Relocation is rarely an easy decision. Extracting yourself from existing networks of colleagues, family and friends, and turning the page on something new, can be daunting – but it can also be exhilarating. It is a decision that Nick Barr and Christine Lewis made 10 years ago, and one they haven’t looked back on.

The duo is something of a power-couple within the iGaming sector. Nick joined Red Rake Gaming as Managing Director for Malta in 2018 with the distinct aim of driving their Malta operations and go-to-market strategy. He has helped to secure its niche in the production of online slots, and developed its offering of some of the most reputable content in the industry.

Christine, meanwhile, worked as Global Commercial Director for NetEnt until recently and is currently transitioning between roles following six years with the company. She was responsible for the commercial activities, team and customer management globally, across the entire NetEnt operation. Reflecting on the similarities they bring to the table, Christine explains that both she and her husband came from similar career backgrounds within client-facing roles, predominantly within sales and partnership management prior to their move to Malta 10 years ago. “Our earlier sales experience working with key financial organisations and having the responsibility for the revenue and operational management provided the foundation and experience that are still used in our roles today,” she explains.

We start our conversation with the obvious question: what’s it like to work in iGaming together, balancing business with family life? “We’ve learned there are advantages to working in the same industry, because it helps us to understand each other’s goals and objectives, as well as the challenges,” Nick says with a smile, making it clear that they very much value each other’s professional insight and expertise.

Nick and Christine say working in the sector together is also a benefit because they share and discuss changes in the market, as well as the impacts they could have on the industry as a whole. “As for us personally, I would say we have adapted well as a couple in terms of juggling business travel and priorities, but we have also been very fortunate to have flexibility from both of our companies. We have managed to create a good work-life balance by crafting time as a family away from any work factors. We are acutely aware that we work to live and not live to work.”

Looking back on their move to Malta, Nick recalls that they both wanted to move away from the UK but were uncertain where they wanted to go. “At the time we didn’t know much about Malta or what it had to offer from a career or lifestyle perspective,” he explains. “We initially arrived here on a two-week vacation 10 years ago but decided not to return to UK when the two weeks were up!”

They say they were both fortunate to begin their careers in iGaming, which meant it was easy to settle into Malta life in a very short space of time. “Of course, it was a challenge initially because we had to start from scratch in a new industry and country, which also meant we had to build our professional and personal network

Of course, that’s not to say that Christine and Nick didn’t have their reservations about going all-in on island life. They were originally quite concerned about Malta’s size and worried there might not be much to do here. “We got over that pretty quickly though!” Christine quips. “The island has so many hidden gems. There’s lots to explore and so much of it is family-friendly. It’s also central to several European hubs, so it’s easy to take a flight for a weekend break and be in another lovely destination within a couple of hours. As we became parents, we also became more appreciative of how safe Malta is, and its excellent options for international schooling.”

If they had to pick a challenge to life here, the couple say they would zero in on childcare and schooling hours – which can be difficult to manage with both of them working full-time in demanding roles. “We don’t have regular family support, so we’ve had to adapt and prepare in advance around additional support day-to-day, when we travel and during the threemonth summer school break,” Christine says. “We have managed to overcome this by engaging our daughter in afterschool activities and various clubs and activities, though. There is also a summer school option but the fact it is only available for reduced hours means we do need additional options too.”

Switching their thoughts to the iGaming sector specifically, the couple agrees that things have changed in their 10 years here. The space is becoming more saturated, with competition increasing and regulation playing an important role. They believe there is still growth potential for the industry in general, and Malta has an important part to play in that.

“The revitalisation of the MGA licensing regime has made it easier and more attractive for operators and suppliers to relocate to Malta,” Christine continues. “Over the past 12 months we’ve seen significant operations relocate to Malta, thus ensuring increased job opportunities and growth prospects on the island. COVID-19 signalled a major swing to remote working but, as an industry, this wasn’t new, and both operators and employees were highly adaptable.

The industry has also shifted focus towards Esports, which helped gain the vertical growth needed to facilitate additional opportunities that were lost when traditional sport betting events were paused.”# Offering their advice to individuals or families thinking of moving here, Nick and Christine stress the importance of shopping around the property market and organising schooling well in advance of a move, as there can be long waiting lists. “Make getting your Maltese ID card your priority the day you arrive, as you will need it,” Nick goes on to say. “Then, from a business perspective, do what you can to get involved in local iGaming network events. That will give you access to a massive pool of knowledge and experiences that will be openly shared, and will make a huge difference to how quickly and well you settle in.”

That network is something that the couple have missed in the last two months of working from home. In fact, as we wrap up our chat, they say that they are looking forward to the increasing sense of normality that is returning. “Travelling was a regular part of our working life pre-COVID-19 and we’re eager to start that again,” they say.

But they won’t be away from Malta for too long. “We’ve chosen the island as our home for the foreseeable future and love the life we have created here. We are excited about planning an outdoorsy summer and catching up with family and friends.”

“As for our careers in the sector, we very much remain committed to driving that part of our lives forward and watching the ever-changing regulatory landscape develop. We welcome any challenges and growth opportunities that it may bring,” they add.

This interview was first carried in the July edition of iGaming Capital