Malta's igaming infrastructure: The growth of esports, attracting international tournaments, and a hub for competitive gaming

Anyone involved with the iGaming industry will instantly know of the strong links that there are with Malta. Over the years, this country has attracted many online gaming companies thanks to its clear laws, strong internet connection, and welcoming business environment. The island has long been a leader when it comes to online casinos and sports betting, and it is now also building a reputation for itself when it comes to esports.

Esports brings together professional players, teams, and fans in gaming events that are fast-paced, and watched by millions around the world. With the industry growing, Malta is working towards becoming a place where esports companies can thrive and where international tournaments can take place. 

Malta’s foundation in online gaming

Malta’s igaming industry has been growing at speed since the early 2000s. This has been helped by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The MGA has made it easier and safer for companies to launch operations and offer online gaming services. This has led to Malta becoming home to hundreds of gaming operators and tech providers. 

One of these companies is Hub88, which is based in Malta. This company assists casino operators to quickly connect with many game providers through a single platform. This simple and efficient setup is extremely useful in online gaming and it is just one example of how Malta has become home to companies that focus on making gaming easier and more reliable.

Why esports makes sense for Malta

When looking at esports and what’s needed to be successful, there is a need for more than just good internet. It also needs places to host games and events, staff who understand how games and streams work, and tools to manage players and viewers. These are things that Malta already has in place.

The island already has strong internet connections, reliable data centres, and a workforce that speaks English in the tech and gaming sector. Malta is also easy to travel to and can be reached from the majority of Europe, which is a must for international tournaments.

All of this has led to esports companies taking a look at Malta and realising that it’s a great destination to base their operations and to host competitions.

Events and international attention

Over the last few years, Malta has started to host esports events. These have included those that are local and international. The island has seen the likes of the Malta Esports Festival as well as stages of major championships. These kinds of events bring in pro teams, fans, and game developers from around the world. 

These tournaments go beyond just being about entertainment. They help businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and those in transport. They also provide the chance for local players to watch, or even take part in, international-level competitions. With every successful event, Malta strengthens its position as a trusted location for esports.

Shared tools between igaming and esports

There are many tools used in iGaming that can also be used for esports. As an example, casino API integration is a way for online casinos to connect games, payments systems, and user information. This technology can also be used in esports to manage real-time match data, player stats, and in-game rewards.

As Malta already has a tech industry that is able to handle these kinds of systems, there is no need to start from scratch when offering services to esports platforms. The knowledge already exists and the tools are there and just need to be adapted.

A growing talent pool

Beyond a focus on businesses, Malta is also preparing its people for careers in the iGaming space. Schools and colleges like MCAST and the University of Malta are now offering programs in the likes of game design, software development, and digital media. There are also some students who are given the opportunity to work directly with gaming companies through internships and live projects.

All of this means that Malta is now building a home-grown workforce. One that has the skills that are needed to support the gaming world. Whether it’s coding, video production, event management, or esports broadcasting, young people are getting the training that they need to take up real roles in the industry.

Smart rules and a safe market

While esports is different from online gambling, there are still areas within this that need clear rules. There’s a need for fairness, transparency and the ability to ensure that bettors are fully protected when they wager on events.

Malta, through the MGA, already has vast experience of writing and enforcing gaming rules. This means that the country has a real advantage when it comes to creating systems that are safe and fair. As the esports industry grows, these rules will ensure that Malta remains a trusted location to do business. 

Opportunities for growth

It’s fair to say that Malta’s future in esports looks promising. The country is already well-known for being friendly to gaming businesses and this will, of course, expand to esports. With more events, better training, and a strong interest from international companies, Malta has a real chance to become a central place for esports in Europe. 

There is also room for new services to emerge, such as esports coaching, game testing, and team support. This gives a host of opportunities to local companies that have the chance to expand into these areas as demand grows. 

Final thoughts

Malta has already shown that it can support a large and successful iGaming industry. With the rise of esports, it is starting to use its experience, tools, and support systems to become a major player in this growing field.

As more companies turn their attention to esports, it will soon be the case that Malta is the go-to country for all things linked to the industry. With an existing reputation for welcoming those that are looking to develop their businesses, Malta is ready to be at the forefront yet again. 

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