EvenBet Gaming has released its annual iGaming Future 2026: Core Trends and Challenges report, identifying regulation as the most significant obstacle facing the global iGaming industry in 2025, with marketing emerging as the key business focus area.
The study highlights how ongoing regulatory shifts, including wagering restrictions in the UK, increased taxes in the Netherlands and Brazil, and tightening reforms across parts of Asia, are forcing operators and suppliers to prioritise compliance and regional adaptation. The US sweepstakes model was also cited as an area of uncertainty.
Competition was ranked as the second most pressing concern, driven by intensified activity in new regulated markets such as Brazil and high-growth African jurisdictions, including Nigeria. Despite these challenges, both countries were identified as offering substantial long-term potential.
Marketing has overtaken expansion as the top strategic priority for iGaming companies, reflecting a move toward data-driven, influencer-led campaigns targeting mobile-first audiences.
Other findings from the report note that AI-powered personalisation, social media dominance, and evolving employee priorities — such as valuing company culture over compensation — are shaping product development, communication, and talent acquisition strategies across the iGaming sector.
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.”
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