“Malta is regarded as one of the main international hubs that regulates remote gaming effectively and responsibly.  In the past six years, Malta has become a benchmark of how iGaming should be regulated and the result of such a serious approach is highlighted by the fact that the country has  become the jurisdiction of choice for the industry, a jurisdiction which believes that all stakeholders have a role to play in, both in maintaining it as well as develop it further in the years to come.  It is essential, even critical, for the survival of this industry, that we continue regulating effectively, whilst always adopting the principles of responsible gaming, which include the protection of minors and vulnerable persons, and making sure that the industry is kept free from crime and exploitation of players, “ this was announced by  Minister of Finance, the Economy and Investment, Tonio Fenech during his inaugural speech the Malta I-Gaming Seminar held between the 13 and 14th May at the Hilton Malta, Portomaso, St. Julian’s.

The iGaming seminar was organised by CSB, a company that provides Corporate, Trustee and Licensing services, BMIT, a co-location and hosting company, The Vacancy Centre, a recruitment/HR company, Megabyte Ltd., a systems integration and IT solutions company, Green Tube, a gaming software company together with RE/MAX Malta, the real estate and relocation company.  The seminar proved to be a perfect platform where iGaming executives from around the world came to Malta to investigate, understand and be able to make a knowledgeable decision on whether Malta is the right jurisdiction to set up shop.

This year’s event, held over two days, was well attended by delegates from local and foreign iGaming companies as well as companies that support or service the industry.  The main attractions at the event were key note speakers Magnus Silferberg, CEO of Betsson and Mr. Rafael Arnold, CEO of Netrefer.  Both speakers gave a brief overview of their successes in Malta which impressed on the delegates that the Malta Jurisdiction not only has a very strong regulatory body in the Lotteries and Gaming Authority but the country offers various benefits to companies setting up in Malta.  The benefits mentioned were lower labour costs, loyal workforce, state of the art infrastructure and impressive support from the service and professional industries amongst others.  Raphael Arnold stated “Malta has become a true home for the gaming industry due to the competence of the regulatory bodies in Malta that have set benchmarks in the Gaming Industry. Loyal employees, highly educated population as well as lower operational costs have been a key to NetRefer’s success.”

After a full day of presentations from event partners, sponsors and guest speakers as well as a round table which included the Chief Executive Officer of LGA, Mr. Rueben Portanier, Mr Alan Alden, committee member of the MRGC, Mr Arnold, and Mr. Silverberg, all delegates were invited to take part in a free roll poker tournament which was held at the Portomaso Casino. The top four winners won a three hour charter with the Quantum of Solace, which was the same Sunseeker motor yacht used during the filming of the James Bond Film.

Further presentations as well as another round table took place during the following day which led to a networking beach party at the Merchanti Beach Club and finally a closing social event at Club 22 in the evening. Event organiser, David Galea, Director of Business Development of Megabyte Ltd commented on the event “I think we have the right formula to attract more business to Malta.  Thanks to our event partners, sponsors; 192business.com and PayPoint and our Media partner iGaming Business, this event has built huge credibility in the Industry and we  are already planning MIGS 2011”.

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