[imagesource: Unsplash / Marvin Meyer]

As iGaming has taken off in recent years, entrepreneurs have sought to capitalise on its increasing popularity with startups establishing themselves in cities worldwide. Many factors go into determining what the best places for an iGaming startup are. For example, most companies set up shop in cities that make it easy for them to attract top talent. 

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of working in the iGaming industry, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we list the top cities for iGaming startups. 

Malta

With online gaming making up 12% of its economy, Malta has established itself as Europe’s iGaming capital. The gaming industry contributed close to a billion dollars to the Maltese economy in 2020, and analysts expect that number to grow in upcoming years. 

A series of favourable decisions by the Maltese government led to the country becoming a centre for iGaming startup success. As of 2021, more than 250 gaming companies were based in this island paradise. The success of these startups has added thousands of jobs to the Maltese economy, with young entrepreneurs coming from around the world to start businesses in the island country. 

Malta boasts a high-tech infrastructure, an extensive telecommunications network and hosts major events, including the SiGMA iGaming Festival, making it an attractive destination for many within the iGaming industry. Given all of this, it’s safe to say that Malta will remain a leader in the iGaming industry for years to come. 

San Francisco

Image: Unsplash / Jared Erondu

The San Francisco bay area is one of the world’s most recognized destinations for everything related to tech. The city attracts techies who dream of careers in gaming as well as entrepreneurs from all walks of life. So, it’s no surprise that iGaming startups have become commonplace in this region. 

Real estate goes for a premium in San Francisco, but that hasn’t stopped the influx of iGaming startups. Over 100 gaming studios call San Francisco home, resulting in a highly trained workforce, which is essential for startups trying to make their mark in the industry. Plus, San Francisco hosts various industry events, so entrepreneurs can network and share information on the latest happenings in the industry. 

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a tiny British territory located in southern Span with excellent weather and a thriving iGaming industry. The Mediterranean paradise was one of the first places to enter the iGaming industry, and it has paid off. 

It boasts an infrastructure that’s favourable to iGaming operations, and over 30 operators call the territory home. Gibraltar hopes to remain at the forefront of gaming by encouraging more startups to invest there. 

Montreal

Canada has welcomed the iGaming industry with open arms, making Montreal an attractive destination iGaming startups. Dozens of iGaming companies have made their home in Montreal, choosing the city over Toronto and Vancouver. 

Montreal hosts several eSports events, and it’s also home to many brick-and-mortar casinos, including Casino de Montreal, the largest casino in North America. Given that the city has become a gaming hub, it’s a logical choice for startups connected to the gaming industry. 

Tokyo

The final destination on our list is Asia’s iGaming hub—Tokyo. Japan has a long history within the gaming industry, and dozens of iGaming companies have made their home in Japan’s capital city. 

The annual Tokyo Game Show is one of the gaming industry’s top events, with industry leaders travelling from all over the world to attend. Many gaming development studios are based in the city, and Japan’s online casino market is expected to grow quickly over the next few years. Given its high-tech infrastructure and highly-skilled workforce, Tokyo will likely continue attracting iGaming startups for years to come.