#Malta #Valletta #iGaming #SOFTSWISS #Regulations

The Future of iGaming: Expansion Amid New Regulations

The iGaming industry is embarking on a promising journey of growth, catalyzed by clearer regulatory frameworks and cutting-edge technology, according to the recently released 2026 iGaming Trends Report by SOFTSWISS. This report paints a favorable picture of the landscape for online gaming, presenting insights that reveal how regulation is becoming a key driver for industry advancement instead of a hindrance.

A Transformative Year for iGaming

In recent years, the global iGaming market has shown tremendous potential, with projections indicating a dramatic increase from $103 billion in 2025 to an impressive $169 billion by 2030. This translates into a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.44%, underscoring the industry's influential trajectory.

SOFTSWISS emphasizes that the maturation of the regulatory environment is pivotal to this expansion. Many governments are evolving beyond voluntary guidelines, with a growing number instituting compulsory responsible gaming standards, advertising restrictions, and spending checks to ensure player protection. These measures are not only enhancing accountability but are also contributing to a more stable market environment.

Positive Trends in Regulation

The survey conducted by SOFTSWISS involved over 350 industry stakeholders, including operators, investors, and regulators, who rated the current legal and regulatory landscape on a scale from 1 to 10. The outcomes were encouraging—nearly half of respondents provided ratings of 7 or above, raising the average to 6.36 in 2025 from 6.06 the previous year. This increase indicates a burgeoning confidence in the regulatory systems, crucial for fostering sustainable growth within the sector.

Ivan Montik, the founder of SOFTSWISS, asserts that regulation should not be perceived as an enemy of growth. Instead, when implemented correctly, regulation lays the groundwork for industry prosperity. Drawing parallels with the cryptocurrency sector—which is witnessing its own evolution through regulatory developments such as the GENIUS Act—Montik suggests that iGaming is now entering a similar pivotal moment.

Enhancing Player Confidence

Montik highlights the importance of transparent and fair rules in building trust among players. This essentially levels the playing field, reduces risks associated with bad-faith operators, and ultimately encourages participation. As players gravitate toward licensed operators, the overall integrity of the iGaming industry is reinforced.

The 2026 iGaming Trends Report underscores that 2025 was a landmark year, as various governments worldwide sought to tighten regulations while encouraging market liberalization. By fostering safer and more competitive environments, regulators aim to mitigate the allure of unscrupulous operators while establishing a foundation conducive to continued industry growth.

The Role of SOFTSWISS

Since its inception, SOFTSWISS has established itself as a leading global technology provider in the iGaming realm. The company has been instrumental in delivering award-winning software solutions since 2009, currently serving over 1,000 brands worldwide with a dedicated team of over 2,000 industry experts. Their significant role in developing innovative technologies has positioned them at the forefront of the industry's evolution.

Conclusion

As the iGaming sector ventures into this new phase of expansion fueled by ongoing regulatory advancements and technological innovation, it sets the stage for a more robust and sustainable future. SOFTSWISS’s insights remind stakeholders that a supportive and well-structured regulatory environment can lead to unprecedented growth, benefiting players, operators, and investors alike.