Onlyplay Shares Key Insights from iGB L!VE London

Key Takeaways from iGB L!VE London 2026

iGB L!VE London is one of the industry's key meeting points, bringing together operators, game providers, aggregators, payment solution providers, and affiliates. For the Onlyplay team, it was an opportunity not only to meet with dozens of partners but also to gain first-hand insights into where the market is heading, what partners are looking for, and which trends are shaping the industry.

OnlyPlay asked its colleagues who attended the event to share their key takeaways.

Iuliia Pelekhata, Partnership Manager:

"For me, iGB L!VE London felt much more focused and practical than previous events. It wasn't just about impressive stands or eye-catching visuals. Most conversations centered around integrations, regulated markets, business metrics, next steps, and decisions that genuinely impact business performance. It felt like the industry was wrapping up the first half of the year while actively preparing for the second. That's why almost every meeting ended with a clear understanding of what comes next."

The conversations also reinforced several trends shaping today's iGaming industry: the continued rise of AI-driven solutions, a stronger focus on regulated markets, and growing interest in emerging regions, particularly Africa.

However, the team came away with more than just market insights. One of the strongest impressions from this year's event was the quality of conversations with partners.

More Time for Partners

For our Partnerships team, iGB L!VE created something increasingly rare at major industry events: the opportunity to spend more meaningful time with existing partners.

Olha Marchenko, Partnership Manager:

"This time, we had much more time for our partners. We didn't have to split our attention between running a booth and constantly meeting new visitors, which allowed us to have meaningful conversations, discuss future plans, share lunches, and get to know each other better. My biggest takeaway was that even with fewer meetings, the overall outcome can be much more productive."

Other team members shared the same impression.

Valeriia Chmelova, Partnership Manager:

"iGB has always been one of my favorite exhibitions. It offers the right balance of operators, aggregators, and other industry participants, while remaining compact enough to make meetings comfortable and productive. This year, our schedule was fully booked, but what made the biggest difference was having more time with our long-term partners. Those conversations allowed us not only to discuss current business but also to strengthen our relationships and better understand each other's goals."

Face-to-Face Conversations Still Matter Most

Although much of today's business happens online, nothing truly replaces meeting partners in person.

Pavel Lapitski, Account Manager:

"Networking once again proved that face-to-face meetings remain the foundation of our work. They help us receive honest feedback, better understand our partners' needs, and discover new opportunities for collaboration. Alongside our existing partners, we also connected with operators, providers, and other industry professionals. These conversations often lay the groundwork for future collaborations."

For the Account Management team, discussions about long-term collaboration stood out as particularly valuable.

Anna Novikova, Account Manager:

"Today, operators are looking for much more than individual promotions or game placements. They are increasingly interested in comprehensive player retention solutions. Many of our conversations focused on personalized campaigns, themed activities, and tailored approaches for each brand. The most inspiring part was meeting partners in person, gaining a deeper understanding of their needs, and returning home with new ideas for future projects."

Showing Up as One Team

For Onlyplay, the conference was about more than making new connections. It also demonstrated the value of having the entire Partnerships team present.

Anna Sergeieva, Head of Partnerships:

"We met many of our existing partners, connected with promising new companies, and agreed on the next steps for future cooperation. Having the entire Partnerships team in London made a real difference. It allowed us to dedicate more time and attention to a larger number of partners, strengthening Onlyplay's presence throughout the event. For me, it was another confirmation that Onlyplay is moving in the right direction, both in terms of team development and business growth."

After several productive days in London, we returned with much more than new contacts. We came back with a shared understanding of where the industry is heading and what partners value most today: speed, transparency, flexibility, and long-term collaboration built on trust.

Events like iGB L!VE don't just allow us to discuss where the industry is heading. They allow us to help shape its future alongside our partners, one conversation at a time.