Enrico Bradamante, founder of iGEN, moderated the closing panel on the first day of CasinoBeats Malta Digital, highlighting COVID-19's impact on the gaming industry. He observed, 'Over the COVID pandemic if we look at what has happened in regulated markets in Europe we have seen regulators take steps to curb online gaming. This is the case even in jurisdictions that have set the bar high in terms of player protection and once again our industry is in the spotlight for negative reasons.'
Scott Longley, CEO of Clear Concise Media, joined the 'Reputation Management for the igaming Sector' panel, describing how the debate on gambling in the UK has intensified over the years. He pointed out, 'We have had a debate within the public about the proliferation of gambling and online gambling and the extent to which that may or may not have induced a certain amount of gambling harms.' Longley noted the gambling industry now faces significant challenges, stating, 'The issue now is that the gambling industry, and the online industry, finds itself to be friendless when it comes to politicians and legislature. There has been a tide of anti-gambling rhetoric and measures that has been introduced which has made it a very negative environment for operators.' He remarked that the industry appears to be losing ground, saying, 'It looks like we will have further harsher measures introduced likely sooner rather than later. What that suggests is that the pendulum swing will be replicated around Europe in a negative way for gambling.'
Russel Mifsud, director and gaming lead at KPMG Malta, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the swift spread of negative news in the sector. He remarked, 'Bad news tends to move faster and it only takes one operator to fall foul of regulators to dampen the industry as a whole.' Mifsud pointed out, 'We are essentially dealing with an industry that is considered taboo and that is something difficult to change.' He urged for unity in the industry, noting, 'The industry has always approached things in an isolated way, but it’s time where operators come together.'
Adding to the discussion, James Scicluna, partner at WH Partners and gaming consultant, examined the influence of the UK on Europe. He stated, 'What we see in Europe to a large extent is differing approaches. It is true that the UK plays an important role in the sense that others look to the UK in terms of policy making and legislating.' Scicluna remarked on gambling's emergence as a public health issue in the UK, questioning the potential for similar recognition across Europe: 'To what extent will that be followed across Europe? Well you have Sweden which has gone that way and it’s not unreasonable to think that certain other jurisdictions might follow it through, maybe not to the same extent, but gambling as a health issue has come to the forefront of the regulator mindset.'
Industry veteran George Debrincat reflected on the past to project the future of the gaming sector. He recalled the stigma associated with gaming, saying, 'Gaming already had a bad reputation as an industry and it goes back to the land-based and to casino times.' Debrincat suggested that industry professionals need to unite, emphasizing, 'I think we need to discipline ourselves as an industry, gather around a table and try to hammer out something for the industry to present it better in negotiations with the regulatory bodies.'
CasinoBeats Malta Digital, organized with Gaming Malta, ran from 30 June to 2 July 2020, featuring 40 virtual exhibitors, networking opportunities, 130 speakers, and attractions for around 3,000 decision-makers in the sector. Delegates also enjoyed various entertainment options, including free-play slots and competitions with prizes like iPads and cash.
