ICE World Gaming Forum 2026 to Take Place in Barcelona

Details of the Business Event

The summit will take place at the Fira Gran Via centre, alongside the ICE expo and the iGB Affiliate gathering. Currently, preparations are in full swing, and the show's organisers are doing their best to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for guests to share ideas and build valuable business ties.

The 2026 event will feature a VIP club-style zone, a networking garden, and concierge services, all designed to facilitate meaningful interactions and new connections.

The Forum will concentrate on 6 main topics:

• cooperations within the sports betting vertical;
• a personalised approach in the gambling industry;
• effective methods to advance lottery technologies;
• development of the European land-based segment;
• proven strategies to combat shadow gaming portals;
• tools and measures to protect against cyber threats.

Let us examine the key discussion panels in detail:

Approaches to Combat the Grey Segment

This section will cover strategies for tackling shadow operators and ensuring consumer security. Speakers will explain how illicit brands leverage cryptocurrency tools and take advantage of tax loopholes to circumvent regulations.

Attendees will also explore how authorities operate, striving to strike a proper balance between oversight, technological progress, and responsible gambling practices. Special emphasis will be placed on the expanding grey areas within the rapidly evolving regions of Latin America and Africa.

Development of Land-Based Bookmakers and Casinos

The section, dedicated to Europe's offline segment, will analyse how entertainment venues are adjusting to the current market situation. Speakers will highlight the significance of expanding amusement and hospitality services to boost player engagement and satisfaction.

The panel focused on sportsbook collaborations will examine the importance of partnerships with data providers and AI companies. Experts will discuss how advanced technologies are reshaping gambling marketing approaches and fairness monitoring systems.

The section will also concentrate on the swift development of eSports and the expansion of markets in the Middle East and the Americas. In these regions, there is a growing emphasis on transparency and responsible gambling.

iGaming and Lotteries: Adoption of Advanced Technologies

Sessions devoted to personalising customer experiences in digital casinos and similar entertainment portals will show how operators are utilising artificial intelligence and data analysis. These insights are intended to assist entrepreneurs in creating a safe and customised player experience.

The panel on lottery technologies will explore the adoption of online and hybrid gaming formats, which are becoming increasingly popular among younger audiences. Attendees will also discuss the legislative reforms required to support the growth of this segment.

Customer Trust and Cybersecurity

This part of the agenda will address new threats, bonus abuse, and strategies for safeguarding businesses against fraud. Since 2022, attacks on entertainment platforms have risen by 70%, resulting in total losses of €1 billion.

Gambling brands are increasingly implementing biometric identification systems and AI-driven solutions to reduce scam risks. This approach also boosts client trust, as contemporary punters prioritise transparency and security.

Commentaries from ICE Barcelona’s Representative

Damien Ashton-Wellman, ICE Barcelona’s Head of Content, named the Forum the biggest global hub that unites premier representatives of the international gaming community. The expert mentioned that the conference brings together government organisations, senior executives, gambling authorities, and traders to share experiences, discuss strategic priorities, and explore the latest technological innovations.

The spokesman highlighted that the 2026 program was created in partnership with leading analysts to reflect major issues, trends, and prospects across all gambling niches. Last year, more than 1,200 delegates from 79 countries participated, reaffirming the event's status as a top international platform for decision-making and fruitful networking.