The art of matchmaking, since time immemorial, has been like games of chance – you win some, you lose some. There are numerous factors that can make or break an ideal pairing of two parties seeking a mutually beneficial relationship – international enterprise mergers, romantic relationships and even journalists with sources all face the same uncertainty of gestating into a synergetic affiliation. The same holds true in staffing the gaming industry right here in Malta.
The local igaming industry has evolved into a juggernaut since the inception of the Lotteries and Other Games Act in 2001 and the subsequent publishing of the Remote Gaming Regulations in 2004 and has exploded since that evolution. Malta has become a premier destination for online gaming operators to establish their business and offer their services worldwide, with the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) listing on their website over 230 licenses issued to companies involved in gaming in one form or the next. With the number of companies currently holding licenses, not to mention the amount of pending applicants, it’s needless to say that employment opportunity has followed. Dependent upon their commitment to establishing here, these companies have needs ranging from IT, accountancy, finance, customer service, infrastructure, legal services, management and more.
Considering the nurturing environment provided to students within the Maltese educational system here to birth highly qualified and capable newborns to the world’s workforce, igaming has been a boon for Maltese citizens interested in entering a career in the lucrative market of igaming. Not only has direct involvement within the igaming sector opened up, but auxiliary industries have and will continue to receive an increased workload therefore providing demand for higher labour numbers. This booming effect post-genesis of igaming here is attributable to myriad factors, not the least of which is the natural aesthetic of the island.
“It’s a really dynamic environment and creates a range of expectations on different levels,” says Martin Farrugia, Director at Antal International – Global Recruiting Service located in Sliema. “Aside from the business and legislative advantages present for gaming companies, Malta has other benefits to offer like an incredible climate and comfortable lifestyle. In my experience a number of international people working in the gaming sector have bought property and invested locally because Malta can be such a great place to be.”
In a global recession, staff reduction is practically inevitable when it comes to cost cutting methods to meet profitability and growth challenges – however Malta has seemed to avoid major economic catastrophe so far, especially in the white collar sector. In a report published by the National Statistics Office earlier this month the labour market increased its number of full-time employees by over 3,200 persons and unemployment decreased by over 500 in year on year through September, 2008 (http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=2422). Although specific statistics related to gaming aren’t pared down to provide exact figures for the industry, it has been speculated that the gainfully employed populace in gaming is around 2,500-3,000 with an additional 2,000-3,000 employed in service related fields augmenting gaming’s impact on the local workforce. When one considers that remote gaming is claimed to be the third largest provider of taxes to the government, behind income tax and VAT, it would be far from unreasonable to assume that the authorities will pay specific attention to further promoting Malta as a business friendly, safe and secure haven for foreign remote gaming operators to re-locate to continue building on this tremendous growth, as evidenced by the strong representation by the LGA at January’s International Casino Exhibition (ICE) in London .
Chris Vella, Regional Director of Pentasia, based locally in St. Venera added, “Recession has not affected gaming so far. Companies are still recruiting staff so we’re not feeling the pinch as of yet. With the global economy the way it is, more people are staying home. Instead of going out, people are staying inside and trying their luck at gaming and more are turning to gaming as a source of income. It’s a blessing in disguise for the gaming industry, really.”
This should be encouraging news for anyone with a vested interest in the market. (However, as in the weather, no one can predict what will happen tomorrow and beyond.)
Martin Farrugia offered a more tempered assessment. “Up to now, the gaming sector is proving to be one of the most recession proof industries, however from the way things are going in the world’s economy, some form of impact is to be expected. To what extent, if or when, I don’t think anyone can know for sure.”
Regardless of how the industry will be altered in the short and long term future, what is clear is that recruitment companies are still being put to work staffing gaming positions locally and abroad. The demand still exists for qualified individuals to make lateral moves within the trade or to set foot in the industry for the first time. The difficult task lies with the local agencies to find the right candidate for the right position – to be Cupid in a blazer, so to speak. For them, fiscal success relies on placement and while it may seem that they can earn quick money placing anybody in any position, it clearly will not build successful relationships with gaming operators looking for long-term employees. Their charge is to understand their clients’ expectations, what role this person will play and exactly the skill set that is best suited to thrive at the particular position. So being a good middle man is vital for staffing companies to succeed and exceed such expectations.
Even organisations in direct competition with each other, like the ones interviewed for this article, vehemently agree on which recipe is beneficial to provide the best possible service for clients, with Chris Vella noting, “We need clarity from the clients and we need to understand their culture. Our business is communication; we need to understand exactly what they are looking for. They give us a job description, but you have to be able to read between the lines and to do that, you need to know your client. We’re not Monster, we are recruitment consultants, we engage in a process and that leads to high success rates,” and almost in a mirrored statement, Martin Farrugia cited, “It’s very important for the igaming companies to find the right people and retain these key assets, this is why we consult with them on every detail. The basic notion is to introduce the best people for the job and in order to do this it is important to understand exactly who our clients are looking for – communication is a key issue.”
If the recent past has displayed anything clearly, it’s that the gaming industry in Malta and Europe should see growth while other industries stagnate and regress, which is certain to create more competition for coveted positions within the sector. Which for those interested in a challenging career in a dynamic business climate is both good and bad; new opportunities will arise, yet will be sought after by additional candidates displaced from other industries. What, specifically, remote gaming operators seek out in their candidates, “varies significantly. Requirement stroll through arrays of qualifications, skills, experiences and personalities,” according to Martin, but those actively seeking their seat at the table within a gaming company should have “a strong desire to succeed and be ready to perform in a competitive international environment.”
As for those curious in moving in the direction of igaming, Chris says, “If you’re looking for a challenge, the online gaming industry is here. You work for your money, but the expectations are very high. It’s a fun industry but its hard work; we work hard and play hard.”
With the quality of graduates produced from the Maltese educational system, as well as the expertise in the local recruitment companies, it should be a good bet that the national populace will be well represented within the industry, either here or abroad, as long as it exists.
Thomas Flash
editor@igamingprofilermalta.com
http://www.igamingprofilermalta.com/news.asp?news=318
Thanks to…
Antal International
3, Suite 1
Gino Muscat Azzopardi Street,
Sliema, Malta, SLM 1738
Phone: +356 27 377443
Phone: +356 27 377444
Email: mfarrugia@antal.com
