The iGaming industry in Malta continues to be a lucrative career choice, as outlined in the recently released Boston Link iGaming Salary Survey 2024. This survey provides an in-depth analysis of salary trends across various departments and levels within the iGaming sector. Now in its ninth year, the report has become a key resource for employers, employees, and job seekers looking to benchmark salaries and make informed career decisions in the fast-evolving gambling industry.
Industry Overview
Malta has long been recognized as a global hub for the iGaming industry, and this year’s survey highlights the region’s ongoing significance. Despite a slight deceleration in salary growth—showing a 5% increase compared to an 11% rise five years ago—the industry remains robust.
Notably, executive-level salaries saw the most substantial increases, hinting at a shift towards prioritizing top-tier leadership and technological advancement.
Key Trends and Insights
Here are the key trends and insights that you find in the study.
Increasing Executive Salaries
Positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) have seen significant increases, with salaries ranging from €120,000 to over €300,000 for top executives.
This rise reflects a greater demand for strategic leadership as companies navigate the complexities of regulation, technology integration, and market competition.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) roles also command salaries upwards of €200,000, indicating that financial management and operational efficiency are top priorities for iGaming companies.
Demand for Technology and Analytics Experts
With the growing reliance on technology, positions such as Data Scientists, DevOps Engineers, and Cybersecurity Analysts are seeing substantial demand. Mid-level developers with 2-4 years of experience earn between €37,000 to €50,000, while senior developers can expect salaries from €55,000 to €75,000.
The emergence of data-driven strategies is evident, with roles like Data Engineers and Data Architects earning between €50,000 and €85,000. These professionals are critical in driving analytics that inform customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Specialized Marketing and Customer Experience Roles
The iGaming industry continues to invest heavily in customer acquisition and retention. Roles such as Head of Marketing and CRM Managers command salaries ranging from €45,000 to €110,000, reflecting the value placed on customer loyalty programs.
Affiliate Managers and Head of Affiliates positions have also seen steady growth, with senior roles earning up to €100,000. This underscores the industry’s dependence on partnerships and affiliate networks to drive revenue.
Compliance and Legal Expertise in High Demand:
As regulatory scrutiny intensifies across jurisdictions, the need for skilled compliance professionals is on the rise. Roles such as Compliance Managers and AML Officers (Anti-Money Laundering) have become essential, with salaries for senior positions ranging from €50,000 to €120,000.
Legal Counsel and Heads of Legal roles have also seen substantial salary ranges, with senior positions earning up to €150,000. This highlights the critical nature of legal expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance.
Salary Breakdown by Departments
The survey provides detailed salary ranges across multiple functions within the iGaming industry:
- Finance: Qualified accountants can expect salaries between €45,000 and €55,000, while senior roles like Financial Controllers command up to €100,000.
- Human Resources: HR Directors earn between €75,000 to €120,000, reflecting the importance of talent management and employee retention in a competitive market.
- Customer Support: Entry-level support roles start at €24,000, with specialized language support roles earning up to €35,000. Managers and team leaders in customer support can earn between €40,000 to €80,000.
- Design and Creative: Creative roles, including Graphic Designers and Game Designers, have salary ranges from €30,000 to €75,000. This shows the industry’s emphasis on engaging visuals and user experiences.
- Content and SEO: Content managers and SEO specialists are in demand, with salaries ranging from €35,000 to €65,000 for mid-level roles, emphasizing the focus on content-driven marketing strategies.
Evolving Landscape and Future Predictions
The Boston Link survey indicates that while the overall salary growth rate has slowed, the focus has shifted towards specialized and senior-level roles. Companies are increasingly leveraging technology to streamline operations, leading to a reduction in demand for lower-level positions in Malta. Furthermore, offshoring certain roles to regions with lower operational costs has become a strategic move for many organizations.
Looking forward, the industry is expected to continue its trajectory towards digitization and automation. This means that professionals with skills in areas such as data analytics, software development, and cybersecurity will remain in high demand.
Conclusion
The 2024 iGaming Salary Survey by Boston Link provides invaluable insights into the current state of the job market in Malta’s thriving iGaming industry. As companies seek to optimize their operations through technology and strategic leadership, the demand for experienced professionals in executive, technical, and compliance roles remains strong.
For job seekers and employers alike, understanding these trends is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of iGaming. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the industry, aligning your skills with the sectors experiencing growth will be key to maximizing your earning potential.