Knowing the ideal conditions for iGaming businesses and start-ups will help you to identify the best locations for jobs. Companies look to locations with low or no tax on profits and countries that support easy registration and licensing.
Of course, relying on a sizeable talent pool is crucial, so locations with access to candidates with relatively low salaries are also attractive to online gambling firms.
We spoke to Tanya Shevchuk, CEO of HR, recruitment and advisory company IGAMINGHUNT, about the countries currently ranking as the world’s leading iGaming hubs for jobseekers.
Tanya comments: “There are some familiar names to consider, like Malta and Gibraltar, which are both extremely favourable locations for iGaming companies.
“But there are plenty of other destinations worthy of mention, including some that have only become iGaming hotspots in the last few years.
“It means that iGaming companies have plenty of choice if they wish to relocate. And it also gives jobseekers lots of exciting opportunities to relocate around the world.”
Here are Tanya’s top iGaming destinations.
Malta
Home of the long-established Malta Gaming Authority, Malta has a reputation as one of the world’s leading hubs for iGaming jobs. As an EU member state, Malta’s standard of living is high, and internet speeds and connectivity are impressive. There’s also an effective tax rate of 5% on profits, making the island nation an attractive option for iGaming firms.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar has long been a favoured destination among iGaming companies, and the Gibraltar Gambling Commission offers remote gambling licenses to many high-profile betting sites. In Gibraltar, corporate tax is just 1%, while there is no sales tax or VAT, resulting in an extremely attractive business climate for start-ups and long-established businesses alike.
Alderney
Though not a country, Alderney is an island in the English Channel that has become known as a gambling hotspot. It is a British Crown dependency with sovereign status in the UK, and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is responsible for regulating many online casinos and sports betting sites. The license fee is relatively low compared to other regulatory bodies, and a 0% tax rate is highly attractive to all firms.
Curacao
The Caribbean island of Curacao has emerged as a centre for iGaming in the American market. Under the jurisdiction of the Netherlands, Curacao regulates some of the world’s biggest casinos and betting sites, including Stake.com. License fees are affordable and accessible, while the 2% net tax on profits is one of the lowest in the world.
Bulgaria
Thanks partly to the country’s impressive digital infrastructure, Bulgaria has a booming gambling market. The State Commission on Gambling grants licenses and enacts fair regulatory procedures favourable to operators. Recently, there has been a surge in demand for technology professionals in the iGaming sector, including UI/UX designers and game developers.
Romania
Romania has emerged as one of Europe’s most lucrative iGaming markets, enjoying significant growth in recent years. Online gambling has been legal in Romania since 2010. The country’s thriving economy and relatively young workforce make it an excellent place for iGaming firms to recruit exciting talent.
Estonia
Estonia’s impressive iGaming growth mirrors that of Bulgaria and Romania. Relaxed attitudes towards gambling and reasonable regulation have enabled domestic and international iGaming companies to flourish. iGaming income in Estonia is more than €336 million, and there are many jobs for professionals in the industry. Estonia’s low cost of living is a big draw for talented Europeans looking to get more for their money.
Cyprus
Over the past three years, Cyprus has welcomed many iGaming professionals, particularly those involved in sports betting and poker. Though online casinos cannot be licensed in Cyprus, many iGaming firms have been attracted to the island thanks to the National Betting Authority, which has been responsible for regulating sports betting since 2016. There’s also a relatively low tax rate of 13% on all revenues.
Sweden
Gambling has long been popular in Sweden, and many of the most successful iGaming firms on the market, such as NetEnt and Play’n GO, were launched by Swedish entrepreneurs. Although Sweden has higher tax rates and costlier licensing fees than other countries on this list, the country is widely regarded for its regulatory framework and exceptional standard of living. Given the number of iGaming firms operating in Sweden, talented professionals regularly move between companies as the demand for the best recruits is exceptionally high.
The US (New Jersey & Nevada)
The expansion of legal gaming in the United States has seen each state develop its own regulatory bodies and licensing conditions to manage iGaming firms. Nevada and New Jersey are two of the best-regulated states in the country, home to gambling-centric Las Vegas and Atlantic City, respectively. iGaming and land-based gambling jobs are widely available in both states, and the opportunity to live and work in the US is attractive to all potential employees.
Costa Rica
Boasting an attractive business climate and welcoming thousands of “digital nomads” every year, Costa Rica is an excellent location for iGaming businesses. The Costa Rican government doesn’t regulate iGaming companies but permits offshore companies to operate within the country. Moreover, Costa Rica does not tax companies for earnings from abroad, which is highly attractive to companies offering gambling services within other regulated markets.
Flexible working conditions
One reason the global iGaming sector is thriving is that companies can attract talent worldwide. Many iGaming jobs available on the market are hybrid or fully remote, enabling firms to provide employees with flexible working conditions.
Still, the above countries are the world’s leading iGaming hubs, with attractive tax conditions, licensing and regulatory benefits, and excellent living standards.
If you’re looking for your next role within the iGaming sector, whether a management, design, or content job, speak to IGAMINGHUNT about the positions currently available.
WHAT’S NEXT: SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.
