Founded in 2014 by Matthew Zampa and John Debattista, Zampa Debattista has grown into a highly regarded accounting, advisory and tax services firm, primarily focused on businesses operating internationally.

The firm offers its clients a specialised portfolio of services in financial reporting and indirect taxation, both of which are crucial for iGaming operators when it comes to preparing accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and to VAT treatment on iGaming transactions.

Here, Mr Zampa explains how the verification of the VAT treatment of certain suppliers is required by gaming operators established in Malta.

“Predominantly, iGaming businesses use our services to determine the VAT treatment of complex transactions and consequential compliance obligations. A typical gaming company would come to us to provide them with a high-level VAT analysis. This would effectively identify the revenue streams that will be generated by the company for the purposes of determining the VAT treatment thereof, any limitation on the right of the deduction as a result of the supplies rendered, and finally the determination of the correct VAT registration,” explains Mr Zampa.

Mr Zampa extrapolates further on the complex VAT frameworks that govern iGaming operators, explaining that more often than not, gaming companies carry out both taxable and exempt without credit supplies. As such, these companies require assistance to determine the extent of the right of deduction and the manner in which such a right may be exercised.

“Following an assessment of a particular gaming structure, we determine whether a VAT optimisation solution may exist and may be implemented within the parameters of the applicable legislation. Should we determine that there may be scope to implement such solutions, we also hand hold and assist with implementation and the subsequent ongoing compliance obligations,” Mr Zampa adds.

Industry expertise aside, Zampa Debattista also holds itself to exceptionally high ethical standards. This is also a value the firm has endeavoured to instil within the wider industry through the launch of its very own ZD Academy in 2019. This innovative platform offers accredited technical courses for accountants and auditors, some of which are explicitly related to the iGaming industry.

The Academy itself serves as a reflection and extension of Zampa Debattista’s underlying values, which drive the company’s success within the industry.