Practice Areas > Gaming, IT & Telecoms > E-Sports
Overview
Electronic sports, or better known as ‘eSports’, involves competitive video gaming. In particular, it takes the form of organised multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players. For some it may be hard to wrap their head around the fact that many eSports competitions are held on an international level each year, where fans come together from across the globe to watch the action live in person or tune in and follow well-known gamers battle it out to win the grand prize from the comfort of their own home.
Nonetheless, the eSports industry is said to be one of the fastest growing industries worldwide, not only in popularity but in revenue streams too. In 2020, the global audience for eSports is expected to reach 495 million people and 646 million people by 2023 with more than half of these spectators consisting of occasional viewers. For 2020, the eSports industry’s revenue growth is predicted to reach $1.1 billion.
The Maltese framework
A Technology and Game Neutral Framework
The Maltese legislative gaming framework has recently undergone an overhaul. Boasting to be technology neutral as well as game neutral, the framework allows itself the possibility of extending its reach to the offering of any kind of gaming activity. The technological neutrality of the framework is key to ensuring the continuous regulation by the Malta Gaming Authority and further regulation of eSports and the betting thereon.
The relatively new gaming laws have affected esports gaming operations from the perspective of reporting. In terms of Maltese gaming legislation and regulations, operators are under an obligation to report suspicious transactions emanating from betting on sporting events including the betting on eSports.
The streamlining of the gaming licences issued by the Authority into two main licenses eliminates unnecessary administrative procedures and offers a more attainable gaming licence which in turn, allows for the elimination of irregularities and the illegalities that surface from the betting on a market which isn’t fully regulated.
The future of e-sports
Small Island. Big Future
Malta has honed in on this lucrative industry as is evident from the Government’s 2019 budget plans and the Maltese Government has a vision of transforming Malta into a hub for competitive gaming and attract the likes of professional video gaming teams, enthusiasts, fans, developers and acquire the status of being the go-to jurisdiction for international eSports events.
From its undisputed position as Europe’s iGaming hub to being dubbed the ‘Blockchain Island’, Malta is undoubtedly an attractive jurisdiction when it comes to being an international leader within this budding industry. Malta’s attractiveness emanates from the fact that it is a reputable jurisdiction with serious regulation in place, talent and know-how, not to mention its established beneficial tax regime. This is further substantiated by the fact that the islands have attracted a host of gaming companies from big industry players to smaller innovative start-ups and this is also due to the fact that the Maltese jurisdiction is a one-stop shop when it comes to support – being the place where a number of data centres, online payment processors, security auditors, gaming software developers, platform providers and affiliate marketing firms have established themselves.
How we can help
As a leading Malta gaming law firm, our multidisciplinary team of expert lawyers at Gonzi & Associates, Advocates, offers a one stop shop for all your e-sports needs, including:
- Advising on corporate and tax planning;
- Drafting of terms and conditions of use including data protection guidelines;
- Drafting of legal opinions;
- Drafting, vetting and negotiating of all types of agreements including franchising and licensing agreements;
- Advising as regards trademark and competition law issues;
- Drafting of employment contracts and assisting with employment law related issues.
The Process
Specialising
Lawyers
Sarah joined Gonzi & Associates, Advocates in 2018 as an Associate Lawyer and leads the Firm’s Gaming team. Her practice focuses on all aspects of iGaming law which includes assisting clients with the acquisition of gaming licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority and follow-up assistance once the licence has been issued. The latter entails advising clients as regards their regulatory obligations, the drafting and review of all relevant agreements and the provision of assistance with respect to fees and taxation, employment issues and anti-money laundering and data protection compliance.
Sarah also forms part of the Employment team within the firm, advising clients in Malta, both employers and employees, on employment law-related matters. Sarah’s other practice areas include Maritime Law, Commercial Law and Corporate Law.
Sarah was awarded her warrant to practice as an Advocate before the Courts of Malta in 2018. She graduated as Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in 2017 after duly submitting her doctoral thesis entitled ‘Wrongful Arrest of Ships’. Sarah has also achieved a Professional Award in Taxation (MQF Level 6) from the Malta Institute of Taxation.
Education
2019: Professional Award in Taxation (MQF Level 6), Malta Institute of Taxation
2017: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
2015: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
2014: Bachelor of Laws, University of Malta
Professional Membership
The Chamber of Advocates, Malta
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