iGaming RE/Evolution: IGB Intelligence Report

Revolution or evolution? The answer, according to the IGB Intelligence report, is somewhere in between. Instead, iGaming is undergoing a quiet shift, with player behaviour, technology, and game formats evolving simultaneously.

New Vision of the Online Casino Experience

Tech is changing the world, and what players want is changing too. That’s why online casinos need to keep up. As it is said in the report, it’s not a revolution, but an evolution in users' experience.

So, the first part of the new vision is smartphones. That might feel like old news, but the ripple effects are pretty much alive here. As more people around the world get connected for the first time, how they play and interact with iGaming is changing. In countries where smartphones have been around longer, consumer habits have already reshaped, creating pressure on casino brands to adapt or fade out.

“When we were on desktop, we used to have one large Mars bar. And, over time, as we went to our mobiles, that has become the Mars Mini. So now we have five of them a day rather than having one. But we lie to ourselves about how many calories we are actually consuming”, said Matthias Ciappara, LeoVegas.

Entertainment now comes over the rest. Winning still matters, and the thrill of risk is far from gone. However, it's no longer enough. Today's players have endless options: streaming, mobile games, social media. Operators and casinos aren't just competing with each other anymore, they're competing for attention, and they're losing if they don't deliver real fun.

According to the report, how people play has changed too. Smaller moments, bigger expectations: fewer long sessions, more short bursts — a few minutes while waiting, or even while watching a show. Games now need quick hooks, easy learning curves, and instant engagement. No more relying solely on bonuses or big-win promises.

“When they go into the game, they need a hook. If you don’t have this hook, if you don’t have this mechanic which will catch the player, grab their attention and don’t let them go, as a content provider you will not survive”, said Lusine Khudaverdyan, GR8_TECH.

What is next then? Gamification, personalisation, and community interaction are currently becoming essential. Still, interaction isn't for everyone. Some love it, others find it distracting. Crash games have shown how simple gambling can be spiced up with these features, but their moment may have peaked.

The most common gamification mechanics. Source: GR8_TECH

The next big thing is that operators and developers should probably learn from other game types, even outside the casino niche.

AI and machine learning will help drive all the issues. But VR, AR, and wearables? The IGB Intelligence report decrees that, probably, not yet.

The future belongs to those who listen, learn, and adapt with the times.

Crash or PvP?

The last big hit in online casino games came from crash games. But the next one that everyone around expects? It's coming from somewhere else. The only question is where.

Crash games proved something important, says Guga Gotsadze, CEO of SmartSoft. They showed the industry that alternative game types could actually work, and that demand was huge. Over five years, the genre exploded. Developers rushed to copy the winners until more than 500 crash games flooded the market.

But that wave has passed.

"I have not seen any material innovation. Or any kind of additional innovation on top of what the initial crash games already created", Gotsadze admits.

That raises a natural question: what is next?

According to Lusine Khudaverdyan from GR8_TECH, the answer is PvP games. They tick all the right boxes: high interactivity, familiar mechanics, and a gentle learning curve. Some feel like traditional games, and others resemble shooters that could draw in newbies from the RPG world. They align well with players’ growing demand for more entertainment, less repetitive gameplay.

But here is the thing. PvP games can be slower. Waiting for opponents takes time, which might limit their appeal to an audience. Still, they offer something many players now crave: connection and fun beyond just betting.

On the other hand, some experts truly believe that the live casino is the real candidate. It already has interactivity built in. Players can watch, chat, and feel part of something bigger. So, there is no loneliness, just shared excitement. Moreover, with new twists like CGI backgrounds or hybrid digital-physical wheels, live casinos could feel fresh again.

Marat Koss from Playtech agrees. According to him, the magic lies in blending tech with real human connection. Live dealers bring personality, warmth, and unpredictability — these are the qualities no algorithm can replace. Game shows are already proving this works, and the format is only growing.

“While technology is a key enabler, it is ultimately the human element that defines the experience,” he explains.

Whatever genre wins, one thing is properly clear: the next big hit won't be born in isolation. It will borrow from everywhere like slots, sportsbooks, even video games. If providers, operators and developers think in black and white, they miss the opportunities right in front of them, as Ciappara said. The more experts understand why players love one product over another, the more all genres will grow together.

Demographics That Affects iGaming

While smartphones have been everywhere in some GEOs for years, that's not true globally. In areas like Africa, where smartphone use is exploding, people are commonly coming online for the first time at a young age. Despite this, older generations don’t use the internet at all or only partially (and surely not for gambling).

Since these digitally native audiences tend to be young, this is driving the overall age of online casino players down. But let us be more specific.

Lusine Khudaverdyan from GR8_TECH argues that the industry needs a more granular approach. Grouping all Asian players together, for instance, is a mistake. Korean players, South-East Asian players, Indian players — these groups are completely different and demand different treatment.

The same goes for age. Even if the overall trend is younger, VIP and experienced players are actually getting older.

Percentage of players by age demographic. Source: GR8_TECH

Generational Expectations Aspect

They also vary wildly. A newbie raised on mobile games wants quick results and simple mechanics. A 50-year-old, who started in a slot hall, is used to RTP, volatility, multipliers. Newbies don't want any of that, they want speed, simplicity, and a sense of control. That’s why crash games are so appealing to them.

Financial Aspect

Financial factors matter too. Younger players often have less disposable income, however, not always. A young single person may have more spending power than a married one in their 40s.

Technological Aspect

Players familiar with crypto, prediction markets, or stock-trading apps are more likely to explore online casino games, according to the report. Prediction markets, in particular, have cleverly rebranded the niche, making gambling feel more engaging. But the risks remain, and responsible gambling needs more attention.

So, the industry must stay open. Experiment with new mechanics. Integrate PvP, crash games, and fresh formats. If operators and providers don't adapt, they'll be left behind.

The Art of AI: How Machines Are Changing Online Casinos

AI's biggest impact on online casino games will be in development: lowering costs, speeding up testing, and reducing barriers to entry.

“AI will boost innovation by increasing competition through lowering barriers to entry. This will be its single most important contribution to the iGaming space”, says Guga Gotsadze, CEO of SmartSoft.

AI isn't here to replace humans, says Matthias Ciappara from LeoVegas. According to him, it is a tool to allow people to do more. Human validation remains essential, otherwise, games may make sense to a machine but feel wrong to a player. It is a kind of uncanny valley.

Beyond development, AI is good at personalisation like tailoring lobbies, recommending games, and fine-tuning bonus campaigns. Nowadays, generic welcome bonuses won't work. AI analyses data to suggest smarter choices. It also helps with CRM, risk analysis, and responsible gambling, identifying early warning signs and enabling faster intervention.

Yet adoption remains early. As experts advise, it is better to start small and experiment massively. The AI potential is huge, so it can eliminate issues before they even arise.

Wrapping Up

The future of online casino gaming belongs to those who listen, learn, and adapt. The IGB Intelligence report clearly shows that success comes not from copying, but from combining genres, embracing AI as an enabler, and understanding players. Even if technology evolves fast, the human touch remains the true pillar of long-term growth.