ICE PREVIEW
Ownership is the new edge: Why investors are building their own iGaming platforms
As the iGaming industry prepares to converge at ICE – the world’s foremost gaming event – in January, it’s the perfect time to review the seismic shifts of 2025 and forecast the landscape for 2026. The past year was characterised by accelerating technological maturity and a profound shift in operator strategy.
T
he defining trends of 2025 were manifold, all pointing towards greater efficiency and personalisation:
• AI and hyper-personalisation: Artificial Intelligence moved from a buzzword to core infrastructure. Its application in personalised player journeys, dynamic game design, and enhanced Responsible Gambling (RG) detection became table stakes for success.
• Regulatory maturation: As key markets matured, the focus shifted to automated compliance and robust player protection systems (RegTech), turning regulatory adherence into a competitive feature rather* than just a hurdle.
• Mobile-first dominance: With mobile betting becoming the default behavior globally, platforms optimised for frictionless UX – instant KYC, one-tap deposits, and biometrically secured logins – commanded market share. While these trends focused on operational excellence, the most critical shift heading into 2026 is a structural one: the rise of the investor- owned platform. Savvy investors are moving past simply backing existing operators and are instead launching their own proprietary online casino, betting exchange, and sportsbook platforms to secure long-term value.
THE STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE: WHY INVESTORS ARE SEEKING FULL CONTROL
This trend is born from the strategic limitations of traditional market entry. A simple white label solution offers a low-cost, fast-to-market start, but it comes with critical drawbacks: limited customisation, dependence on the provider’s licensing, and, crucially, no ownership of the core technological asset. You are renting the infrastructure, not owning the real estate. In contrast, in-house development offers total control and differentiation but demands
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immense upfront investment – often $1M to $5M – and a protracted time-to-market. The lengthy process increases risk and delays the ability to capitalise on fast-moving market opportunities.
OUR UNIQUE SOLUTION: OWNERSHIP WITH A SAFETY NET BetForge by Turbomates Soft delivers a solution built for rapid launch and long-term asset ownership. Our turnkey platform solution accelerates your market entry while preserving the future value of your product. The platform meets all current industry requirements, supports 2025-level AI personalization, and is engineered for flexibility and scalability from day one. A key advantage remains the contractual right to acquire the full source code at a fixed, pre- agreed price within one to two years. • De-risked investment: Start operations immediately with a lower initial outlay, proving your business model and generating revenue before committing to a full source code purchase.
• Maximised customisation: Transition from a robust turnkey solution to a proprietary, fully customisable asset, granting you complete control over future development, integrations, and IP.
• Unrivalled valuation: Owning the source code transforms your business from an operator running on a third party’s system to a tech- enabled asset with significantly higher long-term valuation.
The iGaming future belongs to those who control their destiny. In 2026, owning your technology stack will be the ultimate competitive advantage.
MEET THE TEAM AT ICE The BetForge team will be at ICE in Barcelona from 20–22 January. We are eager to discuss how our unique source code buy-out model can transform your iGaming investment strategy. Don’t just rent your future – own it. Contact us today to secure your meeting at ICE and explore the path to proprietary platform ownership.
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