SOFTSWISS, a global tech leader in iGaming solutions, has released its 2026 iGaming Trends Report, developed in partnership with NEXT.io. The fourth edition of this annual study provides a data-driven roadmap for operators, suppliers, and industry stakeholders as they prepare for the next phase of industry evolution.

The report is based on a survey of over 350 iGaming professionals and the AI-driven analysis of more than 120,000 media headlines, making it one of the most comprehensive overviews of the global iGaming landscape to date. It combines qualitative and quantitative research methods, including independent analytics from Kantar, one of the leading research agencies, and internal insights from 30 SOFTSWISS experts.

Covering key global regions and industry domains, including marketing, regulation, technology, responsible gambling, cybersecurity, and AI, the 2026 iGaming Trends Report offers an in-depth look at the factors driving market transformation:

• AI Goes Operational: The perceived importance of AI scored 8.41/10 in 2025, up from 8.15 the previous year, with 56% of surveyed companies listing AI integration as one of their top three business priorities.
• Brand Over Bonus: Influencer marketing dominance has dropped by 10 percentage points since 2023, while brand reputation and trust now play a bigger role than bonuses in player acquisition.

• Marketing Reinvented: Operators are shifting their focus from performance-only tactics to brand-led ecosystems. iGaming companies are now tracking brand equity metrics, such as Top of Mind and Purchase Intent, as strategic KPIs.
• Regulation Reshaped: New markets, including Brazil, Finland, and France, are transitioning to competitive licensing models, while countries such as the UK and Lithuania are introducing tighter advertising controls.
• Responsible Gambling 2.0: AI-based tools are being deployed to identify at-risk player behaviour in real-time, a step now expected by regulators in jurisdictions, including Ontario and Greece.
• Cybersecurity as a Core Metric: Phishing incidents have increased by 180% since 2023, while 35% of smaller operators report inadequate cyber resilience, highlighting the growing connection between trust, compliance, and player retention.

This year’s edition introduces a new Microtrends section, exploring early-stage shifts and emerging ideas with near-term potential. This dedicated chapter highlights the smaller signals shaping tomorrow’s market opportunities.

Each microtrend is supported by real-world examples and regional case studies, illustrating how forward-looking operators and suppliers can capitalise on these developments before they reach mainstream adoption.

The report also includes a regional outlook developed by NEXT.io, covering Europe’s recalibration, North America’s measured growth, South America’s compliance-driven execution, and Asia’s controlled innovation model.

Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, comments: “In recent years, the sector has moved into maturity. What now matters is disciplined profitability, operational resilience, and the ability to deliver durable player value. This fourth edition reflects that shift. We examine the macrotrends reshaping the sector, the micro-level tactics and technologies that improve performance, and a regional outlook developed in partnership with NEXT.io. Taken together, these chapters provide a structured view of what will shape 2026 and the decisions it asks of operators, suppliers, and partners.”

In support of its ebook, SOFTWISS will present the 2026 iGaming Trends Marathon at the SiGMA Central Europe Summit on 5 November 2025. A four-hour event will take place from 12:00 to 16:00 on the People, Partners & Performance Stage, featuring keynotes and panels with leading global industry experts.

Last year’s edition of the Trends Report attracted significant industry attention, with over 13,000 downloads, confirming its value as one of the sector’s most respected analytical resources.

Operators and industry professionals can download the 2026 iGaming Trends Report here.

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

Gurhan Kiziloz, the key figure behind Nexus International, is strengthening his foothold in the online gaming industry, driving the company’s aggressive expansion strategy. Under his leadership, Nexus International manages Megaposta and Lanistar, two platforms that have significantly contributed to revenue growth. In 2024, the company recorded $400 million in revenue, and with Kiziloz’s expansion efforts, forecasts indicate that this figure could surge to $1.45 billion in 2025.

A crucial step in this trajectory is securing a Brazilian gaming license, granting Nexus International entry into one of the most regulated betting markets worldwide. Obtaining this license required compliance with strict financial and operational standards set by Brazilian regulators—an undertaking Kiziloz personally oversaw as part of his broader goal to establish the company in regulated spaces. With this authorization, Nexus International can legally operate and scale within Brazil, a market now focused on restricting unlicensed operators.

Kiziloz’s Influence on Nexus International’s Growth

Kiziloz has engaged in various industries, with his transition into online gaming reflecting a strategic response to shifting regulatory landscapes. Before stepping into the online gaming sector, he developed Lanistar as a fintech company, but under his leadership, it has since evolved into the gaming space. This shift aligns with his broader approach to restructuring and scaling business models in response to market demands.

His direct involvement has fueled the company’s expansion across Latin America. Megaposta has already established a presence in multiple countries, and with the newly acquired Brazilian license, Kiziloz has positioned Nexus International for further market penetration. His role has been instrumental in securing partnerships, ensuring compliance, and crafting strategies to compete with dominant players in the gaming industry.

However, this approach is not without its challenges. Brazil enforces stringent regulations covering advertising, taxation, and consumer protection. Any compliance violations could result in financial penalties or even the revocation of the company’s license. Kiziloz now faces the responsibility of maintaining Nexus International’s legal standing while navigating an increasingly competitive and tightly regulated market.

Strategies for Expanding Nexus International

Under Kiziloz’s leadership, Nexus International is targeting regions where legal online gaming is gaining traction. Megaposta has already gained significant market share in Latin America, and the newly obtained Brazilian license enables the company to operate openly, unlike unlicensed competitors who face restrictions.

Lanistar’s transformation from a fintech venture into an online gaming platform was a calculated step, allowing Nexus International to solidify its presence in sports betting and casino gaming. While Lanistar has shifted focus, it continues to operate as a fintech platform under Lanistar.app, maintaining its presence in the financial sector. By managing two platforms under the same corporate umbrella, Kiziloz diversifies revenue streams and expands market reach.

Brazil’s updated gaming regulations have created a landscape where only licensed operators can legally provide betting services. By securing Nexus International’s position within this regulatory framework, Kiziloz ensures the company can advertise, form local partnerships, and expand its customer base without the legal uncertainties of unlicensed operations. However, this also means facing higher operational costs and stricter regulatory constraints.

The Financial Targets & Hurdles Facing Kiziloz

Kiziloz aims to push Nexus International’s revenue to $1.45 billion through a combination of geographic expansion and increased user engagement. His strategy hinges on drawing more users to the company’s platforms and enhancing participation in sports betting and casino games, two of the most lucrative segments in the online gaming sector.

Yet, the industry presents several hurdles. Regulatory environments remain fluid, with governments frequently revising tax structures, imposing new restrictions, or introducing additional compliance measures. Any legislative changes in Brazil could directly impact Nexus International’s profit margins.

Additionally, competition remains fierce, with well-established gaming brands boasting stronger customer loyalty and larger marketing budgets. To compete effectively, Nexus International must prioritize user retention, offer exclusive features, and implement strategic marketing efforts—while still adhering to regulatory limitations.

Cybersecurity also poses a significant challenge. Online gaming platforms are frequent targets for fraud and cyberattacks. To protect user data and maintain trust, Kiziloz must ensure substantial investment in security measures. Any failure in this area could lead to financial losses and reputational damage.

Future Expansion Plans for Nexus International

Beyond Brazil, Kiziloz is exploring opportunities to extend Nexus International’s presence into additional regulated markets. Several countries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia are refining their online gaming laws, and Kiziloz is actively evaluating the most viable regions for legal expansion.

Securing new licenses is a complex, time-intensive process requiring adherence to different tax regimes, advertising regulations, and consumer protection standards. Kiziloz must oversee negotiations, obtain legal approvals, and implement regional marketing strategies to ensure seamless entry into new markets.

While the Brazilian license has paved the way for growth, Nexus International’s success will ultimately depend on Kiziloz’s ability to navigate industry challenges. Maintaining compliance, mitigating risks, and competing against larger players will be crucial for sustaining momentum. His approach to regulatory adherence, strategic marketing, and technological investment will shape the company’s trajectory in the years ahead.

SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of expertise in iGaming, supports the global Pink October initiative to attract attention to preventing breast cancer.

This year’s Pink October campaign at SOFTSWISS is themed “A Minute Today, a Future Ahead” and emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and early diagnosis is key in the fight against the disease. When it is noticed early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

Early detection involves doing monthly breast self-exams and planning regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Half of the 2,000 SOFTSWISS employees are women, and the company will refund each of them for ultrasounds and mammograms in October and November.

Pink October at SOFTSWISS offers a wide range of activities throughout the month. In addition to reimbursing for medical examinations, an online webinar on mental health will provide valuable insights for those who face the disease. To support the international charity movement “Butterfly Support Mission”, women from SOFTSWISS will take part in a themed race.

The company’s employees also personally support the initiative. To further raise awareness, prominent female influencers from the SOFTSWISS community share information about the campaign across social media, amplifying the message of self-care and vigilance.

“Health is a crucial value beyond everything. Here, at SOFTSWISS, we aim to help and support our employees’ well-being and health every day. By promoting the Pink October initiative, we want to stress the importance of well-timed self-care and make this issue visible both within the iGaming industry and beyond,” shares Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, Valentina Bagniya.

Notably, the iGaming industry recognised SOFTSWISS’ strong dedication to ensuring the best working conditions for its employees. A few weeks ago, SOFTSWISS received the esteemed accolade “Employer of the Year” at the SBC Awards.

Supporting the Pink October initiative for the second year in a row, SOFTSWISS continues to lead by example, emphasising the importance of preventive health measures and community support. Through this initiative, the company hopes to inspire its employees and society to take action today for a healthier tomorrow. 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.