Observations of iGaming Salaries [2019]

Malta has become widely viewed as the global home of the booming iGaming sector. And in an industry that puts so much emphasis on talent acquisition and retention, insights about salaries are critical.

Every year Boston Link undertakes an annual survey, taking a deep dive into what changes we see across the industry and sharing that information with our clients and candidates in our attempt to promote a more transparent insight. Here are some of the key changes we have seen over the past year:

 

The Executive Level Salaries show no significant change

Salaries at the Executive level have not shown any significant change from last year’s report. As in previous years, the lower to mid-range C-Level salaries tend to reflect start-up or early-stage companies that are currently being run by their founders. Such remuneration tends to include equity and bonus tied to successful exit (IPO / trade sale) and will often be across the C-Suite. The mid to upper-range is indicative of medium-sized operators or suppliers working across a number of markets. The upper limit is less absolute than for the other salaries in this report and the most well-remunerated executives are earning significantly higher numbers with 100%+ performance-related bonuses and share options.

There is still a general reluctance in the industry for executives to operate on a ‘fly-in, fly-out’ basis. Therefore companies looking to attract C-level talent from abroad will often include significant relocation and housing allowances.

 

Technology & Analytics-Based Salaries increase

With the rapid changes taking place in technology worldwide, a wealth of tech-related positions have become available, with many firms creating new roles that combine data analytics, tech and marketing, that have brought with them a consistently growing demand for different tech professionals. Considering this, it should come as no surprise that the largest increases in salaries of all job types in the industry have been in Tech & Analytics roles. 

 

Management Level Salaries significantly increase

Such positions have also seen a significant increase in salaries. This demonstrates the growing demand for high-quality industry expertise and leadership skills, with Head of Affiliates and Head of SEO departments being great examples. Firms have also tended to expand their social marketing teams and offer higher salaries for more specialised positions in these areas.

 

Compliance based roles increase demand for junior positions 

An interesting we’ve made is a decrease in the lower banding for some specialist functions such as Compliance and Responsible Gaming. This might indicate companies’ willingness to hire junior talent into key areas and train them accordingly, particularly in areas that they view as critical for the future of their business. This opens up opportunities for job-seekers with less experience looking to get their foot in the door.

 

Thinking of Relocating Within the iGaming Industry?

Packing up your life and leaving everything you know to head off to uncharted territory is a big step, but relocating is sometimes your best bet for long-term career opportunities; a higher salary, and a much-needed change of scenery. iGaming is a truly international industry and many leading companies are setting up in locations such as Barcelona and Estonia. Boston Link have recruited and relocated hundreds of iGaming professionals in over 20 countries.

Julian Perigo, Managing Director, says “Since establishing our business in Malta we have had a clear aim: we want to outperform the market and raise the bar when it comes to recruitment as a service and partnership.”

As it has grown, Perigo is clear that Boston Link remains true to its original vision of being a specialist recruitment boutique.

He explains: “Being boutique enables us to have more touchpoints with the client, and provide a more consultative service, rather than a transactional one. We want to continue building our business as a boutique in each country, with a footprint globally.” Boston Link also has offices in the U.K. and Isle of Man.

 

Visit the Salary Survey here for more information