The iGF Supper Club, Barça: Learnings and Earnings
The recent iGamingFuture pre-ICE Supper Club, hosted in the vibrant city of Barcelona, served as a noteworthy platform for insights into the evolving landscape of online gambling.
Gathering an elite assembly of C-level executives from notable firms such as Betsson, MaxBet, Novibet, Blixx Gaming, Grand Casino Luzern AG, Nolimit City, SuprNation, and Fitzdares, this event facilitated the exchange of cutting-edge research and strategic assessments. Industry leaders heard from distinguished keynote speakers Josh Hodgson of H2 Gambling Capital and Paula Wesołowska of Revolut, with the event proudly sponsored by Crucial Compliance.
Crucial Compliance CEO Paul Foster commenced the evening by introducing the speakers, who unified their presentations around the pivotal theme of “Building Sustainability Through Compliance.” This timely discourse resonates deeply within today’s regulatory-focused gambling environment.
The venue, Kaktos Botanical Society, a chic locale nestled just off Barcelona’s famous Rambla avenue, provided an inviting atmosphere complete with a sophisticated cocktail bar, delicious Catalan tapas, and an enticing chocolate tasting session, enhancing the evening’s networking opportunities.
The Impetus for Change
“Change is the only constant,” asserted Paula Wesołowska during her enlightening address at the iGF Supper Club.
Wesołowska emphasized that the initiation of a product launch marks only the beginning of its life cycle. “Continuous development is critical,” she stated, underlining the necessity for ongoing review and analysis. “Ensuring that products evolve in response to market demands is essential for success,” she added, advocating for the regular assessment of performance metrics and the identification of unaddressed gaps.
“Enhancing customer satisfaction through the strategic use of artificial intelligence is pivotal,” she continued. “Rapid responses to potential fraud inquiries are vital; time is indeed of the essence. Our focus must remain on listening to our customers to create products tailored to their needs.”
Data-Driven Insights
Turning to the data landscape, Josh Hodgson, Senior Associate at H2 Gambling Capital, provided a meticulous analysis of current iGaming trends, spotlighting the explosive growth forecast for Brazil—the emerging titan in the landscape of online betting.
Referencing H2’s insightful report, “Exploring the Growth Opportunities in Regulated Markets in 2025 and Beyond,” Hodgson noted the paradox of current market dynamics: while the land-based sector remains dominant, online gaming is projected to expand at a commendable rate of 10.2% this year, compared to the 2.9% growth anticipated in traditional retail betting. He presented projections indicating that gross gaming revenue (GGR) for retail operations is expected to reach €409 billion (£345.62bn/US$427.09bn), juxtaposed with an impressive €171 billion (£144.5bn/US$178.54bn) for iGaming.
With a nod to the inherent complexity of market modeling, he quipped, “All models are wrong, but some are useful.” This candid acknowledgment underscores the importance of discerning actionable insights from data-driven analytics.
Concluding the evening, Paul Foster reiterated the critical role of compliance in fostering a sustainable gaming ecosystem. “We all understand the benefits,” he proclaimed. “Compliance not only protects players but also enhances market integrity. When players are safeguarded, they engage more responsibly, leading to a healthier gaming environment.”
This event exemplified the confluence of expertise, collaboration, and strategic foresight that defines the future of the gambling industry. As industry leaders gather, share insights, and align on compliance and innovation, the trajectory of iGaming remains promising and poised for sustainable growth.
