The iGaming industry never stands still. Every year brings new technologies, new markets, and new player behaviours. In such an environment, expectations evolve just as rapidly, and staying up to date means understanding these dynamics. Only after years of working closely with operators, you start to see the patterns behind these changes. And even then, the landscape keeps surprising you. Let’s explore 5 things most clients value now, how their priorities have transformed, and what it means for those of us shaping relationships in the iGaming industry.
From fast acquisition to long-term player value
If I look back even five years, the expectations operators had from providers were completely different. The industry used to focus heavily on quick wins, fast traffic, aggressive acquisition, and bringing in as many new players as possible. Today, that approach no longer defines success; operators now care far more about player quality, retention, and long-term value.
For us as providers, this means thinking in terms of player LTV. Our role is to deliver content that supports a long-term experience, encourages players to stay with the brand, and helps them naturally progress into higher-value cohorts. It’s no longer about one-off sessions or short bursts of activity. It’s about creating the kind of gameplay mechanics, bonus features, and fair experiences that players want to return to.
Stricter regulations across markets primarily drive this trend. As promotional activity becomes more limited and more carefully controlled, everything we deliver must feel organic, transparent, and aligned with the rules of each jurisdiction. The industry is adapting – and as providers, we must adapt with it, focusing on sustainable engagement rather than rapid acquisition.
Deeper analytics
The second major change today is the central role of analytics in our collaboration with operators. We’ve moved far beyond surface-level insights – now we jointly analyse everything from game mechanics and bonus features to the performance of specific promotions. This shared analytical approach helps us refine our products in the right direction and build experiences that genuinely resonate with players.
Real-time dashboards, transparent reporting, and ongoing data exchanges have become essential. Even though we don’t collect player-level data on our end, operators now expect providers to correctly interpret the available insights and turn them into meaningful improvements. And with so many analytical tools at our disposal, using them wisely is what truly elevates the player experience.
This is where data-driven decision-making becomes more than a buzzword. It’s about aligning both sides – provider and operator – around the same metrics, the same visibility, and the same understanding of what players actually do inside the games. When analytics are transparent and shared, we can build stronger promos, design better features, and ultimately drive long-term engagement together.
Rising standards in regulation and responsible gaming
The third trend shaping our industry in 2025 is the growing importance of regulation, compliance, and responsible gaming. As global standards become stricter, we’re increasingly focused on operating only in regulated markets – and earning the licenses that allow us to do so. Over the past year alone, we’ve secured major approvals on multiple markets, including Ontario and Brazil. Each market brings its own rules, player behaviour, and compliance expectations.
To meet these demands, providers must be true experts in regulatory requirements. Operators rely on us not only for high-quality content but also for guidance on what will work best within each jurisdiction. Of course, every casino has its own compliance teams and legal resources, but our responsibility begins with the content we create – who it appeals to, how it’s used, and where it’s delivered. When we design content that aligns with local rules, player preferences, and responsible gaming standards, we create safer experiences that keep players engaged for the right reasons.
The growing influence of AI
Another noticeable trend in the industry is the rapid adoption of AI tools by operators. Many casinos now use AI-driven services in their lobbies to analyse player preferences and automatically recommend games similar to what users previously enjoyed or what’s currently performing well. Some operators have already moved to fully AI-optimised lobbies, where game selection is entirely automated.
From the operator’s perspective, this approach is incredibly efficient. But for providers, it changes the dynamic. We can no longer rely on manual placements, personal agreements, or promotional support from casino managers. When AI decides what appears on the main page, the only lever left is the strength of the game itself – its performance, its statistics, and its ability to resonate with players globally.
So even though AI reduces our influence over lobby placement, it opens the door to deeper understanding and more innovative content development. For Evoplay, this is an exciting direction: adapting our portfolio to each market and learning from the data that AI makes accessible across the industry.
Building a culture of flexibility and continuous adaptation
Promoting this culture starts with one simple truth: our industry never stands still. From day one, we’ve known there’s no such thing as stability in client work – regulations shift, markets evolve, and partner expectations can change overnight. Because of this, flexibility isn’t just a value for us – it’s a daily necessity.
To stay ahead, we regularly brainstorm, monitor industry news, study competitor websites, and analyse global developments, from new restrictions to emerging market trends. This constant flow of information keeps the team alert and aware of how quickly the landscape moves.
What makes our team strong is the mindset everyone brings: a genuine readiness to grow, learn, and adapt. Each manager works with a completely different set of partners, each with unique needs, processes, and expectations. There is no “one type” of client, which means we adjust our approach every single day. This adaptability – the ability to respond quickly and confidently to every new request – is what allows us to maintain trust, deliver value, and stay aligned with the industry’s pace.
To sum everything up, partners today value our brand not only for strong performance but for our reliability and market expertise. Expectations have changed, and long-term collaboration now depends on how well we adapt, communicate, and support partners in an industry that is constantly evolving. And with new ideas and products already in development, we’re ready to keep improving and growing together!
