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Is Malta Blockchain companies set to overtake iGaming?
Malta’s iGaming industry has grown spectacularly for two decades, but now they have a competitor in town: Blockchain technology. The strides blockchain technology has taken have been so considerable that it is being compared to the beginning of the internet itself. It is hailed not just as a huge driver of economic growth, but it will also as a changer of the way we do everything, from handling data to the structure of the banking system.
According to the World Economic Forum, at least 10 per cent of the global GDP will be managed and facilitated through blockchain technologies by 2025.
Malta has managed to carve its economic success through an economic vision based on the power of regulation and jurisdictional innovation. The dedication of the government, the support of the public, and the business sector allowed the country to thrive in the regulated industries.
The iGaming industry has been a backbone of the Maltese economy for many years now and has seen the country becoming an internationally renowned jurisdiction for the registration and operation of iGaming companies. Currently, Malta is looking at repeating this success yet again by creating a regulatory framework for blockchain-based businesses, virtual currencies and ICOs.
There exist some similarities between blockchain and iGaming regarding their popularity and the way in which they have grown and could grow in the future. The iGaming industry was initially regarded with cynicism and skepticism, but with time, and adequate regulation and adherence to legal standards, it has gone on to flourish and become a massive part of the Maltese economy.
Blockchain technology is similar in some respects. A new, and to some, unknown bit of tech, it has made waves across the business community, and while some are wary of it still, it is being adopted more and more by leading companies and businesses. Its potential is vast and far-reaching, and if Malta can position itself at the right time, and in the right way, it can be set to reap the benefits of what the future will bring.
The iGaming sector was regarded with suspicion in the early days, but now, without it, the economy would not be in the same, healthy shape that it is.
It is expected that with the introduction of the government’s blockchain strategy, as well as the quick uptake of the technology from local businesses, Malta will soon lead the way in this exciting new sector. This means that not only will it improve its reputation as a digital leader, but it will also bring a massive boost to the economy and create more jobs. This is precisely what iGaming did.
Blockchain will also boost other industries that complement it – hardware, software, marketing, legal, financial, the list goes on for those stakeholders that will be able to grow and nurture their businesses when blockchain takes off.
It is unlikely that iGaming and blockchain companies will compete in the traditional sense of the word. They are entirely different industries and as such require very different legal, creative, and administrative staff. Additionally, the client base would not be affected either as the concepts are so different, it is unlikely that iGaming would lose any business to the world of the blockchain.
It is expected that the introduction of the new blockchain frameworks will influence the existing regulations around the iGaming industry. These new proposals will also provide the iGaming industry with faster, cheaper, and more efficient alternatives to traditional payment methods which will revolutionise the way in which they both take payment, and pay out winnings. Rather than pitting the two industries against each other, legislators and stakeholders need to find a way to ensure they complement each other and offer new ways to do business, and to grow their respective sectors.
Already the seeds of cooperation are being sown, and some iGaming platforms are preparing to use the Distributed Ledger Technology to their advantage. One of the primary improvements will come to the most burden area of iGaming – trust. By using smart contracts, gambling platforms can use a distributed public ledger that is entirely transparent and allows users to see the information freely at any time. Those that will increase levels of fair gambling will automatically win their customers’ trust and position themselves at the forefront.
One area, however, where there may be a bit of overlap is the talent pool. Currently there is a considerable shortage of developers that are capable and trained in matters of the blockchain. Blockchain start-ups are offering considerable salaries to those that can do the job, and this could result in a situation where developers and programmers involved in the creation of iGaming products, could be tempted to hone their skill set and jump ship to the blockchain.
While blockchain as a technology cannot be regulated as such, its use and scope can. Yet the key is not to stifle its potential and ensure it remains as a catalyst for further innovation.
By combining these two industries, we can create a fairer and more transparent gambling sector with a more secure and open infrastructure.
These two industries combined will be of a considerable benefit for Malta economically, socially, and in the world of business. It is already on the map for its iGaming industry, but with the country taking huge strides into the ICO, blockchain and cryptocurrency industry, it is set to solidify its reputation as a world leader in innovation.
Source: bitemycoin.com
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Clarion Gaming film Virtual Tour showing scale of opportunity for ICE and iGB Affiliate exhibitors in Barcelona
Ahead of January 2025’s relocation to Barcelona, ICE and iGB Affiliate exhibitors can share Clarion Gaming’s ‘Vision of the possible’ courtesy of a specially commissioned virtual tour and exhibitor orientation video which can be viewed at: youtube.com
The 10-minute exhibitor film which is narrated by Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter takes viewers on a tour of the venue beginning with an introduction to Fira Gran Via’s integrated metro station which is located between the El Prat international airport (12km) and the historic city centre (3km) and has the capacity to take huge volumes of attendees directly to the heart of the spacious dedicated registration area at the south entrance.
Viewers are then taken on a journey along the elevated arterial walkway which provides a unique bird’s eye view of the 120,000 sqm exhibition space before accessing the contemporary designed meeting areas and plentiful break-out spaces requested by exhibitors, on to the ultra-modern and scalable conference facilities and the venue’s three ‘Sky Gardens’ which facilitate the delivery of a memorable indoor/outdoor festival experience.
The video also explains the new visitor-friendly show floor which has been designed to easily identify the gaming verticals of interest and in the process ease navigation through the five halls that the 2025 editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate will occupy.
Introducing the video Stuart Hunter said: “This is the latest in a series of orientation initiatives which we started in October 2023. This video which is aimed at ICE and iGB Affiliate exhibitors, partners and sponsors will be followed by a dedicated visitor tour to help prepare for this exciting new chapter.
“As a team we could not be more excited about the opportunities offered by our new home at Gran Via and new host city of Barcelona: the film sets-out the size of the opportunity that we have as an industry and shares a compelling vision of what’s possible.”
ICE/iGBA 2025 will use circa 120,000 gross sqm of The Gran Via (ICE 2024 utilised 100,000 gross sqm in London) across Halls 1 (iGB Affiliate) and 2-5 (ICE). An additional 160,000 sqm has been reserved exclusively for ICE/iGBA across the five-year tenancy. The Convention Centre which is located in Hall 8 comprises a modular and versatile space with seating for between 3,000 and 12,000 people.
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José Garcia promoted to General Manager for Innovative Technology Spain
The Spanish branch of Innovative Technology (ITL) have announced that a long-standing member of the team has been promoted to General Manager. José (Pepe) García Escudero previously held the role of Business Development Manager for the region.
ITL Spain has had an office in Barcelona since 1996, headed up by Sales Director Mustapha Hadj-Ahmed. They provide both cash validation equipment and biometric technology to various market sectors including, gaming, amusement, kiosk and retail.
Commenting on José’s promotion Mustapha said, “I would like to congratulate José (known to most of his customers as Pepe!) on this well-deserved achievement. I have worked with him since he joined the company seven and half years ago and he is hard working, a real team player and has an excellent eye for spotting new opportunities. José will be responsible for overall operations as well as continuing his business development tasks. I am sure he will excel in his new role and I am confident he will lead our talented team to new heights! I look forward to exciting and prosperous times ahead.”
Pepe added, “I am so pleased to be given this fantastic opportunity and to play a more operational and managerial role in the business. Each member of the team here in Spain are a key part of our success, and the reason we are known for being a leading provider of cash handling equipment. I am excited to get started and see the business grow even further as we continue to serve our valued customers and develop our technology to response to the changing needs of the market.”
Concluding Mustapha said, “José will be heading up the team at the FIJMA show in Madrid on 7th – 9th May 2024 on stand A49, so if you are attending the show come and say hello!”
Asia
Team ATK Oshun excels at 2024 Online Championships held on 13 April 2024
Mind Sports South Africa’s (MSSA) 2024 Online Championships held on 13 April 2024 showed sterling results.
The championship was yet another chance for many esports athletes to qualify for MSSA’s National Team Trials to be held on 25 May 2024 at which the team will be selected to officially represent South Africa at the African Qualifiers which lead up to IESF’s 16th World Esports Championships to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in October and November 2024..
All Registered Players who have finished in the top three places, or the top 20% – whichever is greater, are entitled to enter trials.
However, it must be remembered that all players must have a valid passport to participate in the National Team Trials.
It was indeed exciting to watch just how much all the female teams have improved.
Team ATK Oshun (ATK Club Sport) being a female team astounded all with their skill and sportsmanship. The team demolished all ATK Club Sport opposition to ultimately won the premier event overall and qualify for the National Team trials to be held on 25 May 2025.
IESF’s 15th World Championships will be played to the following titles:
- Counter-Strike 2
- Counter-Strike 2 – Female division
- DotA 2
- eFootball
- Mobile Legends, Bang Bang
- Mobile Legends, Bang Bang – Female division
- PUBGM
The high standard of play saw 37 Registered Players from six provinces being awarded Provincial Colours. Only Limpopo, Free State, and Northern Cape did not have Registered Players who did not earn provincial colours.
Title | Name of player/team | Club | Provincial Colours awarded |
Clash Royale – Premier | Johan Coetzee | Middies | Mpumalanga |
Clash Royale – High School | Aryan Maharaj | PR0NHS | |
Counter Strike: 2 | ATK Oshun | ||
Kaylee Ludick | ATK Club Sport | Gauteng | |
Jessica Eleez Greeff | ATK Club Sport | Gauteng | |
Christin Brazier | ATK Club Sport | Gauteng | |
Megan van der Westhuizen | ATK Club Sport | Gauteng | |
Kayhla Rose Calder | ATK Club Sport | Gauteng | |
DotA – Premier | ZAG DOTA 1 | ||
Suhail Khan | ZAG Academy | Gauteng | |
Travis John Waters | ZAG Academy | Western Cape | |
Mark Kilian Lehle | ZAG Academy | Gauteng | |
Mohammad Dhooma | ZAG Academy | Eastern Cape | |
Nicholas Dammert | ZAG Academy | Gauteng | |
eFootball – Premier | Aslam Parker | PES Society | Gauteng |
FIFA 24 – High School | Daiyaan Hendricks | PES Society | Western Cape |
Mobile Legends – Premier
|
Mavericks | ||
Matthew Tatalias | Mavericks | Gauteng | |
Damian Bransby | Mavericks | Western Cape | |
Preshan Pillay | Mavericks | Gauteng | |
Mohammad Azhar Ansari | Mavericks | KwaZulu Natal | |
Taygan Gabriel | Mavericks | KwaZulu Natal | |
Luke Green | Mavericks | Western Cape | |
Mobile Legends – Premier – Female
|
AHG | ||
Je’nielle Cavanagh | PES Society | Western Cape | |
Inez Pringle | PES Society | Western Cape | |
Salma Parker | PES Society | Western Cape | |
Ra’isha Prout | PES Society | Western Cape | |
Fatimah Prout | PES Society | Western Cape | |
Mia Anthony | PES Society | Western Cape | |
PUBGM
|
Team uEnvy | ||
Richard Henry | ZAG Academy | Eastern Cape | |
La-eeq Arendse | ZAG Academy | Western Cape | |
Kyle Dudley | ZAG Academy | Western Cape | |
Clayton Leak | ZAG Academy | Western Cape | |
Rocket League – Premier – 1 v 1 – Premier | Nathan Strange | Hoërskool Klerksdorp | |
Rocket League – Premier – 1 v 1 – High School | Luther Peens | Hoërskool Klerksdorp | |
Street Fightter V – Premier | Marnus van der Merwe | Hoërskool Klerksdorp | North West |
Tekken 8 | Stasch Cloeta | Team PlayBell | Western Cape |
Valorant – Premier
|
TuksValorant | ||
Tapiwanashe Keith Matema | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
Kyle Halvorsen | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
Jaden Connor Swarts | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
Ronald James Tyler Wheeldon | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
Alejandro Luca Sartini-Kruger | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
Armand Pierre van der Colf | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
Sportsmanship Award | Je’nielle Cavanagh | PES Society |
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