Speaking at Eurasia, CEO Sam Brown unpacks some of the most pressing trends shaping the iGaming industry from AI to open banking. Brown highlights the transformative power of artificial intelligence and the ongoing regulatory complexities facing global operators, offering a timely insight into where the market is heading and how leading companies like Rootz are preparing for what is next.

Tech driven 

Brown’s outlook positions 2024 as a critical inflection point for the gaming sector, largely driven by increased adoption of AI, machine learning and automation, “We’ll really start to see strong uses of technology.” he explained. These technologies are no longer just emerging concepts, they are becoming embedded in the core operations of digital casinos. From personalised user experiences to behind the scenes efficiencies, tech is enabling operators to run leaner platforms while delivering more dynamic gameplay.

Just as important is the rapid evolution in the payments space. Brown notes that the rise of open banking, coupled with smarter KYC (Know Your Customer) tools, is simplifying the transactional side of gaming. Brown suggests that for operators, this means lower friction with faster user verification and better compliance frameworks. While for players it means smoother onboarding and quicker access to gameplay. These are critical factors in an increasingly competitive market.

Regulation

The regulatory landscape remains one of the industry’s most complex hurdles. Brown points to the dangers of one size fits all regulation, especially in markets that fail to fully grasp the economics and mechanics of digital gambling platforms. The fragmented nature of global regulation adds layers of cost and technical complexity for companies operating across multiple regions. 

Brown calls for more collaborative regulatory frameworks suggesting it would be a “real utopia moment.” if regulatory authorities got together to agree on licensing and regulation. Such harmonisation, Brown argues, would eliminate the unnecessary complexity currently caused by differing frameworks across markets. By involving operators in the regulatory process, Brown believes the industry can foster innovation without sacrificing compliance and create a more agile gaming ecosystem.

Rootz sports and emerging markets

A key part of Rootz’s growth strategy lies in its recent venture into the sports betting vertical. For a company that has traditionally focused on casino offerings, sports present new avenues for customer acquisition and market expansion. “It changes the dynamic completely.” Brown notes, “It opens up a very different world of possibilities.”

The move reflects a broader trend in the industry. Sports betting not only diversifies product offerings but also opens access to new demographics and markets. This pivot demonstrates how operators are evolving to meet changing player behaviours and expanding their reach in a competitive landscape.

Innovation and connection

Industry gatherings continue to serve as vital ecosystems for knowledge exchange, partnership building and tech discovery. With a noticeable uptick in financial and banking tech on display this year, it is clear the future of gaming will be shaped by the infrastructure that supports it.

As iGaming moves into its next phase, the key pillars for success are clear. These include smart technology integration, regulatory alignment and seamless financial processes. Companies like Rootz are setting the pace, showing how a tech forward and collaborative mindset can pave the way for innovation. 

Watch the full interview for more information about how Rootz is navigating these market shifts and what it means for the future of gaming. Join us at the next Eurasia Summit in Dubai!