Malta's SBC Lisbon pitch spotlights October tax and VAT shifts
Malta presented a consolidated iGaming pitch at SBC Lisbon, with focus on tax and VAT changes effective October 1.
Malta's iGaming operators have a date to circle: October 1, when enhancements to the gaming tax and VAT framework take effect. The update was flagged during the SBC Summit Lisbon, where Malta presented a consolidated pitch under the Make it in Malta banner.
Dr Zachary Sciberras, Head of Legal Enforcement at the Malta Gaming Authority, addressed the changes directly at the summit. His focus was on the areas operators need to understand as the revised framework is implemented.
The regulatory discussion sat inside a broader presentation of Malta's ecosystem. GamingMalta, the MGA, Malta Enterprise, Bank of Valletta and Identità shared a dedicated booth, offering delegates direct access to regulation, investment support, banking, talent and workforce mobility.
GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filletti described the partner presence as demonstrating the "power of one". He also linked the sector's future to Malta Vision 2050 and policymakers' continued commitment to gaming.
On talent, Identità's Legal Unit Coordinator Shaunee Mizzi outlined the routes available for international recruitment, including the EU Blue Card, the Key Employee Initiative and the Specialist Employee Initiative. Malta Enterprise's Maria Zammit Micallef covered investment support and business development, while Bank of Valletta represented the financial-services infrastructure.
Technology and product development also featured. Draw & Code, which came through GamingMalta's base_camp incubator, showcased a virtual roulette experience. Light & Wonder offered a global games company perspective, and Immense Group brought a Malta-rooted operator viewpoint.
The summit gave Malta's Make it in Malta campaign concrete form, with conversations spanning regulation, investment, talent and innovation. For operators, the immediate takeaway remains the October tax and VAT changes, while the longer-term pitch centers on Malta's ability to bundle its advantages into a single offering.