for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
7th October 2025 – EvenBet Gaming, a leading developer of online poker software and solutions, has released the latest edition of its annual industry research report, iGaming Future 2026: Core Trends and Challenges, identifying regulatory headwinds as the biggest barrier to business growth across both emerging and mature markets.
The report cites a range of turbulent regulatory frameworks, including wagering and bonus restrictions in the UK, tax hikes in the Netherlands and Brazil, sweepstakes uncertainty in the US, and ongoing reforms across key Asian markets. In response, organisations are dedicating greater resources to ensuring compliance with regional laws through tailored solutions.
Competition emerged as the second most pressing issue, particularly in the newly regulated Brazilian iGaming market and fast-growing African jurisdictions such as Nigeria. Despite regulatory uncertainty in Brazil, the country is viewed as a market with long-term growth potential due to its large population and strong sporting culture. Nigeria also holds promise thanks to its improving technological infrastructure, including mobile and 5G penetration.
The report highlights marketing as the top business priority for 2025, rising from fifth place in 2024 and surpassing expansion as last year’s main focus. This shift reflects the growing influence of social media, fuelled by rich audio-visual content, enhanced audience segmentation, and the impact of influencers in reaching mobile-first consumers.
Key findings from the research include:
Personalisation leading product development strategies, with retention driven by AI-powered gamification engines.
Social media ranked as the primary channel for marketing and industry updates, surpassing conferences and trade media.
LinkedIn identified as the dominant platform in Europe, particularly among CEOs, while Facebook was preferred in Asia.
A dynamic and expanding business rated as the top factor in attracting talent, followed by a professional team and strong brand reputation.
High salaries declining in importance, falling from second to fourth place year-on-year, as employees increasingly prioritise workplace value beyond compensation.
Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO at EvenBet Gaming, said:
“This year’s survey featured twice as many respondents as in 2024, offering a broader and more detailed overview of the challenges facing the global iGaming sector.
The diverse range of participants ensured strong representation, with insight garnered from multiple verticals, job roles, and operational markets, delivering unparalleled insight into global industry trends.
This annual report emphasises EvenBet’s drive to highlight the most pressing issues facing the sector, empowering companies to make informed strategic decisions in the year ahead.”
