Malta makes waves as Europe’s iGaming job powerhouse

Behind the beaches, baroque streets, and year-round sunshine, Malta is also home to one of Europe’s most dynamic industries: iGaming (AKA online gambling).

Far from being a niche, the sector has grown into a cornerstone of the national economy and a vital source of employment.

As of 2024, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) reported that the iGaming industry in Malta directly or indirectly supports an estimated 18,000 individuals, accounting for approximately 6.2% of the national workforce.  This substantial workforce operates within an industry that generated €1,386 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2024, representing 6.7% of Malta’s economy.

When indirect economic effects are factored in, the industry's contribution rises to an impressive 10.1%.

For thousands of jobseekers, these factors combined make iGaming one of the most attractive and accessible career avenues in the country.

But how does one actually break into the industry?

Through the Career Conversations series, GamblingIndustryJobs.com has interviewed gambling industry leaders, hiring managers, and seasoned professionals to gather the best advice for newcomers. For newcomers, the question is often: where do I start?

Here are the key lessons they shared for anyone looking to start, grow, and thrive in iGaming

Start in customer support to build your foundation

Many experts agree that customer support is the best entry point into iGaming. Even six months in this role gives you valuable insight into player behaviour, product issues, and the customer journey. That knowledge becomes a foundation for careers in marketing, product, compliance, or management.

Essential skills to highlight

Even if you’re switching industries, companies value transferable skills:

• Excel & Data Analysis: The industry runs on metrics. Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets is a huge plus, even outside analyst roles. One hiring manager put it simply: “Data analysis skills are always near the top of my list.”
• Analytical & Creative Thinking: Gambling blends analytics with entertainment. Employers want people who can interpret data and think outside the box to solve problems or design campaigns.
• Adaptability & Curiosity: Regulations, markets, and technologies shift constantly. Show you can learn quickly and thrive in change. “You can teach skills, but you can’t teach attitude,” said one expert.
• Communication: Whether writing player emails, marketing copy, or internal reports, clear communication is vital. Languages are highly valued in Malta’s multicultural teams.
• Customer Experience Mindset: This is an entertainment industry. Employers look for candidates who genuinely care about the player journey and delivering quality.
• Work Ethic & Reliability: Tight deadlines, live events, and shifting schedules are common. A strong work ethic can outweigh a flashy CV.

Crafting an industry-ready CV

Your CV should prove both skills and potential:

• Be honest: The industry is small and exaggerations are easily caught.
• Show achievements, not just duties: e.g. “Improved VIP retention by 20%” carries more weight than “Managed accounts.”
• Tailor for each role: Highlight relevant transferable skills up top.
• Keep it clear & modern: 1–2 pages, easy to skim, no typos. Creativity is welcome if it fits the role.
• Add personality: Let the hiring manager see who you are beyond the job titles. Share a hobby, an interest, or even a story about volunteering or working with people. These details make you memorable and help your CV stand out.

Networking: The secret ingredient

iGaming is a tight-knit community, especially in Malta. Opportunities often circulate through referrals.

• Attend gambling industry meetups and conferences in Malta. There are plenty, and even casual networking can lead to job-offers, now or perhaps later down the road.
• Use LinkedIn: connect with employers and recruiters, comment thoughtfully on industry posts, and join professional groups.
• Conduct informational interviews: a short coffee chat with someone in the role you want can give insight and future referrals and ideas of key skills required for your dream job.
• Build a professional digital presence: share content or insights that show curiosity and engagement with the sector.

Career progression tips

• Stay in roles long enough to build credibility (ideally 2+ years).
• Move for growth, not just salary. Always research the company first.
• Don’t be afraid of risks, volunteering for projects outside your remit can accelerate your learning curve and visibility.

From insights to opportunities

Breaking into Malta’s iGaming industry isn’t just about knowing the right skills, it’s about understanding how the local job market really works.

Kristal Ó Gribín, Maltese founder of GamblingIndustryJobs.com, shares her advice for anyone aiming to start or progress a career in the sector:

• Take control. Quality over quantity: Don’t fire off generic CVs. Update yours with achievements, write it like a business case, and show what you’ve delivered. It’s more about proven experience than ticking boxes. Show, don’t tell,  for instance, if you love games of chance, mention specific favourites to demonstrate authentic interest.
• Understand the ecosystem: To find the right role for your transferable skills, learn how the industry works. Get familiar with common KPIs, industry jargon, and what different functions do. The Get Hired resources page on GamblingIndustryJobs.com is designed to help you get ahead of the game.
• Invest in self-education: If you’re new to iGaming, open an account and play. Experiencing the products first-hand, from slots to sports betting to poker, this will give you insight into the customer perspective and show employers you’ve done your homework.

Getting ahead

Malta’s iGaming industry remains a powerful career engine. Whether you’re looking to get started or aiming for your next step, preparation and curiosity will set you apart.

Visit GamblingIndustryJobs.com to explore opportunities and resources to help you get ahead.

Disclaimer: Play responsibly. Players must be over 18. For help visit https://www.rgf.org.mt/