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3 NEWS 17.09.2020 FROM PAGE 1 Over time the website will be built out to include even more jobs posts, information for foreign nationals seek- ing work in Malta and career-related industry news. While the website is a core part of the initiative, it will also be expanded to include other local ca- reer-related and community activities on behalf of the industry. Careers in online gambling have tradi- tionally been seen as attractive in Malta due to the salaries and perks on offer as well as exciting growth opportunities. However, initial research performed by Why iGaming has shown that there are perceived barriers to entry. Enrico Bradamante, founder and chairman of iGEN said Malta continues to be an extremely important hub for iGaming. "Our vision is to provide a way for the biggest and most established iGaming companies to connect with the local community and talent, in particular providing a resource to individuals who are interested in working in the sector," he said. "Professionals can use our website to find out about our members, search for open roles and hear the truth about what it is like to work in the industry from a number of Maltese and for- eign employees who work locally. is is not only in order to help fill current roles such as entry level roles, customer support, finance roles and other man- agement and executives roles, but also future opportunities as the site will be constantly updated." Bradamante said there were currently around 700 job vacancies across the gam- ing companies based in Malta, but insist- ed he was confident that there was suffi- cient talent in malta to fill those positions. "Having so many vancies is not some- thing I see as a problem, but more of an opportunity for even more Maltese to join the industry," he said. Bradamante said the igaming indus- try had proven to be adaptable, main- taining high performance levels even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. "is is an online hi-tech industry that has proven to be recession-proof," he told BusinessToday. "I am sure many more Maltese will be attracted to the industry now there is a dedicated plat- form providing up-to-date information, news and vacancies." Clayton Bartolo, Parliamentary Secre- tary for the Digital Economy, said the new iniative would open the door of oppor- tunity to Maltese residents interested in pursuing a carrer in the igaming sector. "Having a single website containing over 250 open jobs from 22 different companies operating in Malta is truly welcome as we strive to increase the workforce in this industry," he said. "I am confident the 'Why iGaming Ini- tiative' will prove to be a key component complementing the Government's mis- sion of creating a Digital Malta in the years to come." Ivan Filletti, COO of GamingMalta, agreed that the portal was in sync with his foundation's mission to position Malta as the home of gaming excellence. "A home where talent succeeds and thrives. An industry and iGaming eco- system which promotes equality and di- versity in their working culture," he said. "Why iGaming will serve as a real time showcase for the industry and the ex- citing opportunities which it offers. At GamingMalta, we will continue to sup- port like-minded initiatives and being of constant support to iGEN and the sector in general." iGEN's members are: Aspire Global, Bethard Group, Betsson Group, Bet- way, Casumo, Catena Media, Come- On! Group, Gaming Innovation Group, Genesis Global, Greentube, GVC, Hero Gaming, Kindred Group, LeoVegas Mobile Gaming Group, Microgaming, NetEnt Group, Raketech Group, Supr- nation, Tipico, Trustly, Videoslots, and William Hill International. Up to 700 jobs vacant in gaming companies in Malta MALTA Properties Company plc (MPC) has completed the acquisition of HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.'s office complex in Swatar for a consideration of €7.825 mil- lion. As part of the agreement, which follows a promise of sale agreement entered into on 15 January 2020, the complex will continue to be leased to HSBC Global Services (UK) Limited and used as a Con- tact Centre. HSBC Global Services (UK) Limited (HSBC HGSU) has also commit- ted to an extensive refurbishment of the property at a cost of around €1 million. e landmark complex in Swatar, which will now be held by MPC's wholly owned subsidiary SWT Property Company Limited, comprises an office building of around 3,600 sqm, together with an un- derlying car park of around 80 spaces. Mohsin Majid, Chief Executive Officer of Malta Properties Company said that by finalising the purchase of this proper- ty, MPC continues to develop and diver- sify its portfolio of commercial property. "We also look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with HSBC HGSU, which as previously announced remains the lessee of the premises," he said. "In this way we are also expanding the list of our high-quality tenants - which already includes GO p.l.c., the Planning Authority, the Finco Group of Compa- nies and Vodafone Malta Limited - there- by adding resilience and new revenue streams to our business." MPC completes acquisition of HSBC office complex in Swatar

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