EvenBet Gaming, a leading developer of online poker software and solutions, has published the latest edition of its annual industry research report, iGaming Future 2026: Core Trends and Challenges, revealing regulatory headwinds across key emerging and mature markets as the main barrier for business growth.
EvenBet’s findings cite turbulent regulatory frameworks – including wagering and bonus restrictions in the UK, tax hikes in the Netherlands and Brazil, sweepstakes uncertainty in the US, and reforms across key Asian markets – as standout areas for concern. As a result, organisations are dedicating greater resources to ensuring that tailored solutions comply with regional laws.
Competition once again ranked as the second most prevalent issue, fuelled by the race to acquire market share in the newly regulated Brazilian iGaming market and in burgeoning African jurisdictions such as Nigeria. Despite Brazil’s constantly evolving regulations, it remains a market with long-term growth potential due to its population size and passionate sporting culture, while Nigeria has been pinpointed as a promising market due to its improving technological infrastructure, including mobile and 5G penetration.
In terms of key areas of focus, the report highlights the growing importance of marketing in commercial strategies. Marketing activity emerged as the top business priority in 2025, climbing from fifth place in 2024 and surpassing last year’s focus on expansion. This reflects the continued surge of social media, driven by rich audio-visual content, audience segmentation potential, and the heightened impact of influencers, allowing companies to cater to a generation of mobile-first consumers.
The supplier’s detailed report also delves into the latest priorities shaping product innovation, the preferred marketing channels of iGaming professionals, and the factors influencing successful talent acquisition:
- Personalisation dominated product development strategies, with advertising restrictions and soaring acquisition costs shifting emphasis to retention through AI-powered gamification engines.
- Social media stood out as the primary channel for company marketing and monitoring industry updates, ahead of conferences and trade media.
- LinkedIn dominated as the most popular platform in Europe, particularly with CEOs, while Facebook was preferred in Asia.
- A dynamic and expanding business ranked as the most important factor for attracting talent, followed by a professional and supportive team and an established brand.
- The importance of high salaries declined year-on-year, dropping from second to fourth, showcasing that employees increasingly judge 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.
To download the e-book, visit the official source.
