The igaming industry’s rapid wage growth, a trend that for years seemed relentless, may be hitting a plateau, as evidenced in the 2023 iGB Pentasia salary survey. This year’s report unpacks current trends within the sector, shedding light on compensation trends, specialist hiring in burgeoning markets, and the repercussions of the pending review of the UK Gambling Act.
In the partnership report with iGaming Business (iGB), we endeavor to delve into the dynamics of the igaming employment landscape. The latest survey encapsulates a broader perspective on payment structures and hints at strategies set to sculpt the industry’s future. A notable revelation from this year’s figures is a general salary upswing by 3.98%, signaling the industry’s tilt towards a phase of sustainable growth, particularly after a period of prodigious expansion since 2020.
The momentum of yesteryears brought about a fervent quest for talent and the inevitable wage inflation—challenges that the igaming market met with verve. However, present indications are that compensation levels are leveling off. There’s a general consensus that while pay scales are unlikely to dwindle, the rapidity of salary increments will inch closer to inflation rates, heralding a more stable and predictable financial milieu for businesses and employees alike.
A significant portion of the growth trajectory lies in the opening up of new geographic markets. These domains are the hotspots for job creation, with Latin America, and specifically Brazil, taking center stage. The upcoming legalization of online casino and sports betting in the region has sparked a wave of interest and activity, challenging the industry with an ever-increasing need for knowledgeable talent within these novel territories.
As recruiters, Pentasia’s robust network within the igaming industry has played a critical role in bridging the talent gap, especially in these emerging markets. This experience reinforces the quintessence of established relationships to navigate the intricate web of the industry’s talent needs successfully.
Meanwhile, casting a shadow on the industry’s strategic planning and investment is the protracted holdup in the publication of the UK Gambling Commission’s white paper. The ongoing uncertainty looms large, influencing hiring trends and calling for reinforcement of strategic relations not just within teams, but also with those individuals who have the potential to contribute to strategic direction.
In these turbulent and transformative times, the significance of building and maintaining strong relationships is magnified more than ever before. This approach is crucial not only to cultivating a sense of direction among potentially disillusioned staff but also to position organizations for nimble shifts in response to regulatory changes and market dynamics.
It is in this evolving environment that we acknowledge the indispensable value of strategic partnerships. This survey report illuminates the foundational principles that underscore Pentasia’s operations—principally, the prioritization of deep-seated relationships over one-off transactions.
At the helm of Pentasia, I pride myself on fostering long-term strategic partnerships with our clients, ensuring a focused support system for their growth. This approach is woven into the fabric of our service delivery, and we believe it will continue to be instrumental in aligning talent acquisition and retention with overarching company objectives and growth initiatives.
We present this report with the hope that it serves as an informative tool for your strategic planning. May it guide you in ensuring that the quest for talent not only achieves immediate recruitment goals but also propels your business towards sustainable success.
Alastair Cleland
Managing Director, Pentasia – part of the Conexus Group
