iGaming Industry in Malta

From the horses' mouth: iGaming employees are apparently unanimous in their enthusiasm for their jobs. Read on to find out why this is a sector that offers an unrivalled work-life package.

Regular readers of our articles will know that we have already published several articles on iGaming. As a recruitment agency, we are eager to spread the news about the fantastic possibilities this relatively new industry offers.

But don't take our word for it: who better to verify these fantastic claims than the employees themselves? A questionnaire was recently sent out to people working at some of the top international iGaming companies based here. Here is a sample of their replies, uncensored and only edited for length. For most respondents, this is their first job in the sector. The time worked in the industry ranges from 7 months to two years. Positions of those surveyed include General Manager, Customer Service Representative, Customer Service Representative Supervisor, Team Leader, Accountant and Market-Maker.

Why did you choose to enter this industry?

"It was purely coincidental as I had never thought about it before. When last year I was looking to change jobs, I met with CSB and was offered this job soon after I joined them, not knowing what I would find. Up till now, this has been a very pleasant experience."

"Being a sports enthusiast and enjoying gaming, I thought it was the perfect job."

"Because this industry is growing that means that the opportunities are higher than in other jobs."

"The work environment seemed more relaxing compared to my past jobs and the remuneration package was attractive."

"It was by chance as this opportunity was presented to me on a silver platter. I got a call from CSB asking if I was interested in the Gaming Industry."

"I entered the iGaming industry not knowing anything about it. This was to be just an experience before I looked for a job I always wanted. I was not aware of how exciting and fast-growing the iGaming industry is."

What are the personal advantages to working in this industry?

"I work on something that interests me (sport), so it keeps me in the know on a daily basis with what is going on."

"Better salary means a better standard of living and it is a challenge, since I never worked in this industry before."

"Compared to other jobs it is less stressful!"

"It's an exciting industry to work in because it is changing all the time. It also gives you exposure in an industry which is currently booming in Malta."

"Financial reward is the main advantage. At all levels of employment the salary is above market average. Job satisfaction is also very high. This is a changing industry - no one day is the same as the next. There is a lot of flexibility. Although hours are very long (as we have a 24/7 operation) I can manage my time and see my kids more than before."

"Constant challenge. Challenge facilitates personal growth. The opportunity to find the space and freedom to discover your personal goals."

"Having worked in the UK for 12 years my salary is now comparable to that I earned in the UK. Working for a local company I believe I would earn less than half."

Did you receive training?

"In-house training."

"Yes, however in the iGaming industry training never stops. There is always something new which you have to learn."

"I went to Canada for a couple of weeks to improve my understanding of the industry."

"No, not really. This was a start-up and we learned as we went along. However, now it is different: all new employees receive training. I should also point out that training is continuous because more work is being transferred from overseas to Malta and also because we change our processes to reflect the current state of the market."

"Working in iGaming is a commitment to a plan of continuous learning, improvement that gives you the needed additional knowledge and skills to remain relevant in what you are doing."

Could you describe the office's social environment?

"It is very relaxing and without a lot of restrictions."

"We are 14 people in the office, and only 5 of us are Maltese. The rest come from Germany, Holland, Turkey and Lithuania. The interesting mix of backgrounds helps keep the environment lively."

"Our office has a very friendly environment and we all get on very well. The difficulty is in recruitment: you always want to ensure that new employees will fit the company culture. We ask employees for their opinion on all aspects of their job, the processes we employ and how to make their working life better."

"Everyone knows what his or her job is and everyone does it efficiently, which means no pressure or stress has to be put on anyone, therefore the atmosphere is always calm and friendly."

Do you feel that there is career advancement potential?

"Yes, if you have the right aptitude and determination."

"Absolutely, I was promoted to supervisor only recently and I am sure that further opportunities lie ahead, as this industry is always hungry for growth."

"Yes. Working in an established iGaming company will definitely help your career advancement potential."

"Most certainly, we have been very successful in Malta. This has lead to more services being transferred to Malta and so raising more advancement opportunities for all."

What, if any, are the perks and benefits offered?

"As Market-Makers, apart from the regular salary, we also receive a bonus depending on how well we performed in the previous month, which results from a specific commission."

"The iGaming industry seems to have no limits to it. You can never stop learning new things and you end up thriving to challenge yourself for further knowledge. The more you work the more possibilities there are to advance. Travel opportunities are always present if you prove yourself skilful in what you do, no matter what position you have."

"We are offered health benefits and we work in a nice office environment."

"As General Manager I have a very good bonus plan, share options and an international medical cover for my family."

"You can expect a higher than average salary and many benefits such as Private Medical Insurance for you and your family, company shares and training."

Are there any downsides?

"Not really. There is always a good challenge to deal with and it can only broaden your horizon of knowledge."

"The industry is very volatile and sensitive to changes in legislation both locally and overseas."

"Yes, very long hours. Our market is North America and so I need to deal with local issues and as our day ends the North American market kicks in with a flood of emails and requests."

"This industry is for people who do not look for working hours stability. You have to be extremely flexible and be aware that your weekend might not fall on Saturday or Sunday anymore."

Do you work shifts? If 'yes', how has it affected your life?

"Yes. Sometimes it is tiring because of the hours and it affects your social life."

"Shifts have given me more flexibility in my personal life. I have more time to do things which I wouldn't be able to do with normal business hours and I like the fact that shifts alternate, rather than always having the same working hours."

"No, but I am on call 24 hours should something go wrong."

Other comments?

"This industry is currently blooming here in Malta and I would recommend to anyone who is keen on sports and has a good computer knowledge to try his luck in a market which will need more Market-Makers to meet the ever-increasing demand."

"The biggest issue that faces this industry is that of trust. People get concerned as soon as you mention gaming. They start to think of fraud, money laundering and other negative matters. In reality we have systems in place to check for fraud and any illegal activity on the site."

"I really like the job overall and after 9 months I'm not bored yet."

"In the beginning I was quite sceptical about working for a foreign iGaming company due to the fact that job security was a big issue for me and I wasn't sure this industry could offer it to me. However this industry just keeps growing and at the end of the day it's no more or less secure than a Maltese company. Instead it offers much more opportunities for a successful career."

"Many businesses accept less-than-good results. That does not happen in iGaming. In order to be a part of this fast-growing industry you have to set your own rules. You have to learn every aspect of your job, discover what is needed and wanted, not let any mistakes slide by, persist until the objective is achieved and mostly provide a high quality service!"

Do you actually recommend the industry to your friends?

"Yes I definitely do, especially considering if they enjoy sport too."

"I definitely would. Opportunities are endless and for those who are willing to put their mind into it, the sky is the limit."

"I would definitely recommend the gaming industry to young, full-of-vibes people. This is an area where there is huge career advancement potential. It is all about the opportunity to live your dream."

Article prepared by Commercial Services Bureau (CSB) Ltd.

Since 1987, CSB Ltd. has been servicing the local and international business community with its range of employment/recruitment related services. It has helped thousands of employees improve their job conditions and careers, and employers obtain the ideal staff for their organisations.