Malta’s iGaming Vision: People, Principles, and the Future of Play

SiGMA Magazine has launched its latest edition at the Euro-Med event in Malta, offering a comprehensive overview of key industry themes, including regulation and the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence on both global and local markets. This issue, number 34, underscores Malta's historical and contemporary role as a nexus of innovation and tradition, where the island’s strategic location and forward-looking policies continue to shape a dynamic business landscape [1]. The Hon. Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo, highlights in the magazine the island's ambitions to attract investment, cultivate digital talent, and accommodate remote workers, reflecting a broader national strategy to leverage digital transformation [1].

The magazine also features an interview with Dr. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, who discusses Malta’s role in global tech, diplomacy, and tourism, illustrating the country's multifaceted approach to international collaboration and economic diversification [1]. The SiGMA Market Report included in this edition provides an in-depth look at the Eastern European region. SiGMA’s Head of News, Shirley Pulis Xerxen, details the marketing strategies of online gambling operators in the region, including insights into market capitalisation, M&A activity, and operator rankings on platforms like Google and affiliate sites [1].

The cover story focuses on Xanada Investments, a Cypriot-based fund led by CEO Vladimir Malakchi. Malakchi, a recipient of the Excellence in Gaming Leadership 2025 award, is redefining how capital is directed towards frontier industries such as iGaming. His approach emphasizes the human element in innovation, with a belief that “people over projects” is not just a slogan but a guiding principle [1]. According to Malakchi, the future of the iGaming sector lies in fostering ideas that carry emotional and cultural resonance, rather than simply increasing the number of games in the market [1].

Additionally, the magazine includes an interview with Kevin O’Neill, who emphasizes the importance of responsible gaming as a cultural shift within the industry. O’Neill argues that ethical principles must be embedded in the sector’s operations, moving away from superficial compliance to a genuine commitment to player well-being [1]. This perspective, he insists, requires not only strategic change but also a courageous commitment to values that go beyond financial profit [1].

Readers without a physical copy can access the latest issue through SiGMA’s digital library, which also houses the full archive of past editions, ensuring broader accessibility to the insights and analysis that have become a hallmark of the publication [1].

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[1] SiGMA Magazine launches at Malta's Euro-Med event (https://www.isa-guide.de/english-news/articles/293057.html)