Industry News

The MGA publishes a study to better understand the existing skills gap in the gaming industry for the year 2018

Published

5 years ago

January 17, 2020

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), through its Information & Research Unit, has conducted a survey (second of its kind) among its licensed remote gaming operators in order to obtain a better understanding of the existing skills gap in the gaming industry.

This report highlights the key findings of a survey carried out by the MGA in 2019 (for 2018) and outlines the main elements of similarity and contrast with the results of the previous survey, where relevant.

The following are the key highlights from this survey:

A total of 730 unfilled positions have been reported by the online gaming companies in Malta as at the end of 2018;
68% of unfilled vacancies are primarily at the operational level;
The majority (69%) of the vacancies remained unfilled for no more than three months;
Lack of work experience (28%), competition from other firms (27%) and lack of qualifications (21%) are the main reasons for unfilled vacancies;
According to the survey results, more than one-third of the operators recruit personnel employed by other firms in the sector;
35% of firms engage in in-house training activities or mentoring in order to tackle skill shortages;
The recruitment of workers immediately after the completion of their formal education was reported by 9% of the surveyed firms, confirming the potentially stronger role which could be played by educational institutions;
Several policy efforts have been made to ensure that training courses are aligned with the industry’s needs. In 2017, the European Gaming Institute of Malta (EGIM) was launched following an agreement signed between the MGA and Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). In 2018, 56 students applied for the iGaming Diploma at MCAST, and an additional 43 enrolled between January and mid-November 2019;
By mid-November 2019, 58 students enrolled for the Award in iGaming course at the iGaming Academy – a joint collaboration between the MCAST and EGIM;
In 2019, 21 students were selected and matched with seven companies through the Gaming Malta’s Student Placement Programme, an initiative that aims to reduce the mismatch which exists between the supply and demand for gaming skills in the Maltese labour market; and
The majority of the surveyed companies expressed their satisfaction with the training offerings in Malta; however, between 15% and 20% of the respondents indicated that more needs to be done with respect to the availability, quality and value for money of the training opportunities in Malta.

The survey which reflects responses received from 238 individual respondents (companies) looks at the size, nature and causes of unfilled vacancies, the recruitment strategies of the respondents, training and development activities as well as the educational offering to the online gaming industry in Malta.

The MGA’s Chief Officer of Finance & Programme Management, responsible for the Information & Research Unit, Peter Spiteri said:

Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

“We are pleased to publish the second paper on the Skill Gap Affecting the Online Gaming Industry with a view to shed light on the current state of play regarding human capital found on the island.

Recent figures published by MGA through its Interim Performance Report indicate that 69% of employees in the online gaming sector are non-Maltese, highlighting the need for expatriate workers to sustain the ever-increasing demand of the industry.

Whilst acknowledging that significant milestones have been achieved through the establishment of the European Gaming Institute of Malta as well as Gaming Malta’s Student Placement Programme initiative, the study indicates that there is significant potential for the local educational system to contribute in addressing the continuous thirst of the industry for a skilled workforce.”

A full copy of the survey can be downloaded from here.

Affiliate Industry

Gamblorium Enhances Casino Reviews with Updated Rating System

Published

3 days ago

March 20, 2025

Niji Narayan

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Gamblorium, a trusted online casino affiliate platform, announces its new and improved casino rating system. This updated system is designed to give players even more accurate and transparent rankings for online casinos. Since 2020, Gamblorium has been known for providing honest and expert-tested casino reviews. With this updated rating system, Gamblorium continues to ensure players can easily find the best gambling sites.

The new rating system combines three key components: Gamblorium Score, Player Score and Market Score. These scores are based on a 100-point scale, providing players with a clear and reliable way to choose casinos that meet their preferences.

Main features of Gamblorium’s new rating system:

• Gamblorium score: The Gamblorium Score evaluates casinos based on over 100 criteria, including payment methods, game options, security and user experience. Unlike other platforms, Gamblorium uses a relative and flexible approach, meaning casinos are ranked based on their strengths within their market. This score also incorporates Expert Scoring, ensuring that the most important factors are weighted appropriately.

• Player score: The Player Score is based on feedback from real users. Players can leave reviews only if they have registered or played at the casino, ensuring honest and up-to-date feedback. This makes the reviews highly reliable and reflective of the actual player experience.

• Market score: The Market Score helps balance the overall rating by considering the views of other trusted gambling platforms. This adds another layer of objectivity and ensures that Gamblorium’s reviews remain fair and unbiased.

The post Gamblorium Enhances Casino Reviews with Updated Rating System appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Asia

PAGCOR chief honored at 2025 Asia Gaming Award

Published

4 days ago

March 19, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco received on Tuesday, March 18, the inaugural Regulatory Landmark Award during this year’s Asia Gaming Awards at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La, The Fort in Taguig.

The Regulatory Landmark Award, a newly added category to the prestigious Asia Gaming Awards, was bestowed upon the PAGCOR chief for his significant contributions to the growth of the Philippine gaming industry.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Tengco acknowledged the efforts of the PAGCOR team and industry stakeholders, emphasizing that the recognition was a testament to their dedication, resilience, and commitment to regulatory excellence.

“This award reaffirms our efforts in fostering a well-regulated gaming sector in the Philippines,” he said. “It will serve as an inspiration for all of us to continue shaping an industry that is not only profitable but also ethical, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve.”

Under Mr. Tengco’s leadership, the Philippine gaming industry posted a record-breaking gross gaming revenue (GGR) of Php410 billion in 2024 – a 25% increase from the previous year’s GGR.

Likewise, PAGCOR recorded unprecedented revenues of Php112 billion in 2024, a 41% growth year-on-year.

The Asia Gaming Awards, now on its fifth year, recognizes the achievements of key players and leaders in the gaming industry across the region.

The post PAGCOR chief honored at 2025 Asia Gaming Award appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

Gaming industry earns Php410 B despite POGO ban – PAGCOR

Published

5 days ago

March 18, 2025

Peter Tolan

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Despite the implemented ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), the gaming industry in the country continues to boom, according to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.

In his keynote address at the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, Tengco said the country’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) will rise to Php410 billion in 2024, up 25% from the Php329 billion GGR in 2023.

“As offshore gaming exits, PAGCOR recognizes that the future of Philippine gaming will continue to become more technology-driven,” he said. “This is why PAGCOR will continue to closely regulate electronic gaming while ensuring strict oversight to combat illegal operators.”

The PAGCOR chairman emphasized that while land-based casinos contributed Php201 billion—almost half of the total GGR in 2024—revenue from the E-Games and E-Bingo sector grew significantly, grossing Php154.51 billion, 165% higher than in 2023.

“We partly attribute the strong performance of the local gaming industry to the strategic policy adjustments that we have implemented, such as the gradual reduction of fee rates for E-Games since 2023,” Tengco’s explanation.

He said that in 2023, PAGCOR was charging 50% to 55% license fees which was an obstacle to the increase in operators. “But effective January 1, 2025, our fee rates for E-Games stand at only 30% of GGR,” he added.

As a result, more operators have come under regulation, voluntary closures of businesses have been avoided, and the profits of licensed companies have been maintained. Also as a result of the said reforms, the E-Games sector reached its target of Php100 billion in GGR revenue as early as September 2024. Tengco also mentioned PAGCOR’s focus on more intensified “responsible gaming programs” to promote a “more sustainable and ethical gaming industry.”

“We wish to assure our industry stakeholders that even as we strive for greater success, responsible gaming and market integrity will continue to be at the heart of our efforts,” Tengco said.

The PAGCOR chief is also fully confident in the direction of the industry.

“The best days of Philippine gaming are still ahead of us, and we look forward to working with all of you to shape what comes next,” he said.

The ASEAN Gaming Summit, organized by Asian Gaming Brief, serves as a platform for industry leaders to discuss trends, challenges and new opportunities in the region’s gaming landscape.

Translated article.

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