyone. For more intimate networking, iGaming NEXT is excellent.
How do I get invited to private events?
Build relationships. Attend public events, connect on LinkedIn, and be genuinely helpful to people. Invitations to exclusive parties come through your network.
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