During the SBC Summit week in Lisbon, Gambling Insider had the opportunity to attend an exclusive preview of SOFTSWISS’ 2027 iGaming Trends Report.
The discussions were initially focused on topics such as artificial intelligence, regulation, and emerging billion-dollar markets. However, the recent developments in Brazil quickly shifted the focus of the conversation.
Set in a picturesque Portuguese vineyard, the event aimed to provide a serene atmosphere away from the usual conference hustle. This invite-only launch featured speakers from SOFTSWISS, AWS, Pentasia, and Google, with CNN’s Elliott Gotkine leading discussions on AI, personalization, compliance, and the search for the next big growth markets in the industry.
Yet, Brazil loomed large over the discussions. The country, once seen as a promising growth opportunity in the global iGaming landscape, has now become a cautionary tale of how swiftly the dynamics of a regulated market can change. As the afternoon progressed, Brazil's situation was frequently revisited in conversations.
SOFTSWISS’ 2027 report highlights a notable contrast: while the industry is maturing, regulatory frameworks seem to be lagging behind. The report estimates that the global online gambling gross gaming revenue (GGR) will reach $349 billion by 2026, predicting continued market expansion. It emphasizes the increasing integration of iGaming with the broader digital economy, where regulation, payment systems, AI, customer acquisition, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure are no longer isolated topics but interconnected components of a single operating model.
Olga Resiga from SOFTSWISS remarked, “A large market doesn’t guarantee profitability, but it indicates readiness.” This sentiment was echoed by Alexandra Kavelich, Deputy CMO at SOFTSWISS, who noted that iGaming has evolved from a niche sector to a significant player in the digital economy. She pointed out that while the industry’s growth is beginning to decelerate, this should be viewed as a sign of maturity rather than a negative trend.
Robin Harrison, Global Content Director B2B at WorldGaming, highlighted a quieter evolution within the industry, where compliance systems, payment technologies, and monitoring tools are becoming increasingly interconnected. However, he expressed concern that regulatory frameworks are not keeping pace with technological advancements, stating, “The regulation doesn’t feel as mature as the industry.”
The recent actions taken by Brazil’s government, which included a provisional measure banning online betting, have raised alarms about the regulatory environment. This decision, made by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration, has forced Flutter Entertainment to halt its sports betting and iGaming operations in Brazil. The measure must be approved by Congress within 120 days to remain in effect, and Flutter is currently exploring its options, including a potential appeal.
As Harrison noted, Brazil serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of trust in regulatory frameworks, stating, “As of October 6th, we don’t have a market anymore.”