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Best Newcomer of the Year: An interview with Game Lounge’s Director of Legal
Maria de Martino, the Director of Legal at Game Lounge, was recognised with the Best Newcomer of the Year award at the Malta Affiliates Awards 2025. She is tasked with overseeing all legal matters, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, contracts, risk management, and dispute resolution. She has been practicing for over 11 years, including more than 6 years in the iGaming industry.
In this interview, Maria discusses how she started in the industry, her role and responsibilities at Game Lounge, as well as what it meant for her to be nominated for and ultimately awarded Best Newcomer of the Year.
Maria de Martino at Game Lounge
I.S.: Can you briefly describe your role at Game Lounge and your responsibilities related to gaming regulations?
Maria de Martino: “I oversee all regulatory and legal matters across our operations within the Group. That includes interpreting gaming laws in the jurisdictions where we operate, advising the business on regulatory risks, liaising with regulators, and ensuring that every part of the company’s operations aligns with both current and emerging legal requirements.”
I.S.: What drew you to specialise in gaming law, and how has your experience shaped your approach to compliance?
Maria de Martino: “I started my career working across a variety of clients, including those within the iGaming sector. That exposure gave me a real insight into the dynamics of different markets, the diversity of regulations, and the pace of ongoing changes. I found the combination of challenge and complexity really engaging, and it drew me towards specialising in gaming law. Over time, this experience has shaped my approach to compliance, I’ve learned that it works best when it’s proactive and embedded into everyday business decisions, rather than just being a set of rules to follow.”
I.S.: How do you stay updated on evolving gaming regulations both locally and internationally?
Maria de Martino: “It’s a combination of monitoring regulatory updates, reading guidance, reviewing enforcement actions, and being active in industry forums. I also maintain close dialogue with regulators and external counsel. This ensures we not only understand the letter of the law but also how it’s applied in practice.”
I.S.: How does Game Lounge ensure that our gaming operations remain fully compliant with current laws and regulations?
Maria de Martino: “We have a structured governance framework. Legal oversight is built into daily operations, policies are clear and importantly, we get involved early in new projects so compliance is embedded from the start, rather than being an afterthought.”
I.S.: Can you explain any key regulatory challenges in the gaming industry and how Game Lounge proactively addresses them?
Maria de Martino: “One of the biggest challenges is the variation in regulations between jurisdictions, combined with how quickly rules change. We tackle this by conducting thorough risk assessments for each market, adapting processes proactively, and planning ahead for regulatory changes rather than responding after the fact.”
I.S.: What measures does Game Lounge take to promote responsible gaming?
Maria de Martino: “Responsible gaming is central to our operations. We implement strict advertising standards, promote transparency, and make sure protective measures are clear for players. Legal oversight ensures these principles are applied consistently across all markets.”
I.S.: How do internal audits or compliance reviews help maintain our commitment to ethical operations?
Maria de Martino: “Audits and reviews give us a clear picture of how our controls are working and highlight areas for improvement. They reinforce accountability and continuous improvement, which supports both ethical conduct and regulatory compliance.”
I.S.: You were recognised with The Best Newcomer of the Year award at the Malta Affiliates Awards 2025. How does this recognition reflect our company’s approach to professionalism and regulatory adherence? What does it mean to you personally?
Maria de Martino: “The award really means a lot to me personally. It’s a reflection of the values we live by at Game Lounge, professionalism, strong governance, and a genuine respect for regulation. For the company, it’s an acknowledgment of the effort and investment we’ve made to build a robust compliance culture. On a personal level, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the team’s dedication recognised, and to know that my guidance has played a part in helping us achieve that together.”
I.S.: How important is it for the gaming industry to highlight legal expertise and recognition in building trust with players and partners?
Maria de Martino: “Demonstrating visible legal expertise and receiving recognition shows transparency and credibility, which builds long-term trust.”
I.S.: In your view, what sets Game Lounge apart in terms of legal compliance and industry leadership?
Maria de Martino: “What really sets us apart is how legal compliance is part of strategic decision making. We don’t see regulation as a constraint. Instead, we use it as a framework to support sustainable growth, strong partnerships, and long-term leadership in the industry.“
I.S.: How does legal guidance contribute to innovation in our gaming products without compromising compliance?
Maria de Martino: “Legal guidance allows innovation to happen confidently. By being involved early in product development, we can identify potential risks, advise on compliance, and still allow the team to explore creative ideas. It’s about balancing innovation with responsibility.“
Maria’s expertise spans corporate and commercial matters, advising on transactions, joint ventures, and industry-specific regulatory frameworks. She helps shape the company’s legal strategy, as well as protect its interests while supporting sustainable growth. Her commitment lies in delivering practical, business-focused legal solutions, along with fostering a culture of integrity and strong governance. She also helps the leadership team in making informed, compliant decisions.
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