Toni Karapetrov from Habanero on ICE Barcelona 2026: Regulated Growth, Localization and Strategic Expansion Drive 2026 iGaming Strategy

ICE Barcelona 2026 at Habanero

“ICE Barcelona 2026 was an outstanding edition for us. It provided the ideal stage to showcase our latest innovations while reinforcing our position as a premium content provider in regulated markets. The level of engagement was strong, conversations were commercially meaningful, and we identified several high-value partnership opportunities. From both a branding and business perspective, the event delivered real momentum for the year ahead.”

The audience at ICE

“The quality of attendees was exceptional. We met with senior executives, commercial decision-makers, and product leaders who are actively shaping market strategies. What stood out was the strategic depth of discussions — operators are increasingly focused on differentiation, performance, and long-term growth, which aligns perfectly with our approach”.

Trends that shape the industry in the short and medium term

“Three clear trends emerged: deeper localization, smarter gamification, and a strong shift toward sustainable regulated growth. Operators are prioritizing content that delivers measurable performance while meeting increasingly robust compliance standards. We also see a continued emphasis on player engagement strategies that combine entertainment value with responsible gaming frameworks”.

Strategic priorities for this year

“Our focus for 2026 is clear: strengthen our presence in regulated markets, enhance product innovation, and further refine our engagement tools. We have an ambitious roadmap of new game releases planned, alongside continued investment in promotional features and tournament functionality to help operators maximize player lifetime value.”

To finish, Do you plan to enter new markets or strengthen key jurisdictions?

“Yes, expansion remains a key pillar of our strategy. We will continue consolidating our position in established regulated jurisdictions while evaluating new opportunities where regulatory clarity and long-term growth potential align with our standards. Sustainable expansion — not rapid expansion — is our priority”.