The last two years have proven to be transformative for the global iGaming sector. With newly regulated markets launching at pace and mature jurisdictions tightening their compliance frameworks, operators are being forced to pivot from aggressive acquisition models to strategies rooted in long-term sustainability and profitability.
And where operators go, suppliers usually follow.
In 2026, the commercial dynamic has shifted toward maximising player lifetime value through highly engaging, retention-focused content and strong operator partnerships. The logic is commercially sound: in an era of soaring CPAs, they are much more likely to come back and that retention is crucial when the cost of acquisition is so high.
Suppliers and operators are also looking to enter long-term agreements to ensure that their success can be replicated across global markets.
Amid this backdrop, iGaming Expert caught up with Arman Avetisyan, Head of Pascal Gaming, to discuss the company’s progress and ambitions for the year.
The studio has been busy throughout this year so far, creating meaningful player experiences with the launches of titles like Sugar Balloon, and showcasing their solutions at various trade shows.
The foundations for this year were set in 2025, though, according to Avetisyan. He explained that the company rebrand and repositioning was a transformative moment for Pascal Gaming.
“(In 2025) we refreshed our entire brand identity — a new logo and visual direction that better reflects our commitment to story-driven and emotionally engaging content,” he said. “We launched more than 30 new titles, including several Hold & Win and Buy Bonus games, as well as crash games.”
What contributes to slot success in 2026?
Avetisyan outlined that Pascal Gaming views games through a narrative-driven lens. While features and mechanics are important to any high-quality game, studios need to go one-step above.
Story-telling is essential to creating immersive experiences that players want to return to. Pascal Gaming’s head noted that the studio’s approach is to create slots that make players feel something rather than creating a passive experience.
“Our primary goals are portfolio expansion in target markets and focus on in-game character creations. Animal-based games are on the top of our list,” he added.
“To achieve this, we are continuing to invest in high-quality, story-rich content — including new character-driven crash games and an updated 3×3 slot series.”
Where does Pascal Gaming provide its games to?
The studio has been focusing on high-growth emerging markets in recent times, outlining that the fast-paced nature of its games alongside some of the simplicity works well with audiences who are perhaps newer to online casino experiences.
Avetisyan noted: “Our strongest markets currently are Latin America, Asia and Africa. These regions have responded very well to our mix of classic slots, innovative crash games, and localised content such as Fortune Master Goat and Don Tiger, Jack and Cheeky Duck, Pascal News and Super Blaise.”
“Throughout 2026, we plan to expand the markets we are certified in. We have a bold presence in the mentioned regions, yet we want to further improve our partnerships in those places.”
The studio is aggressive in its expansion strategy, taking advantage of some of the newer markets that have emerged with new local regulations and some markets that have also been proven as high-growth opportunities.
As such, Pascal Gaming has been working vigorously with regulators across many jurisdictions to authenticate its games so it can compliantly and safely expand.
As the studio’s head explained: “It’s not just about expansion, though; we are backing this expansion with a rigorous certification roadmap including Eastern Europe, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Philippines and many other jurisdictions.
“In 2026, we are also putting a considerable focus on new markets like the Netherlands and Switzerland.”
Expansion isn’t just geographic, though. As Avetisyan mentioned, operator partnerships are becoming ever-more important to the sector as those relationships go far beyond a transactional business deal.
“On the operator side, we are deepening partnerships through better integration support, joint marketing efforts, and tools that deliver measurable results,” he noted.
What trends are emerging in iGaming in 2026?
2026 has already proven to be an important year as it has been busy for Pascal Gaming. With a fresh new look, a raft of new games and an aggressive expansion strategy, the studio has enjoyed growth and long-term operator deals.
But there is still plenty of work to be done. So what does Pascal Gaming have in store for the remainder of the year, and how does that fit in with wider trends?
As well as the launch of animal-driven character games, the studio is looking to launch further into Latin America and Brazil, and has hinted at sports-style content ahead of the FIFA World Cup – a trend that casino suppliers have created in 2026.
Underpinning this strategy though is a deep focus on localisation and strong partnerships.
As Avetisyan concluded: “Stronger partnerships and deeper localisation are dominant themes in 2026. At Pascal Gaming, we are placing significant focus on building meaningful, long-term relationships with our operators and investing heavily in localisation — both in terms of content and support.”
