SOFTSWISS and Pentasia unveil 2026 iGaming talent trends in Malta

SOFTSWISS has partnered with Pentasia to present its 2026 iGaming Talent Trends report at an industry event in Malta.

Held on 17 March at The Phoenicia Malta, the session brings together HR, marketing and senior leadership figures to unpack changes in the iGaming workforce.

The report is set to be one of the most detailed snapshots of the talent market. It draws on insights from more than 90 B2B and B2C companies. It also contains internal recruitment and operational data from both organisations.

Attendees are given early access to findings. These map out changes in hiring patterns and expectations across regulated iGaming markets.

Hiring pressures reshape workforce strategies

The report shows how operators are changing their approach to recruitment in 2026.

Talent shortages are becoming a problem in specialist areas. In tech and compliance, in particular. Salary transparency is increasing, too. Hiring timelines for senior roles are also stretching out.

These pressures aren’t happening in isolation. Operators are being forced to rethink team structures, prioritise critical roles and move more cautiously when expanding headcount.

“Clarity reduces friction, speed secures momentum and credibility determines whether top professionals choose to engage. Companies that align their internal structure with evolving market expectations will gain a measurable advantage.” Natalia Perkowska, deputy chief HR officer at SOFTSWISS.

AI impact raises concerns over future talent pipeline

Artificial intelligence is also starting to have an impact on hiring decisions. This is particularly true at entry level.

The report notes a reduction in junior hiring. This is because automation tools are taking on more routine tasks. This may improve short-term efficiency but it also raises longer-term concerns about how mid-level talent pipelines will develop.

This is expected to become a key issue over the next few years. Fewer entry-level hires today could mean skills gaps further down the line.

Regulation drives more cautious hiring decisions

Regulatory pressure is another major theme shaping recruitment strategies.

According to Pentasia managing director Alastair Cleland, increased scrutiny across European markets is pushing operators towards more disciplined hiring.

“Heightened regulatory activity across Europe is encouraging selective hiring,” he said. “Operators are managing greater complexity around AML,  advertising and licence requirements, which supports more cautious headcount decisions and a preference for experienced hires.”

This reflects a broader trend. Compliance and operational resilience are becoming just as important as growth.

Further discussions planned via LinkedIn Live panel

The Malta launch will be followed by an online discussion. SOFTSWISS and Pentasia are hosting a LinkedIn Live panel on 20 March. The title is Stop Losing Talent: 7 Smart Steps for Hiring in 2026. It will expand on the report’s findings and offer practical guidance for hiring.

The Talent Trends report builds on SOFTSWISS’ wider research efforts. It follows its earlier 2026 iGaming Trends report. This explored AI adoption, responsible gambling and regulatory change across global markets.