Malta’s gaming sector recorded stronger economic performance in 2025 despite a decline in the number of active gaming licences.
The Malta Gaming Authority ended the year with 302 licensed companies holding 311 licences, down from 323 licences the previous year. However, the sector’s gross value added increased 3.5% to approximately €1.42 billion, representing around 6.3% of Malta’s total economic output.
Employment also grew, reaching 15,039 full-time equivalent positions, up 4.8% year-on-year.
B2B Licensing Continues to Gain Ground
The decline in overall licences was accompanied by a continued shift toward B2B licensing. In 2025, B2B licences accounted for 24 of the 38 new licence applications and 12 of the licences issued.
By year-end, Malta had 171 B2B licences compared with 131 B2C licences, highlighting the growing importance of suppliers and critical gaming service providers within Malta’s regulated ecosystem.
The MGA attributed the broader consolidation to factors including regulatory requirements, point-of-consumption taxation and rising operating costs, which encouraged some businesses to consolidate or exit the market.
What This Means for the iGaming Industry
The figures suggest that fewer licences do not necessarily mean a weaker gaming sector. Malta appears to be moving toward a more consolidated market, with B2B technology and service providers playing an increasingly important role.
For B2B companies, the growth of B2B licensing could indicate continued demand for compliant gaming technology, software and critical supply services, even as the number of B2C operators contracts.
