"In 2026, Slotegrator will continue to deliver innovative, fast-adapting solutions for operators"

As the iGaming industry heads into 2026 amid accelerating regulatory change, technological innovation, and shifting player expectations, operators are under growing pressure to adapt faster and think more strategically. Transparency, compliance, and long-term sustainability are no longer optional talking points, but core pillars shaping how companies build trust, scale responsibly, and compete across increasingly fragmented markets.

In this interview, Olga Ivanchik, COO of Slotegrator, shares the thinking behind the company’s recently released 2026 iGaming Trends Report, offering insight into the regulatory, technological, and ESG-driven forces set to define the year ahead. Drawing on perspectives from more than 50 global experts, Ivanchik outlines where operators should focus next, and how Slotegrator aims to guide partners through the industry’s next phase of transformation.

What inspired Slotegrator to compile the 2026 iGaming Trends Report? What key insights does it offer industry stakeholders?

We didn’t create the 2026 trends report just to summarise what’s already obvious. The real inspiration was the growing gap between how fast the industry is changing and how slowly companies sometimes adapt. Many operators, suppliers, and regulators told us they feel they’re constantly trying to “catch up” instead of shaping what comes next.

Stakeholders will find an in-depth analysis of trends that are projected to completely change the iGaming industry — the kind of insight that will give them an edge in planning for the future.

The report was developed with input from over 50 global experts. How did these collaborations shape the final insights, and what were some of the most valuable perspectives you gained from this process?

We had input from iGaming industry influencers, PR & marketing specialists, responsible gambling advocates, and providers. Their input was as varied as their areas of expertise — and the markets they focus on.

Experts from Europe tended to emphasize the acceleration of regulatory harmonisation, especially around data governance. Contributors in Latin America, on the other hand, pushed us to highlight market fragmentation.

African and Asian partners stressed the importance of infrastructure, such as mobile penetration, payment reliability, and cultural preferences when it comes to UX.

You can download the full edition of the report here.

Regulation seems to be a key theme for 2026. What are the most significant regulatory changes operators and suppliers should prepare for in the coming year?

Regulators want more transparency, faster reporting, and real-time verification, so stricter data governance and KYC/AML frameworks should be priorities for operators.

Another point is unified standards for safer gambling. Expect required risk-score tools, more transparent affordability checks, and stricter rules for tailored responsible-gaming actions.

ESG has become a recurring term in corporate strategy across industries. How is it influencing the iGaming sector, and what practical steps are companies taking to align with ESG principles?

For years, the term “ESG” seemed like empty corporate jargon. But by now, ESG principles are setting standards in marketing, data protection, workforce conditions, partner selection, and safer-gambling technologies.

As investors and financial institutions require ESG audits, it has become a core element of due diligence.

In iGaming specifically, ESG is pushing companies toward more responsible marketing practices, more rigorous data protection standards, transparent partner selection policies, and deeper commitments to safer gambling technologies.

Transparency and ethical practices, particularly in marketing and data management, are highlighted in the report. How do you see these priorities reshaping player trust and brand reputation?

Trust is the foundation of the gambling industry. When players see consistent, transparent communication about data use, clear bonus terms, fair marketing practices, and accessible, responsible gambling tools, their loyalty increases significantly.

We’ve seen this across multiple markets. Transparency isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a new identity marker for strong brands.

The report also explores artificial intelligence in compliance and fraud prevention. In your view, how far has the industry come in adopting AI responsibly, and what challenges persist?

The industry has progressed, but the responsible use of AI is only beginning. Its future will depend on high-quality data, transparent models, and technology that earns trust rather than assumes it.

Our role is to secure this future through rigorous, transparent, and ethically governed AI decisions. As a software provider, our job is to help operators use AI not just effectively, but openly and responsibly.

From your perspective, what regions (Europe, Latin America, Africa, or Asia) are showing the most dynamic regulatory or technological evolution right now?

Each region is evolving in its own way. European markets are at a stage of increasing regulatory sophistication, creating a kind of stress test for compliance technologies.

In Latin America, we’re seeing very rapid commercial growth; operators are scaling quickly as the ecosystem grows, with the biggest example being the Brazilian market in the wake of reregulation.

Africa is seeing accelerated digital adoption. The continent’s mobile-first markets are embracing payment innovations that often outpace western solutions.

In Asia, there’s a more structural transformation; markets like India and the Philippines are shaping frameworks that could redefine how the region operates.

So the most dynamic markets are Latin America and Africa, while Europe has the highest compliance demands, and Asia is showing the most long-term potential.

How do you see Slotegrator’s role in guiding operators through this next stage of change in iGaming?

No matter what changes are on the horizon, our role is clear: help operators grow sustainably in a world where the rules are shifting faster than ever.

As regulations tighten, technologies accelerate, and markets diversify, operators want a partner who provides not only software but also interpretation, strategy, and foresight.

In 2026, Slotegrator will continue to deliver innovative, fast-adapting solutions for operators, stay close to emerging markets, and address our clients’ needs quickly and flawlessly.