Cultivating a dynamic work environment at LeoVegas Group

Over the past 12 years, LeoVegas Group has solidified its position as one of the industry’s highest-profile players, boasting 12 offices across Europe – including a central hub in Malta. In 2022, with “their sights set on achieving great things,” according to Lisa Farrugia, the firm’s Malta Office Manager, MGM Resorts International acquired LeoVegas Group, marking a new phase in its evolution. “This has brought new opportunities and possibilities. With MGM’s invaluable support, we will continue to invest in our product, technology and attracting talent,” Ms Farrugia asserts.

The acquisition comes amid a period of solid growth for the iGaming firm, positioning it for further expansion. “LeoVegas Group has been on quite a journey, establishing itself as a household name in Malta and earning a reputation as an employer of choice,” Ms Farrugia says. “The Malta office has been essential to this success. The first few employees here occupied a small area in the Plaza Shopping Centre (Sliema). However, if you visit our offices now, you will see a substantial difference. We have almost 700 employees on the island, spread across five large office floors, all dedicated to delivering the world’s greatest iGaming experience,” she says, adding that the space is “extremely dynamic with visitors always commenting on the energetic vibe, and while we offer hybrid working options, the office is definitely a fun place to be.”

The recent acquisition has also had a positive impact on the workspace environment, she continues. “The company has come a long way and naturally matured significantly over the years. We see this in all areas of the business, including our company culture, upskilling of our talent, compliance, and safer gambling. Indeed, our global expansion is clearly benefitting all office teams, who play a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience. Moreover, our efforts to enhance working spaces, evaluate benefits and improve international connectivity are crucial as the company scales,” Ms Farrugia asserts.

The company’s approach, she continues, is to “place people at the core of our operations.” To this end, the firm fosters “a work environment that is progressive, highly technical and forward-thinking, where we empower everyone to contribute to our overall success. Everyone’s contribution is valued, and we encourage our employees to seize the opportunities that come with being part of an ever-evolving company and growing with the business.”

The main driving force behind this is “our motivated employees who propel themselves and the company forward. Being highly disciplined and taking initiative are key elements of our culture, while we all work towards the same clear goal – success for the company. Each Team Leo individual embodies this culture to ensure that we are an Employer of Choice,” Ms Farrugia adds.

LeoVegas’ drive to offer “an ideal work environment for our colleagues” has played a substantial role in the firm’s efforts to ensure the Group consistently meets global standards, Ms Farrugia continues. This is evident within the very walls of the Malta office. “The space is spread over five floors to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment designed to meet the demands of our large and dynamic business,” she attests.

Moreover, “the open-plan layout allows for flexibility, with departments strategically located throughout the building. This also encourages collaboration, allowing colleagues to sit together and work wherever they choose.” Thirty meeting rooms and booths – the latter ideal for quick calls or team catch-ups – can also be found across all floors, with one floor fully dedicated to offering “a versatile area that can be used for myriad initiatives, such as workshops with local and international colleagues.”

LeoVegas’ Malta hub also features a “recently revamped Games Room, which offers a great space for relaxation and fun, whether it’s pool, chess or a variety of arcade and console games – the room is designed to be a place for interaction and conversation.” Furthermore, “the office includes terraces equipped for all seasons, providing our colleagues with an outdoor area they can enjoy throughout the year,” she says. Indeed, she continues, “one of the aspects valued by everyone is the workplace environment that the company has managed to cultivate. LeoVegas Group is an entertainment company and, while we are professional in everything we do, we also value the fun and friendly culture that we have with one another and with our customers.”

The iGaming firm is keen to retain this sense of dynamism, with the office being continually adapted to the company’s changing needs, Ms Farrugia continues. “Currently, we are working on an exciting new project – a dedicated space for our operations departments. This area will be used for onboarding and training sessions to ensure our new staff are well-prepared to thrive in this fast-paced industry. In addition, the space will be equipped with the latest technology, fostering a welcoming and engaging environment that makes learning both exciting and interactive.”

Yet, crafting an optimal work environment extends beyond the company’s brick-and-mortar offerings. “To create an ideal work environment, we organise various initiatives and events that boost comfort and morale, such as weekly breakfasts, occasional lunches, fridges stocked with healthy options, regular after-work events, and larger gatherings like summer kick-offs and yearend celebrations. We also offer fitness classes and host a sports event called ‘LeoGames’, where employees come together for a fun-filled afternoon of challenges,” the Office Manager continues.

Moreover, the office management team is “continuously seeking to develop new initiatives in collaboration with various internal departments as well as with external suppliers. This proactive approach helps us adapt to evolving needs and reinforces our commitment to being seen as an employer of choice,” Ms Farrugia attests.

Employee recognition also lies at the heart of these actions. “Our employees are recognised for their service, with the company celebrating five- and 10-year anniversaries.” From a skills development standpoint, LeoVegas also believes “in offering opportunities for employees to grow, and over the last couple of years, we have seen many employees move toward their career goals, whether that is to gain leadership experience or to specialise in a certain area of work,” the Office Manager attests.

Looking ahead, “the future looks bright at LeoVegas Group,” Ms Farrugia smiles. “We are working hard to provide the best employee experience with the right values and culture. By maintaining this internal focus, we strengthen our recruitment efforts, proudly recognising that our employees act as ambassadors for the company. As an Office Manager, alongside the rest of the office management team, I am eager to see what the next few years bring. We are excited to embrace new challenges and are focused on ensuring that the LeoVegas Group Malta Office remains the premier place to be. Our commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment will not only enhance our current operations but also attract top talent, reinforcing our position as a leading force in the iGaming industry,” she concludes.

This interview was first carried in the 2025 edition of iGaming Capital magazine, the sister brand of iGamingCapital.mt, both owned and operated by Content House