From Chaos to Clarity: Why iGaming Regulation Isn’t the Enemy
As the iGaming industry grows globally, so does the complexity of its regulations. More rules, more compliance, more costs. Borja Imbergamo, Head of Growth at BC Brothers, explains why regulation isn’t a barrier, but a path to a more stable and trustworthy industry.
If you look at the global iGaming landscape today, it’s kind of chaotic, and kind of fascinating. Some countries have figured out how to regulate the market properly with clear rules, player protections, and predictable business environments. Others are just figuring it out. Borja Imbergamo from BC Brothers puts it simply:
"More and more jurisdictions are realizing that regulating iGaming isn’t just about taxes. It brings structure and legitimacy. But the problem is that every country has its own way of doing it — licensing fees, tax rates, advertising rules. So operators have to keep in mind dozens of different requirements just to stay compliant."
Fragmented? Definitely. But there’s also a slow trend toward alignment. Across markets, regulators are slowly starting to follow similar approaches. At least on the basics like responsible gambling and anti-money laundering. Imbergamo sees that as a positive:
“We’re far from a global framework that looks the same everywhere, but we’re seeing more understanding of what actually works.”
Regulation isn’t just a headache, though. Sure, stricter rules mean more paperwork, higher costs, and tighter margins. But in the long run, it’s a good thing. “Regulated markets get rid of shady operators, protect players, more stability, and build trust. That trust brings investment and innovation,” says Imbergamo.
Some of the most interesting regulatory moves are happening in emerging markets. Brazil has regulated its sports betting and online gambling market. In Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are creating frameworks to handle a growing, young, online-savvy population.
Europe, too, has lessons worth watching. Sweden initially went heavy on rules but later loosened some restrictions to make the market more flexible. Romania balanced fair taxation with strong measures against unlicensed operators.The UK is strict, yes, but it’s still a role model for responsible gambling practices. Imbergamo points out that how these countries implement rules will influence the whole global industry.
Regulation is spreading fast, and it’s not just about taxes. Countries want to control the industry, not just take a cut. The real blockers are states with strict ideological or religious positions, or politically unstable countries. But most of the world is moving toward some form of regulation.
An important part of making regulation work well is dialogue. Not just between regulators and operators, but also with affiliates and representatives. This would give regulators a 360-degree view of the market they are trying to improve.
“As an example, BetBrothers.es, our Spanish sports betting platform, recently became a member of JDigital — the Spanish Digital Gaming Association — to support collaboration and share insights with the broader industry. We are very open to dialogue and want to help make betting a fair, entertaining, and fun activity for players in every market where we operate. I’m sure we can offer valuable insights from our side of the industry too, as we’re at the forefront of interaction with players,” says Imbergamo.
The conversation is also changing how operators see new markets. Entering a regulated market isn’t cheap. Licenses, taxes, KYC and AML compliance — it all adds up. For smaller operators, it can feel impossible. But for serious companies, it’s a filter. And it makes the business more predictable.
“In regulated markets you can plan growth, attract investors, and build a brand over time,” says Imbergamo. “For smaller companies, it can be tough. Some markets are so costly that smaller operators just can’t make it work. But for serious ones it’s a filter that takes out those chasing short-term profits.”
And this shift doesn’t apply only to operators. Affiliates are feeling it just as much.
“Years ago it was quite simple: attract traffic and earn money — even with parasite SEO. Today, you need to build a real product, assemble the right team, have the patience to wait for results, and make sure what you offer aligns with what players — and operators — actually demand. More and more operators are looking for quality and brand authority, not just volume and low-quality traffic. The iGaming ecosystem is clearly changing, and it will continue to do so,” says Imbergamo.
Regulation doesn’t kill offshore markets. In heavily regulated countries like the UK, some players still look for more freedom elsewhere. Offshore operators get creative with promotions, referral programs, and retention mechanics that regulated platforms can’t offer. It works, but it comes with high legal risks and churn.
What’s encouraging is that balanced regulation can actually create a better ecosystem for everyone involved. Examples like Colombia and Sweden show that. “Predictability and reasonable rules make a market more profitable than running offshore, if the framework is clear and stable,” Imbergamo notes.
Looking ahead, regulation will get tighter in the next few years. Expect more of the responsible gambling rules, tech oversight, stricter data and cybersecurity requirements. Licensing will expand beyond operators to include software and content providers. The industry is moving toward a world where regulation shapes not just compliance, but innovation, trust, and growth.
“It’s a challenge, yes,” says Imbergamo, “But it also creates the conditions for long-term growth. The future of iGaming depends on how well the industry can adapt, innovate, and build trust within these frameworks through dialogue.”
And that’s it. If everyone involved will be willing to start an open dialogue, the industry as a whole will benefit. Markets become fairer, players get safer and more entertaining experiences, and the serious operators — those willing to play the long game — will finally thrive.
