Indeed, as we head into the second half of the year, it feels good to return to the reassuring familiarity of where it all began. Malta – a place where deep-rooted history and unspoiled coastlines stand alongside business and innovation – is an archipelago of islands where an inherited penchant for reinvention is shaping a forward-looking vision. This dual spirit was on full display during the affiliate retreat in Gozo, Malta’s gentle sister island, where nature’s quiet rhythm has set out to meet the hum of new opportunity. 

The Hon. Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo, shares the island’s ambitious plans to attract investment, foster digital talent, and welcome remote workers in an interview on page 20, while Dr Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs offers a glimpse into how the nation is shaping global tech, diplomacy, and tourism.

Meanwhile, the SiGMA Market Report offers a closer look at the Eastern Europe region. SiGMA’s Head of News, Shirley Pulis Xerxen explores the marketing activities of online gambling operators in the region, deep diving into regional analyses, share development, market capitalisation, and recent M&A deals. The report also provides an overview of the best-ranked operators and affiliates in Eastern Europe on Google and affiliate sites. 

On our cover, we feature Xanada Investments, a Cyprus-based ideological fund led by CEO and Managing Partner Vladimir Malakchi, who is redefining how capital meets creativity in frontier industries like iGaming. Malakchi also took home the award for Excellence in Gaming Leadership 2025 at last night’s Awards ceremony.

At the heart of Xanada’s model lies a philosophy that goes far beyond funding. For Malakchi, the future of iGaming isn’t about producing more games — it’s about fostering ideas with soul. “People over projects is not a slogan — it’s a filter,” he explains. “We look for humans we can trust before we look at products we can bet on.” Read more about his philosophy

from page 30.

For Kevin O’Neill, leadership must lead the charge for change.

 Responsible gaming is a culture. And transforming that culture, he insists, must start from within, requiring a major mindset shift that “moves from simply going through the motions, to a deliberate focus on embedding ethical principles and genuine care for players’ well-being.”  As he says in his interview starting on page 50 It’s a change that “requires courage and commitment to values that go far beyond profit.”

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