LCKY Group, an international iGaming company, has officially inaugurated its new offices in Melilla, marking another significant addition to the Spanish autonomous city's growing gaming technology sector.
The office opening ceremony was attended by Miguel Marín, Vice President of the Autonomous City and Minister for Technological Innovation, who welcomed the company on behalf of Melilla's government. Marín expressed gratitude for the operator's commitment to the jurisdiction and highlighted the employment opportunities the establishment would create for local residents.
Strategic Growth in Gaming Hub
Melilla's appeal to gaming operators continues to strengthen, with the autonomous city experiencing remarkable sector expansion. The jurisdiction has grown from 10 online gaming companies in July 2023 to 16 currently – representing a 60% increase in less than two years.
“The actions we have carried out, our presence at national and international congresses, and the contacts maintained with sector companies are translating into concrete achievements like the one we present today”
— Miguel Marín, Vice President and Minister for Technological Innovation
The government's targeted strategy to attract technology companies appears to be yielding measurable results, with officials crediting active participation in industry events and direct engagement with gaming operators for the growth trajectory.
Employment Impact Accelerates
The online gaming sector's expansion has generated substantial employment growth in Melilla. Direct employment linked to online gaming has doubled from approximately 300 workers in 2023 to more than 600 currently. When including indirect employment, total workforce figures reach 1,100 to 1,200 workers across the sector.
“We are talking about a thriving sector that needs auxiliary services and creates an environment that feeds back on itself and benefits the entire city”
— Miguel Marín, Vice President and Minister for Technological Innovation
Marín emphasized the sector's potential for local youth employment, encouraging young Melillians to pursue training opportunities through government programmes to secure stable, quality employment within their home city.
10
Gaming companies in July 2023
16
Gaming companies currently
60%
Growth increase in under 2 years
300
Direct gaming workers in 2023
600+
Direct gaming workers currently
1,100-1,200
Total workforce including indirect employment
14
LCKY Group staff members in Melilla
LCKY Group's European Expansion
Claudia Ginex, Head of Human Resources for LCKY Group, expressed satisfaction with the company's official launch in Melilla. The decision to establish operations in the city emerged less than a year ago, yet the company already employs 14 staff members in fully operational offices.
The operator's location choice was influenced by multiple factors including Melilla's fiscal advantages, strong connectivity to mainland Spain and Europe, and robust institutional support from local authorities.
“The support we have received from the authorities and from the people of Melilla has been extraordinary, and that has been very important in making this a reality”
— Claudia Ginex, Head of Human Resources, LCKY Group
Spain represents a priority market for LCKY Group's growth strategy this year, with the company maintaining active recruitment for additional positions. The operator seeks to incorporate young professionals from Melilla interested in career development within an international group operating across multiple European countries and Canada.
Market Entry Strategy
When expanding into Spanish autonomous jurisdictions, operators should prioritize early government engagement and local recruitment. Building relationships with institutional authorities before official launch can accelerate licensing processes and create partnership opportunities for workforce development programmes.
Regulatory Momentum for Spanish Jurisdictions
The sustained growth in Melilla's gaming sector reflects broader trends in Spanish autonomous jurisdictions leveraging regulatory frameworks and fiscal incentives to attract international operators. The autonomous city's success in doubling its gaming workforce while expanding company presence demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted business development strategies.
For operators evaluating expansion opportunities within EU-accessible jurisdictions, Melilla's combination of tax benefits, connectivity infrastructure, and government support presents a compelling value proposition. The jurisdiction's rapid sector growth suggests continued momentum in attracting international gaming businesses seeking European market access while maintaining operational cost advantages.
According to AzarPlus.
