The iGaming industry itself is getting more sophisticated, with changes in regulation labelled as response to this growing complexity by Slotegrator. We’re entering a phase where simply being compliant is no longer enough; operators will need to anticipate regulatory shifts.
Mature markets, such as those in Europe, will continue tightening requirements around KYC, AML, and responsible gambling, while emerging markets in Africa and LatAm will move from ‘light-touch’ frameworks to structured, enforceable rules.
For Slotegrator, COO, Olga Ivanchik, says that this means doubling down on regulatory intelligence and modular compliance tools.
Operators want platforms that evolve as fast as the rules do, she believes, with the winners of 2026 to be those that treat compliance as a competitive advantage rather than a barrier.
iGaming Expert: Authorities in several jurisdictions are discussing potential tax increases. What implications do you believe these increases would have?
Olga Ivanchik: The reality is that taxes always move in one direction – up. The industry’s reaction depends on the size of the increase.
If tax increases are moderate, we’ll see a refocus on operational efficiency like automation, consolidation of suppliers, and smarter product portfolios.
If the increases are sharp, operators will start changing their geographical priorities, shifting investment from high-cost markets to faster-growing regions.
But the real implication is that higher taxes will push operators toward more data-driven business models. When profits drop, guessing becomes too expensive.
Platform providers like us must enable operators to understand exactly where they earn, where they dip, and where they can optimise.
In that sense, higher taxes will accelerate the professionalisation of the industry and drive demand for technology that delivers results and strong metrics in real time.
iGX: AI is on everyone’s mind. Do you think the iGaming industry is utilising AI tools to their full potential?
OI: Not even close. Most brands still see AI as a bonus feature, not a core part of operations.
Operators are using AI for fraud detection, segmentation, or basic CRM automation. This is a great start – it does all those things very well – but it’s only scratching the surface of what AI is capable of. The real potential lies in areas where scaling requires a level of processing power that human teams can’t match.
There are plenty of examples. Real-time player risk scoring, adaptive UX and personalisation, predictive LTV modelling, automated content curation and localisation, and intelligent risk management can all benefit tremendously from AI. In the very near future, operators who don’t use AI tools for those processes will definitely be left behind.
iGX: We’ve already seen how powerful individual AI tools are; what’s the next step? And how can the industry take full advantage of AI’s potential?
OI: In 2024–2025, the conversation was mostly about tools. In 2026, it will shift toward AI-driven business architecture. That’s where the real transformation will happen.
What should we do to maximise its potential? First, integrate AI into the platform as a core feature, not as a patch. When AI informs decision-making at every level (from risk assessment to bonus logic), operators see meaningful impact.
Second, unify the data. Operators have the insights, but system fragmentation undermines their effectiveness. AI needs connected pipelines, and it’s on platform providers to make that happen.
And finally: AI as an operational partner, not a novel tool. The companies that empower their teams to collaborate with AI will innovate faster, optimise better, and deliver more engaging player experiences.
At Slotegrator, our focus is on embedding AI into business processes so it becomes invisible, working in the background but driving measurable results — a bit like JARVIS in Iron Man: you don’t always see it, but everything runs faster, smarter, and more powerfully because it’s there.
iGX: New markets, and the race to conquer them, are a constant topic of conversation. Where do you see the next scramble for podium placement?
OI: I’m convinced the next wave of competition will unfold across three continents: Africa, LatAm, and Asia.
In Africa, we’re seeing rapid legalisation and infrastructure improvements. Markets like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa continue to mature. The big advantage of this region is its mobile-first audience and strong attraction to sportsbooks.
In Latin America, legalisation in Brazil changed everything. Even the recent tax hike won’t stop operators from striving to carve out their share of the market. Mexico, Peru, and Chile are also all in various stages of early – but dynamic – development, with plenty of opportunities for operators who want to gain market share early.
In the Asian market, I’d highlight the Philippines, which is strengthening its position as a regional hub. The regulatory landscape is still evolving, but once it stabilises, the competition will be fierce.
These regions are a priority for Slotegrator. That’s why we’re focusing on localisation at scale: content, payments, UX, and regulatory support tailored specifically to these markets.
iGX: In a wider context, what do you believe will be the biggest topics of conversation throughout 2026?
OI: That question deserves a very detailed answer, which is what you’ll find Slotegrator’s iGaming report 2026. Download the report to read about the biggest topics of the upcoming year, such as:
- Regulatory developments in the industry’s most attractive markets.
- Advances in AI, cybersecurity, biometric KYC, and deepfake detection.
- New marketing models built on emotional intelligence and data ethics.
- The role of Web3, stablecoins, and gamified well-being.
- The growing influence of ESG on the iGaming sector.
Instead of prioritising only one area, companies will combine agility, compliance, and innovation, creating a sustainable foundation for long-term growth.
Download the report to get in-depth analysis of the near future of the iGaming industry.
