SOFTSWISS 2026: AI, Regulation and Brand Power Drive iGaming Trends

Brazil.– November 4, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com SOFTSWISS has released its 2026 iGaming Trends Report, produced with NEXT.io, revealing how artificial intelligence, regulation and brand strategy will shape the future of the industry in 2026.

Overview

Global tech provider SOFTSWISS surveyed over 350 industry professionals and analysed 120,000 media headlines using AI to build one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the global iGaming landscape.

Details / Context

The report covers marketing, regulation, technology, responsible gaming, cybersecurity and AI, identifying key forces behind industry transformation:

  • Operational AI: AI importance scored 8.41/10 in 2025 (up from 8.15), with 56 % of companies ranking integration among their top three priorities.
  • Brand over bonus: Influencer marketing dropped 10 points since 2023 while trust and reputation now outweigh bonuses in player acquisition.
  • Marketing reinvented: Operators shift from pure performance tactics to brand-driven ecosystems tracking Top-of-Mind and Purchase Intent.
  • Regulation redefined: New markets like Brazil, Finland and France adopt competitive licensing models, while the UK and Lithuania tighten advertising rules.
  • Responsible Gaming 2.0: AI-powered tools monitor risky behaviour in real time, now expected by regulators in Ontario and Greece.
  • Cybersecurity as a metric: Phishing incidents rose 180 % since 2023; 35 % of small operators report insufficient resilience.

Specific sub-themes

  • Micro-trends: A new chapter explores early market signals and regional case studies.
  • Regional perspective: NEXT.io outlines Europe’s re-calibration, North America’s steady growth, South America’s compliance-driven expansion and Asia’s controlled innovation.
  • Institutional voice: Founder Ivan Montik stressed that as the sector matures, “disciplined profitability and operational resilience are vital for lasting value.”

Future outlook

SOFTSWISS will promote its report during the iGaming Trends Marathon 2026 at SiGMA Central Europe Summit 2025 in Rome on November 5.
Last year’s edition recorded 13,000 downloads, cementing its status as one of the most respected analytical resources in global iGaming.

🔗 Edited: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com

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