ICE World Gaming Forum 2026 to discuss illegal markets, cybersecurity, and innovation

The 2026 edition of the ICE World Gaming Forum (WGF) will gather top executives, regulators, and policymakers in Barcelona from January 19 to 21 to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities across the global gaming industry.

Held at Fira Gran Via alongside the ICE and iGB Affiliate exhibitions, the event will feature six central themes, including combating illegal markets, land-based growth in Europe, collaboration in sports betting, iGaming personalization, lottery innovation, and the escalating threat of cyberattacks.

Damien Ashton-Wellman, Conference Manager and Head of Content for ICE Barcelona, said: “The ICE World Gaming Forum is the industry's largest and most influential gathering of leaders drawn from across the global gaming ecosystem. This unique event is attended by CEOs, ministers, regulators, and industry associations, all gathering to share knowledge, stimulate debate, and engage with high-level experts on policy, strategy, and new technology.”

He noted that the 2026 program was curated through collaboration with industry stakeholders to address “the threats, opportunities and hot topics across all verticals and all jurisdictions.” In 2025, the Forum attracted more than 1,200 delegates from 79 countries, reinforcing its status as a leading global platform for gaming dialogue and strategy.

As Europe tightens gambling regulations, the discussion on 'Combating the Illegal Market and Protecting Players' will explore how unregulated operators exploit crypto flexibility and tax loopholes, while regulators seek to balance consumer protection with innovation. The rise of gray markets in fast-growing regions such as Latin America and Africa will also feature prominently.

The 'Land-Based Growth in Europe' theme will assess how casinos are diversifying to remain competitive, integrating entertainment and hospitality to drive sustained engagement rather than short-term gaming revenue.

In 'Collaboration in Sports Betting', industry experts will analyze how partnerships with data providers and AI companies are reshaping the landscape, from personalized marketing to real-time integrity monitoring. With Esports and markets in MENA, North America, and Latin America expanding rapidly, the segment will focus on transparency and responsible play.

'iGaming Personalization' sessions will highlight how operators use AI and data analytics to tailor player experiences responsibly, maintaining engagement while safeguarding integrity. Meanwhile, 'Lottery Technology and Innovation' will address the shift toward digital and hybrid lottery formats that appeal to younger players and the regulatory reforms needed to accommodate them.

The Forum will also confront 'Evolving Threats, Bonus Abuse, and Cyberattacks', as incidents targeting gambling platforms have surged by 70% since 2022, costing the industry nearly €1 billion ($1.16 billion) annually. Operators are adopting biometric authentication and AI-led risk systems to combat fraud and maintain player trust.

Offering a club-style VIP lounge, networking garden, and concierge services, the ICE World Gaming Forum 2026 aims to strengthen cooperation and thought leadership across the gaming ecosystem. The full agenda will be released on October 27 at www.icegaming.com/wgf/choose-pass.