So how do we plan in a market that keeps rewriting the rules? The answer is to plan smarter, not louder – and to use reliable data, not assumptions. That’s where the 2026 iGaming Trends Report by SOFTSWISS becomes essential.
More than a report – a strategy manual
Every year, SOFTSWISS brings together insights from across the global iGaming ecosystem. But the 2026 edition goes even further. It was produced jointly with NEXT.io, the world’s largest iGaming community, and Kantar, one of the most respected analytics agencies. The report is also backed by two waves of quantitative market research, interviews with hundreds of iGaming professionals, and analysis of AI-processed media data.
The result is a complete, data-driven view of where the global industry is heading – and, more importantly, how to respond properly.
This is not just theory. For each trend, the report outlines adaptation paths – clear, actionable steps that show how companies can implement in practice, not just observe change from a distance.
Last year, over 13,000 professionals downloaded the report, making it one of the most trusted sources of insight in the iGaming sector.
The topics that matter
The report covers every force currently shaping our industry – regulation, marketing, technology, responsible gambling, mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity, and, of course, AI. These are not side topics, they’re the core shifts that determine how we grow and compete.
It also answers the questions we all ask when planning for the year ahead:
- Which marketing channels will matter most in 2026?
- Does responsible gambling communication actually build trust and engagement?
- How can brands protect themselves when cyberattacks keep rising?
What makes this report truly valuable is that it adds context and expert commentary from people who’ve lived through these market shifts.
Why it matters for Latin America
Some might ask: if the report is global, what does it offer to Latin America? The answer is simple: it gives perspective.
For many operators here, the market still feels like a balancing act between opportunity and uncertainty. Regulations change, tax rules adjust, and new competitors enter every quarter. The 2026 iGaming Trends Report offers a framework to interpret that chaos.
Take regulation, for example. The global analysis helps LatAm businesses see how other regions have navigated the same path – what worked, what didn’t, and what signals to watch for. It’s not about copying but about learning from patterns.
When it comes to marketing and player engagement, the report’s insights into content peculiarities can help regional operators refine their approach. Latin American players are highly digital and social, but also sensitive to transparency and fairness. The section on responsible gambling, for instance, proves how open communication builds long-term engagement – something our region is still developing.
And then there’s technology. AI is no longer an experiment; it’s infrastructure. The report shows how global operators are already using AI to reduce workloads by half, improve fraud detection, and boost operational efficiency. These lessons translate directly to Latin America, where fast-scaling teams often operate with limited resources. Adopting the right tools early can mean avoiding years of trial and error.
Spotting the next big signal
One of my favourite parts of the new edition is the Micro-Trends section. These are smaller, emerging signals that smart teams can test and validate before going fully live. They’re not yet dominant, but they show where attention is shifting – from new content categories to evolving player behaviours and regional innovations.
To give these insights more depth, NEXT.io contributed its regional outlook, while the report also highlights stories of local operators shaping their markets from the inside out. For LatAm readers, this is important because it shows that transformation is not just imported – it’s being built here too. Our region is creating trends itself.
A final thought
As we head toward 2026, one thing is certain: the landscape will keep shifting. Taxes may change, new rules will appear, and technologies will evolve even faster than the year before. But planning doesn’t have to feel like guesswork.
Tools like the 2026 iGaming Trends Report turn complexity into clarity. They help operators and technology providers make informed decisions without improvising.
So, for those finalising their strategy for next year, I’ll say it plainly: make this ebook a part of your reading list. Learn from the data and listen to the experts to apply the insights to your local reality. Because in our industry, the ones who read the signs first win.
The 2026 iGaming Trends Report is coming soon. Get ready to plan smarter!
Dario Leiman
Head of Business Development in Latin America at SOFTSWISS
