Double-edged sword: iGaming professional laments overdevelopment of Malta

An iGaming professional who has been based in Malta since 2008 has struck a chord among industry workers also based on the island with a public message lamenting the country’s “destruction” in the name of greed.

Indeed, many Maltese residents working within the gambling community and beyond, have raised serious concerns about the lack of protection towards the country’s heritage in the name of progress.

And, while the reality is a lot more complicated like that, images posted to public forums like the one posted by Denis Wittebrood, with the newly built offices of Bet365 overlooking a St Luke’s Garrison Chapel in Sliema, the author brings to light how economic progress in general has come at the expense of the country’s heritage.

And, while the chapel is no longer used for religious purposes, it was first built in 1910 and forms part of the area’s townscape.

“I'm one that appreciates the career opportunities iGaming has brought for the Maltese. I love the mix of cultures that came along with the big gaming companies and local businesses have surely benefited from the influx of cash in all sorts of ways,” Mr Witterbrood wrote.

“But, I can't help feeling gutted by the destruction going around the island - Greed has taken over and not a single building is holy any more.

“Every m2 of ground could have 6 to15 floors above it, and there is nothing stopping it: the greed is everywhere. Granted, gaming money is just one of the culprits, and this example definitely doesn't stand on its own.

“Those of you who have experienced Malta in the past will know what I mean when I talk about destruction and greed.”