Malta’s 2026 Budget Targets Innovation and iGaming Growth – iGamingToday.com

Malta’s 2026 Budget is set to boost fiscal support for iGaming and other high-value industries—part of a bigger push to keep the economy growing and pull in more international investment.

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Finance Minister Clyde Caruana rolled out a draft proposal that brings in fresh ideas to make Malta even more competitive in digital innovation, gaming, and tech-driven business.

Looking at the numbers, Malta expects tax revenues to hit €7.8 billion in 2026, up from €7.3 billion the year before. Most of that comes from income tax (€3.5bn), social security contributions (€1.84bn), and VAT (€1.69bn). There’s also another €473 million coming in from licenses, taxes, and fines—including €67 million from gaming taxes collected by the Malta Gaming Authority.

The government’s aiming for GDP growth of about 3%, which is pretty strong compared to the EU average of just 1%.

Prime Minister Abela stood by the government’s long-term vision:

“We are building an economy that looks beyond short-term gains. Malta’s strength lies in its ability to adapt and invest — from digital innovation to clean energy and creative industries. The 2026 Budget reflects our confidence in a stable, diversified, and competitive future for the Maltese economy.”

Backing iGaming and Esports in Malta

Malta’s 2026 Budget shows the country isn’t slowing down as a gaming powerhouse. The government’s putting real money behind this—€400,000 is going to the Malta iGaming Incubator, there’s €4 million lined up for fresh esports projects, and another €900,000 set aside to help Maltese businesses develop their own intellectual property.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) keeps pulling its weight, too. Last year, it brought in €83 million and still finished with a €71 million surplus after covering its costs.

A new indirect tax framework tailored for value-adding sectors such as gaming will be introduced, complemented by the launch of the European Digital Innovation Hub, which will offer SMEs and start-ups access to AI, high-performance computing, and cloud resources.

Enterprise and Investment Incentives

The Budget introduces several new measures to strengthen Malta’s wider business ecosystem:

• Family business support: Lower duty rates, training vouchers, and advisory grants.
• Enterprise expenditure support: 50% reimbursement of pre-booked costs, capped at €300,000.
• Enhanced Micro Invest Scheme: Tax credits increased to €65,000 in Malta and €85,000 in Gozo.
• Investment Tax Credit: 60% of the qualifying investment value over four years for machinery, IT, and cybersecurity.

There’s more on the table. The government plans to cover 65% of wage increases for two years, capped at €780 per employee. Cooperatives get a break from audited tax submissions, and there are new incentives aimed at sectors like biotech, light industry, and pharmaceuticals.

Finance Minister Caruana summed it up like this:

“This Budget continues Malta’s commitment to sustainable growth by investing in innovation, technology, and skills. We are building an economy that rewards enterprise and creativity — from digital gaming to biotechnology — while ensuring fiscal stability and competitiveness across all sectors.”

So, with fresh investment flowing into iGaming, esports, and digital businesses, Malta’s 2026 Budget makes it clear: the country’s serious about staying ahead and building one of the most innovative economies in Europe.

Source: iGaming Expert