Malta Region Shows H1 Factors that Could Drive Industry Shift Worldwide
Published March 3, 2021 by Lee R
Data from the pioneering Malta jurisdiction reveals key insights into the future of iGaming.
The small but pioneering region of Malta has remained an effective bellwether of the industry.
Microcosm
Thus the channeling of online activity in H1 was an effective profile for the dynamics of the iGaming industry during the time of Covid shutdowns.
Malta's H1 2020
Malta Gaming Authority reports a gain in new players in the land-based and online sectors, while achieving gains in detecting and fighting unregulated gambling.
Cracking Down
The latest report shows these player safety advances through statistical yields of the issuance of eleven warnings; two suspensions; and seven license annulments for the year.
Growth
While these types of crackdown measures are commonly feared to dissuade operators from markets, the MGA reported no such trend; quite the opposite.
New Registrations
MGA data shows the Malta jurisdiction hosted 26, 176 new registrations with online vertical gaining 22.3% in new accounts for the year.
Land-based Hit
The main hurdle of the year in Malta jurisdiction was the 2.5 month shutdown of the land-based industry in H1, which amounted to a 54.6% year-on-year decrease in customer visits.
More iGaming Offerings
The shutdowns in Malta predictably pushed more players online, resulting in adaptation of operator business strategy in increasing online offerings in Malta to top 300 iGaming offerings for the year.
Fateful H1
With the lockdown and entry of new online operators driving the market, a spike in online account registrations in Malta ensued for H1, with 7 million new accounts created during the year delivering a 12.3% year-on-year increase.
Vertical Breakdown
The most popular vertical for H1 2020 was slots at almost 77.5% of overall revenue, table games second at 18.4%; and other types 4.2%.
Impact
The means by which the Malta market opened to online operators as a solution for meeting increased demand renders the Malta jurisdiction more sustainable and resilient online permanently. In effect, Covid caused the online market to expand in Malta despite player safety crackdowns: the same effect is likely to be visible across many other jurisdictions as they emerge from land-based shutdowns spanning 2020 with more evidence-based awareness of the benefits of operating online.
Outlook
The direct examination of the H1 dynamic in Malta reveals the flashpoint for what may prove to be a catalyst for permanent online share expansion worldwide.
