February 23, 2026

A Week of Connections and Industry Insights

ICE Barcelona 2026 brought together 13 global members of the EM Group team from Curaçao, Malta, and the Netherlands. This year’s strategy was to strengthen relationships, analyze industry trends and explore the insights shaping iGaming. The event delivered on all fronts, confirming that face-to-face connections remain invaluable in building the trust that sustains long-term partnerships.

Compliance Takes Center Stage

From "Nice to Have" to Strategic Imperative

Compliance has evolved from a regulatory requirement into a core driver of iGaming success. As markets tighten and social protection standards rise, strong compliance partnerships now shape credibility, market access, and long-term resilience—turning compliance into not just an obligation, but a strategic advantage for sustainable, competitive growth.

Industry Growth Drives Service Demand

As the iGaming industry grows, operators face rising complexity, larger customer bases, and stricter regulatory demands. This expansion increases the need for stronger understanding across compliance, payments, technology, risk, and support perspectives. Scalable, resilient service partners have become essential for operators looking to maintain trust, efficiency, and sustainable long-term growth.

What Operators Told Us

During conversations with operators, we heard consistent themes about regulatory navigation. Operators value clear guidance and process when it comes to navigating complex regulatory frameworks—which is where we come in.

The shift from "nice to have" to "must have" compliance frameworks is unmistakable. Strong compliance now shapes credibility, influences licensing outcomes, and determines long-term sustainability. Operators who invest in modern frameworks gain market access, build trust faster, and scale with fewer disruptions.

Moving Towards Transparent Regulation

Strong Continued Interest

Curaçao is rapidly positioning itself as a trendsetter in the future of the modernized iGaming industry. At a time when many markets are becoming increasingly over‑regulated, complex, and costly—pushing operators toward newer, less‑supervised jurisdictions—Curaçao is emerging as a clearly classifiable tier‑1 jurisdiction outside the EU. It now delivers international‑level standards in supervision and partnership recognition, while preserving the agility and pragmatism that have fueled the island’s decades‑long success in the sector.

“Curaçao is an advanced Caribbean island, renowned for its rich culture, distinctive architecture, vibrant music, and unique lifestyle. With the introduction of the LOK, the island aims to establish the iGaming sector as a pillar of its economic ecosystem—one that is more visible, internationally aligned, and supported by sound investment opportunities,” explains Arran McCarthy, Global Commercial Director at EM Group.

When regulation becomes overly burdensome, operators naturally drift toward less transparent or unregulated markets—undermining global oversight and heightening unnecessary risk. Curaçao’s reforms counter this trend by offering a credible, structured alternative that encourages operators to remain within a regulated, accountable, and internationally aligned ecosystem.

For us, this moment represents what we have always believed in. Since 2005, we have supported operators in navigating Curaçao’s regulatory landscape, and today, our expertise is more relevant than ever.

Premier Hub with Regulatory Maturity

A Well-Established Ecosystem

Malta continues to stand out as a premier iGaming hub, and this was clearly reflected in conversations throughout the conference. Its reputation is built on a well-established ecosystem that combines regulatory credibility, operational expertise, and an international talent pool that understands the gaming industry inside out.

"Discussions with operators repeatedly circled back to the Malta Gaming Authority and the value of its mature, principles-based regulatory framework," notes Julie Courte, Business Development Manager for Malta at EM Group." Rather than viewing regulation as a hurdle, many operators see the MGA's approach as a stabilizing force that supports long-term growth, investor confidence, and sustainable business models."

Operator Focus Areas

Topics such as substance requirements, ongoing compliance, and governance standards were particularly prominent, highlighting how expectations have evolved alongside the industry. With a presence in Malta since 2014, we have witnessed this evolution firsthand.

"Over the years, Malta has shifted from a fast-growth licensing center to a highly sophisticated jurisdiction where quality, transparency, and resilience matter more than speed alone," Julie Courte observes. "Recent developments point to increased operator focus on compliance optimization, group structuring, and futureproofing against regulatory change. As the industry matures, Malta's strength lies not just in its history, but in its ability to adapt—remaining a jurisdiction of choice for serious, forward-looking operators."

Beyond Curaçao and Malta: Global Reach

At ICE, conversations increasingly focused on international licensing—particularly solutions that offer speed to market, cost efficiency, and operational simplicity. This reflected a clear industry trend: operators are seeking streamlined pathways to markets without sacrificing legitimacy. Once again, Curaçao distinguished itself, prompting broader discussions about how emerging jurisdictions are modernizing their regulatory frameworks, and how Curacao fits the new tier-1 expectations, being an option to non-EU based competitors. Many stakeholders expressed the need for an option that balances credibility with practicality, sitting comfortably between highly complex regimes and overly light‑touch supervision.

Our strength lies in supporting clients across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory environments – from international licensing in established markets to specialized compliance services in domestic markets. Whether operators need regulatory player-fund segregation solutions or multi-jurisdictional licensing strategies, our expertise ensures clients receive consistent guidance, tailored solutions, and a unified strategic approach—regardless of where they choose to license or expand.

Each jurisdiction presents its own regulatory nuances. We adapt by aligning:

our corporate services,
compliance frameworks, and
governance structures with the specific requirements of each market.

This flexibility enables clients to scale confidently, backed by a partner who understands global standards and local realities.

The ICE Experience: Energy and Scale

ICE's Evolution Into an Industry Powerhouse

What strikes us most is how ICE itself has grown—almost beyond recognition. Many of us remember when iGaming was a tiny corner of the show, a niche section tucked away while the land-based world took center stage. Looking back, it is incredible to see how those early, modest beginnings evolved into the global powerhouse ICE is today. Now, in Barcelona, iGaming is not just part of the story—it is the story. With more than 60,000 people flying in, the event feels like the epicenter of our industry, the place where momentum, innovation, and opportunity all converge at once.

Key Takeaways from ICE 2026

ICE 2026 delivered a clear message: operators are prioritizing smarter licensing strategies, operational efficiency, and stronger compliance resilience. Discussions focused on finding the optimal balance between speed and credibility—avoiding regulatory frameworks that are overly complex, while steering clear of licenses that lack international recognition For our team, the event was not just about insights—it was about people. We strengthened long-standing partnerships, and built new relationships across emerging markets in LATAM, the Far East, and established markets across Europe. The shift toward competence-driven, long-term, trust-based collaboration was evident in nearly every conversation. We are well-positioned to support the priorities shaping 2026, and ICE left us energized for the year ahead.

Looking Ahead

Many conversations at ICE centered on jurisdiction choices for licensing, especially as new markets quickly position themselves as emerging licensing destinations. While some options may appear attractive—promising speed, flexibility, or lower costs—it pays to look deeper. Long-term credibility, regulatory stability, and market reputation ultimately determine whether a license can support a resilient, sustainable business while contributing meaningfully to the modernizing iGaming sector.

A license should be a foundation for growth, not a short-term workaround or a tool for cost-driven political positioning. As the market diversifies, operators are becoming more selective, prioritizing jurisdictions that offer real substance, long-term opportunity, and robust regulatory governance that protects their investments and maintains integrity.

We remain committed to client success. The insights from ICE will shape our approach throughout 2026, and we are excited to explore these opportunities with you. We invite you to connect with us to discuss specific jurisdiction needs or explore how our relationship-driven approach can support your growth.

READY TO DISCUSS YOUR STRATEGY FOR 2026?

Contact us today to explore how our multi-jurisdictional expertise can support your business. Visit our services page or reach out to our team directly.