The Rise of iGaming: Strategic Investment Opportunities in 2026

The iGaming industry is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by technological innovation, regulatory clarity, and shifting consumer preferences. By 2026, the market is projected to grow from $107.70 billion in 2025 to $153.21 billion by 2029, fueled by advancements in AI, mobile-first platforms, and the integration of social and real-time betting features. For investors, this expansion presents a compelling opportunity to target high-growth B2B platform providers and payment infrastructure innovators, which are critical enablers of the sector's evolution.

B2B Platform Providers: The Backbone of iGaming Growth

B2B platform providers are the architects of the modern iGaming ecosystem, offering modular, scalable solutions that cater to operators' needs across jurisdictions. Among the leaders, SOFTSWISS stands out for its comprehensive product stack, including casino platforms, sportsbook solutions, and game aggregators. Its modular architecture allows operators to customize offerings, while its support for fiat and cryptocurrency transactions positions it to capitalize on markets with high digital payment demand. In Q3 2024, SOFTSWISS reported a 43% year-on-year increase in Game Aggregator connections, driven by an expanded game portfolio and tools like the Tournament Tool, which saw an 80% growth in active users.

EveryMatrix is another key player, known for its flexible turnkey platforms. In Q2 2024, the company achieved record financial performance, with net revenue of €42.4 million and a 59% profit margin-the highest in its history. Its Casino segment generated €658 million in quarterly GGR, a 53% year-on-year increase, while its sportsbook platform, OddsMatrix, saw 48% growth in turnover. Strategic acquisitions, such as FSB Technology, further solidify its market reach.

Playtech continues to dominate with enterprise-grade omni-channel solutions that integrate land-based and online operations. In FY 2024, its B2B segment revenue rose 10% to €848 million, driven by 19% growth in the Americas. The U.S. and Canada alone contributed a 126% revenue increase, bolstered by partnerships like Hard Rock Digital. Playtech's focus on B2B operations and its medium-term EBITDA targets of €250–300 million underscore its long-term growth potential.

Payment Infrastructure Innovators: Enabling Global Scalability

The rise of cross-border iGaming operations hinges on robust payment infrastructure. TransFi BizPay and Nuvei are at the forefront, offering solutions that facilitate fast, secure, and compliant transactions. TransFi's support for stablecoin and cryptocurrency transactions has become a critical differentiator, enabling operators to serve markets where traditional banking infrastructure is lacking.

Nuvei, a global fintech leader, reported a 20% year-on-year revenue increase in the nine months ending September 2024, with total transaction volume growing 30% to $183.1 billion. Its expansion into the iGaming sector includes partnerships with B2B providers, like EveryMatrix, which leverages Nuvei's payment solutions to support U.S. operators. By leveraging stablecoin rails, Nuvei reduces cross-border transaction costs and settlement times, a key advantage in emerging markets.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Trends

Collaborations between B2B providers and payment infrastructure firms are accelerating innovation. SOFTSWISS's partnership with Google, for instance, aims to enhance brand visibility and compliance across 40+ jurisdictions. Similarly, Playtech's alliances with content providers like Playnetic and BGaming expand its game library, enabling operators to differentiate in competitive markets.

According to SOFTSWISS's 2026 Trends Report, 56% of iGaming companies prioritize AI for personalization and cybersecurity, with its perceived importance scoring 8.41/10 in 2025. Operators are also shifting from performance-driven marketing to brand-led strategies, emphasizing trust and long-term player retention.

Investment Outlook

The iGaming B2B and payment infrastructure sectors offer a mix of established leaders and agile innovators, each addressing distinct pain points in the value chain. For investors, the key is to identify companies with strong financials, regulatory agility, and partnerships that align with emerging trends.

• SOFTSWISS and EveryMatrix demonstrate robust revenue growth and margin expansion, supported by modular platforms and strategic acquisitions.
• Nuvei and TransFi are well-positioned to benefit from the shift to digital payments and cross-border scalability.
• Playtech's focus on B2B operations and geographic diversification provides a buffer against B2C volatility.

As the industry matures, regulatory compliance and cybersecurity will remain critical. Companies that invest in AI-driven fraud detection and responsible gambling tools-such as Tecpinion's unified solutions-will gain a competitive edge.

Conclusion

The iGaming sector's 2026 growth trajectory is underpinned by technological innovation, regulatory progress, and the demand for seamless, secure, and personalized experiences. B2B platform providers and payment infrastructure innovators are not just participants in this growth-they are its architects. For investors, the opportunity lies in backing firms that combine technical expertise with strategic foresight, ensuring they remain at the forefront of a $169 billion market by 2030.