Swedish gaming giant the only B2B company awarded Tier 2 seal in recognition of “aspirational level” of ESG reporting 

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced it has received the Malta Gaming Authority’s ESG-C Tier 2 Seal in recognition of its efforts and reporting of ESG activities.  

Earlier this year, the legendary games studio released its 2023 Sustainability Report, outlining its commitment to a sustainable future, both for the iGaming industry and the planet as a whole. The report covered everything from Play’n GO’s commitments to “Net Zero”, greener working practices, and the company’s “Culture of Belonging” in a Digital First world. 

Play’n GO recently became the only iGaming business to be nominated at the 2024 Corporate Star Awards, where its Sustainability Report was recognised alongside global leaders such as SONY Entertainment and Globo.  

Vanessa Arenram, CSR Director at Play’n GO, commented “We’re pleased to have our commitment to a sustainable world recognised in this way by the Malta Gaming Authority. Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility goes far beyond mere words- it’s reflected in our actions, initiatives, and the positive impact we strive to create, both within our industry and the wider world. Our 2023 Sustainability Report received very positive feedback, both internally and externally, and we look forward to publishing the 2024 version early next year. We would like to thank the Malta Gaming Authority for this award, and pledge to continue the work for many years to come.” 

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released its latest report analysing the skills gap in the online gaming industry, based on surveys conducted between 2020 and 2024. The findings, reflecting data from 2019 to 2023, provide valuable insights into workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities across MGA-licensed activities in Malta.

Key Findings from the Report

Positive Labour Market Dynamics

75.8% of surveyed respondents rated Malta positively in areas such as labour market trends, skills availability, and training opportunities when compared to other jurisdictions.

Vacancy Trends in 2023

At the end of 2023, 74.9% of job vacancies had been open for less than three months.

There were 92.5 vacancies per 1000 employees in MGA-licensed activities, with a total of 885 open positions reported by online gaming companies in Malta.

Vacancy Breakdown by Level

79.2% of open positions were at the operational level.

18.8% were at middle management, while top management roles accounted for 2.0% of total vacancies.

Roles in Demand

Marketing roles (including customer care) represented 21.1% of vacancies, while technology-related positions made up 16.8%.

Top Barriers to Recruitment

The most common reasons for unfilled vacancies over the reporting period were:

Lack of work experience.

Competition from other firms.

Insufficient qualifications.

Recruitment Trends in 2023

84.9% of surveyed firms hired personnel from other companies within the industry.

Only 25.8% recruited directly from university graduates, underscoring the need for better alignment between educational programmes and industry needs.

Addressing Skills Gaps

71.7% of firms implemented in-house training or mentoring programmes to address skill shortages.

55.4% intensified employee retention efforts as a strategy to close skills gaps.

MGA CEO, Charles Mizzi, commented on the report’s findings:

“As Malta’s gaming industry evolves, it is essential to adapt and strengthen the foundations that support its success.”

“The Skills Gap Report reveals important insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly the need for targeted skills development and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry. By addressing these priorities, we can ensure sustainable growth and maintain Malta’s leadership in the global gaming ecosystem.”

Goulburn Valley Hotel (GVH) Shepparton Pty Ltd has been issued a $100,000 fine for providing false information to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

In November 2022, GVH applied for a licence to operate 40 poker machines at the Shepparton hotel but did not disclose that the licence nominee had been found guilty of 2 counts of negligently dealing with the proceeds of crime, without conviction, in June 2022.

VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said it is a requirement under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) that criminal offending is disclosed as part of the licence application process.

“By providing wrong information, an applicant impedes the regulator from fully assessing their suitability to hold a licence,” she said.

“We expect applicants to abide by the law and provide complete and accurate information. This is a critical part of ensuring that the gambling industry operates with safety and integrity and is free from criminal influence or exploitation.”

Ms Kimmitt said GVH’s cooperation with the investigation was taken into account in determining the fine.

“The $100,000 fine reflects the severity of the offence and should demonstrate to other applicants and operators that we’re serious about compliance with legal obligations.”

Additional licence and reporting conditions have been applied to GVH and another venue operator licence associated with the nominee, Pan Hotels Pty Ltd.