INTERVIEW - STUART HUNTER
judges. It’s about establishing trust and an understanding that submissions are treated entirely on their merits and the same as everyone else’s. A core objective of the Awards is to showcase disruptive and fast-growing businesses, and I think our results refl ect how wholeheartedly our judges embrace that principle. We have also reimagined the iGB Affi liate Awards. which will take place in the salubrious surroundings of The Shard, the iconic London landmark. The Shard was created as an architecturally stunning Vertical City emerging from the Thames and at just under 310 metres high (1,016 feet) is Western Europe’s tallest building. We’ve replaced the traditional table lay-out with a standing format that that will enable everyone to network more widely and freely. The Shard is an unforgettable venue and I’m sure that the industry will embrace its outstanding architecture and ambience.
GIO: There is of course a charity aspect to the show as well, tell us more about CHIPS? SH: The CHIPS Charity, which was born out of the land-based gambling industry, provides bespoke wheelchairs to young people whose families are unable to access or fund the equipment that they require. CHIPS Chairs are designed and engineered to meet the specifi c physiological needs of each recipient and can cost up to £9,000. We are partnering with CHIPS to introduce the charity to the iGB LIVE community and help to raise more vital funds for children who have been deprived of the freedom and independence that powered wheelchairs provide. CHIPS is on course to present its 800th chair and in the process, continue to transform lives.
GIO: Looking ahead to the summer and the remainder of the year what events or trends are you looking forward to seeing play out in 2026? SH: The feedback that we are receiving from our stakeholders is that the latest applications of AI will be a constant and
referenced in every conversation that takes place in London. They have also cited topics including player engagement, localisation, sustainable growth, new player audiences and the delivery of social experiences. Regulation and player protection remain key issues and the best place to explore these topics will be at the Sustainable Gambling Zone which will be the biggest ever at an edition of iGB LIVE. I think what’s clear is that every challenge and opportunity impacting the industry will be discussed and debated at July’s edition of iGB LIVE.
GIO: If you had to give one piece of advice or a suggestion to do something to visitors this year at the show, to get the most from it, what would it be? SH: iGB LIVE occupies a very important position within the industry calendar as a mid-year meeting point where businesses can reconnect, review progress and prepare strategically for the months ahead. Attendees tell us that the event plays a valuable role in continuing the conversations and relationships established earlier in the year at ICE and iGB Affi liate Barcelona, while offering the energy and accessibility of another major international city. At its core, iGB LIVE is a tier-one business event that highlights cutting-edge technologies, delivers valuable market insights and facilitates high-quality networking, including exclusive industry gatherings. Like all our events, it has been developed in close collaboration with our global community, which is why it is widely recognised as a place where industry professionals come not just to meet, but also to do deals. To get the most from iGB LIVE my advice would simply be to plan ahead and fully explore the breadth of content, networking opportunities and specialist events available throughout the week. iGB LIVE continues to provide an important international platform for businesses of every size to build connections, explore opportunities and in the process shape the future direction of the industry.
Register for the 2026 edition of iGB LIVE (1st – 2nd July) online at:
www.igblive.com
GIO JUNE 2026 9
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