The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has emerged as the fastest-rising region in blockchain gaming, now representing nearly one-fifth of all industry professionals surveyed by the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA), according to the newly released 2025 BGA State of the Industry Report.

The findings were unveiled on stage at the Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi 2025 by Sebastien Borget, Co-President of the BGA and Co-Founder of The Sandbox, during a panel discussion titled ‘Web3 Gaming’s Big Bet’ with Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands, and Cathy Hackl, CEO of Future Dynamics, moderated by Wissam Younane, CEO, Entrepreneur Middle East.

“Sharing this year’s BGA State of the Industry Report in Abu Dhabi shows the promise and huge potential of blockchain gaming’s next phase, and MENA’s rapid growth is a big signal that new regions around the world are stepping into leadership roles,” said Borget. “What we’re seeing in the data is an industry becoming more global, more disciplined, and more focused on building great games for real players.”

MENA’s representation has surged from virtually no presence in the survey sample just five years ago — under 1% in 2021 — to 19.8% of respondents in 2025, marking the most pronounced regional shift since the survey began. When combined with Africa’s steady growth, rising from 0.5% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2025, the two regions now account for more than a quarter of all global responses to the survey.

This momentum reflects a broader realignment in the gaming and technology landscape. MENA has become one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets, underpinned by a youthful, digitally-native population and extensive government investment into gaming, esports, and digital infrastructure. As global capital increasingly flows into the region through strategic acquisitions, large-scale development initiatives, and major esports events, blockchain gaming’s rising professional footprint signals that MENA is actively shaping the future of the sector.

The BGA’s growth across MENA and Africa has been strongly attributed to the leadership and regional advocacy of Yasmina Kazitani, who was elected by the BGA membership as the organization’s first female Co-President in March 2025.

An Algerian-born ecosystem builder with deep ties across both regions, Kazitani has focused on community partnerships and grassroots outreach in emerging markets, broadening participation while championing access for previously underrepresented groups. She is also a long-standing advocate for gender diversity and inclusion as Co-Founder of the Women in Web3 Alliance, working to reduce barriers to entry and elevate female leadership within the industry.

“The survey results reflect what we see on the ground: new communities with new talent and stewardship,” said Kazitani. “With more voices entering the conversation, we are reminded that diverse representation is essential because this is what influences the ideas, products, and priorities that will define our industry’s next phase. A broader range of perspectives strengthens decision-making, contributes to a more resilient ecosystem, and ultimately underpins a global industry that better reflects its players and creates games that resonate across cultures.”

This increasing focus on diversity and broader participation was reflected directly in the survey methodology itself. For the first time, the BGA survey was offered in multiple languages beyond English, resulting in nearly a quarter of responses being submitted in other languages including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese, with the majority received in Arabic. This expansion has provided a more accurate picture of industry participation while lowering barriers to inclusion in non-English-speaking markets.

Beyond its geographic findings, the report provides a comprehensive snapshot of a maturing industry navigating a challenging market environment. Respondents highlight rising confidence in regulatory clarity as a key driver of growth, alongside an increasing focus on high-quality game development and sustainable business models. At the same time, industry professionals identify scams and fraud as the greatest threats to credibility, funding scarcity as the most pressing operational constraint, and AI-enabled exploitation as a growing concern.

Key takeaways from the BGA 2025 State of the Industry Report are highlighted below:

Respondent Demographics

1. 19.8% of respondents come from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), up from under 1% in 2021.

2. 22.7% female participation marks the highest level recorded in the survey’s history.

3. 32.6% of respondents work in studios or publishing, dominating industry representation.

Industry Drivers

1. 64.4% expect policy and regulation to have a positive impact on industry development.

2. 29.5% cite high-quality game launches as the primary driver of future industry success.

3. 27.5% point to sustainable, revenue-driven business models as a key growth factor.

Industry Challenges

1. 36.0% view scams and fraud as the greatest threat to industry credibility.

2. 32.6% report lack of funding or investment as their company’s biggest operational challenge.

3. 38.9% fear AI-enabled cheating, bots, and exploits as the largest risk of AI adoption.

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Franco Digital, the Spanish gaming provider, is to power the launch of new Spanish casino TikiTaka Play, after the operator selected the supplier’s IRIS platform to launch and manage its new online gaming operation.

This strategic partnership, which reinforces R. Franco Digital’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to regulated markets, means TikiTaka Play will be provided with a fully integrated, scalable, compliant platform.

IRIS will centralise essential operational functions for TikiTaka Play, including player account management (PAM), KYC/AML, payments, product administration, promotions, CRM, affiliate activity, fraud prevention, and real-time analytics. This will ensure TikiTaka Play begins its digital journey with strength, reliability, and support to optimise its growth in Spain.

This latest deal is a new milestone in R. Franco Digital’s technological roadmap as the company continues to reinforce its successful presence in regulated markets globally.

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, said: “We are proud that TikiTaka Play has selected our IRIS platform to underpin its new online gaming operation.

“This partnership reinforces our growth in our home market and is a testament to the platform’s power, security, and scalability. It marks a solid beginning for what is set to be a highly successful collaboration.”

Jesús Muñoz, CEO and founder of Tiki Taka Games group, added: “The choice of platform was paramount for launching our new online operation, and R. Franco Digital’s IRIS solution stood out.

“It provides us with a fully integrated and regulation-ready environment, ensuring we enter the market with confidence and efficiency.”

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Wazdan, the gain-focused developer, has partnered with WINBET to launch its acclaimed Jackpot Rain feature in Bulgaria for the first time, alongside 10 of its top-performing titles.

The agreement marks a major step forward for Wazdan’s growth in the Bulgarian iGaming market, bringing a mix of innovation and proven performance to one of the country’s leading operators.

Through the partnership, players at WINBET can now enjoy a host of Wazdan player favourites, including Burning Sun Extremely Light, Mighty Wild: Panther, 9 Coins Grand Platinum Edition, 15 Coins, Hot Slot: 777 Coins, 20 Coins, Hot Slot: 777 Crown, 12 Coins Grand Gold Edition, Black Horse Cash Out, and Mighty Symbols: Diamonds.

In addition to the slot lineup, Jackpot Rain will make its long-awaited debut in Bulgaria, bringing with it a new layer of excitement. The feature gives players the chance to trigger four progressive jackpots, adding a dynamic and rewarding dimension to gameplay across multiple Wazdan titles.

WINBET, the leading Bulgarian operator, offers a premium online experience with more than 300 casino slot games, live casino options, and a comprehensive sportsbook. Known for its generous promotions, seamless mobile experience, and variety of payment methods, WINBET continues to set new standards in the Bulgarian market.

This latest collaboration underscores Wazdan’s commitment to expanding its footprint in regulated territories by delivering next-generation features that enhance both player satisfaction and operator performance.

Magdalena Wojdyla, Head of Account Management for Europe at Wazdan, said: “This collaboration marks another exciting milestone as we continue expanding our presence in regulated markets across Europe.

“WINBET has built a strong reputation for quality and player engagement, and we are confident that our portfolio, together with the excitement of Jackpot Rain, will deliver outstanding results.”

Henrieta Nikolova, Head of Casino at WINBET said: “Partnering with Wazdan allows us to enrich our online casino offering with a series of titles known for their innovation and entertainment value.

“The exclusive launch of Jackpot Rain in Bulgaria is a great addition to our portfolio, and it is exciting to become the first operator in the country to deliver this experience to our players.”

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