The gambling industry is hitting hard on industry firms. A growing number of jurisdictions are elevating pressure on licensed operators by rolling out stricter rules and imposing higher taxes as part of the efforts to tackle illegal gambling. Amid mounting pressure, Malta quietly cultivated a reputation as the “Holy Grail” for gambling firms.

For more than a decade, Malta has become a magnet for gambling businesses regardless of size and activity. Even prominent gambling enterprises, giant firms long on the market, are leaving and relocating their headquarters (HQ) from unfavorable regimes known for exceptionally high taxes, like Germany and the United Kingdom. 

The math is mathing; businesses can save millions in annual revenue without compromising on the comfort of operating in a respected and stable regulatory framework. The most recent high-profile case involved one of the UK’s largest betting firms, Sky Bet, which has relocated a substantial part of its business to Malta, seeking to sharply reduce its tax bill.

The gap between tax regimes continues to widen, making it impossible to ignore for industry firms. Although the baseline UK corporate tax rate is set at 25%, the country has introduced additional gaming and betting duties, which are set to increase progressively, reaching up to 40% in the next two years. Subsequently, many small and large operators that have worked in the country for years reassess whether staying in the UK is still worth it.

Germany presents a similarly complex environment. Germany applies a 15% corporate income tax plus an additional levy of 5.5% on that amount, bringing the effective total to approximately 15.825% (together with other taxes, the rate may increase to approximately 28%-30%). The applicable gambling tax is 16.6% for lotteries and 5.3% for any other gambling activity. In Germany, therefore, securing positive net profit becomes the one with the stars for gambling businesses, thus driving many to reconsider their exposure and look elsewhere.

Malta, by comparison, looks like the missing piece of the puzzle. While the nominal corporate income tax rate in Malta is 35%, the country’s tax refund system allows one to effectively reduce the number to as low as 5%. Importantly, Malta does not introduce a UK-equivalent 15% gambling levy and instead applies a modest compliance contribution ranging from 0.5% to 4% per euro on the initial €2,000,000–€3,000,000 of company revenue, depending on the license class and activity.

For leading industry enterprises and groups of companies, securing a Malta gaming license and relocating to the jurisdiction can be truly transformative, potentially saving tens of millions in taxes each year.

Beyond the tax purposes, the Malta gambling license seal offers far more compelling advantages. The country has invested years in developing its gambling regulatory framework, with its licensing regime now widely respected internationally and recognized as “one of the most reputable licenses in the world,” according to Inteliumlaw, an industry-leading consultancy supporting firms during the license acquisition process.

Today, Malta has cemented a place among the world’s leading gambling hubs, with a regulator frequently regarded as one of the most experienced and well-respected. The island’s mature infrastructure and robust legal protection have made it extremely appealing both for innovating new projects and established enterprises seeking a reliable HQ base for growth.

As a result, gambling companies across Europe and other key regions are re-evaluating whether it still pays off to stay in their home jurisdiction, particularly where profitability begins to decline or no longer reaches desired thresholds. Ultimately, companies choose to leave higher-tax jurisdictions behind and move through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or a complete restructuring.

Against this backdrop, gambling companies are debating whether relocation is worth it, but how to transition without any bottlenecks and compliance gaps while also keeping operations running seamlessly. Relocating a gambling business is not a simple maneuver; rather, it’s a high-stakes operation spanning re-licensing, corporate restructuring, and obtaining multiple regulatory approvals. Anything can go wrong, triggering compliance breaches and drawing regulator attention.

In this case, proceeding without strong legal support is akin to walking a tightrope with the eyes closed. Successful gaming business relocation to Malta typically hinges on professional guidance from firms like Inteliumlaw, who combine deep expertise in gambling licensing and corporate structuring. With proven know-how and a team of seasoned specialists, Inteliumlaw helps gaming firms navigate the Malta gaming license application process with confidence.

Malta’s rise as a premier gambling destination is neither accidental nor a mistake, but the effect of effective policy-making tailored to an in-depth understanding of the modern gambling business’s real needs. Yet, what appears to be a seamless relocation is often the result of meticulous work behind closed doors, where specialists create the right setup to truly stage the stage for successful long-term operations in the new jurisdiction.

HIPTHER today reveals a strategic enhancement to its media portfolio. Starting January 2026, EuropeanGaming.eu will no longer be included in the HIPTHER portfolio.

This update comes after a finalized deal regarding the EuropeanGaming.eu domain. Consistent with best practices and contractual requirements, no additional information about the transaction will be revealed.

Notably, HIPTHER wants to directly clarify recent rumors: HIPTHER has not been sold, and there has been no alteration in ownership or control of the HIPTHER group.

The choice demonstrates an ongoing strategic emphasis on enhancing and expanding HIPTHER’s wider media ecosystem, which sustains a robust and expanding online presence across various sectors.

“EuropeanGaming.eu played an important role in HIPTHER’s journey, and we are proud of what was built over the years. This portfolio update is not an exit, but a refinement. HIPTHER remains fully independent, fully active, and more focused than ever on strengthening its core platforms and expanding our multi-industry media ecosystem. Our commitment to quality journalism, meaningful events, and global communities is unchanged.” – Zoltan Tundik, Co-Founder & Head of Business, HIPTHER.

HIPTHER’s active portfolio includes:
● eegaming.org
● gamingamericas.com
● gamingnewsroom.com
● hipther.com
● picante.today
● and the wider network of HIPTHER-owned portals and vertical platforms

Through these channels, HIPTHER continues to deliver in-depth coverage, analysis, and thought leadership across gaming, technology, fintech, blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, and adjacent industries, supported by its global events, community initiatives, and multimedia content.

HIPTHER remains fully committed to its mission of connecting industries, fostering dialogue, and building platforms that serve professionals, innovators, and decision-makers worldwide.

For partners, clients, and the wider community, this announcement is intended solely as a portfolio clarification and reassurance of HIPTHER’s continued growth and long-term vision.

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Hölle Games has released its latest online slot, Book of Sobek. This 5×3, 10 payline slot invites players to dive deep into the magical Nile and enter the aquatic temple of the ancient Crocodile God.

With every spin, the mighty Sobek may rise from the depths to bless the reels. When players manage to uncover 3 or more sacred Books, the temple chambers swing open, granting entry into the Free Games. Within this inner sanctum, a special expanding symbol is chosen; should it land, it will stretch across the reels like the flooding Nile, paving the way for monumental wins of up to 5000x. Featuring both Feature Buy and Fire Stake options, the game is available now for MGA with other markets coming soon.

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