【how to stake crypto】Q&A: Digicode on the biggest challenges for iGaming operators in 2025

NEXT: Which areas globally is Digicode most focused on, and why?

Digicode:Digicode is a leading independent IT company specialising in complex iGaming systems. We help clients navigate the competitive and evolving market with cutting-edge, tailored technology solutions. With over 400 experts across the US and Europe, we bring deep industry knowledge and local expertise to high-growth, regulated markets. Our key markets globally include:

North America (US & Canada)

The US is rapidly expanding its regulated iGaming sector, with more states legalising online sports betting and casinos. Canada, especially Ontario, is also growing. Digicode provides scalable, compliant platforms, AI-driven personalisation, and seamless payment integrations.

Latin America

With Brazil’s market opening, the region holds immense potential. However, regulatory challenges, local payment solutions, and player behaviour analysis require expertise. Digicode offers localised, flexible platforms to help operators scale efficiently.

Europe

While mature, the European market continues to evolve with AI-driven engagement, responsible gaming compliance, and platform innovation. The Nordics, Western, and Eastern Europe show strong potential for tech-driven disruption.

With a highly skilled global team and a commitment to innovation, Digicode provides market-specific, cutting-edge solutions that help operators launch, scale, and optimise their platforms efficiently in these high-value markets. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions — we develop products that directly address each client’s unique business goals and regulatory challenges, ensuring long-term success.

NEXT: What are the main differences between operating in established markets like those in Europe, compared to Latin America, for example?

Digicode: Operating in established versus emerging markets presents key differences in regulation, player behaviour, technology, and competition. Digicode works globally, helping operators navigate the following complexities with tailored solutions:

Regulatory Landscape

Mature markets like the UK and North America have strict compliance standards, which provide stability but increase costs. Emerging markets like Latin America and Africa are still developing regulations, with some like Colombia having structured frameworks, while others, like Brazil, remain evolving.

Player Preferences & Behaviour

European and North American players value fast payouts and responsible gaming tools, with casino games and sports betting being popular. In regions like Latin America and Africa, sports betting, especially football and esports, dominates, requiring mobile-first experiences and region-specific payments.

Technology & Market Entry

Developed markets benefit from advanced digital infrastructure, while emerging markets need mobile-optimized platforms and alternative payment methods. Established markets have high competition and strict compliance, while emerging markets offer easier entry but require local partnerships and regulatory adaptation.

At Digicode, we understand that each market has unique challenges and opportunities. As a true international provider, we work with operators worldwide to develop scalable, flexible, and fully compliant solutions tailored to local market conditions. 

NEXT: What do you see as the primary investment opportunities in emerging iGaming markets?

Digicode: Emerging iGaming markets offer major growth potential, but success demands a flexible platform that adapts to different regulations, player behaviours, and infrastructure. Operators with rigid systems will struggle, while those with modular, regulation-ready platforms will gain an edge.

Compliance in emerging markets varies — for example, Ontario and Colombia have clear frameworks, while Brazil and parts of Africa are still developing theirs. A compliance-first platform must include modular layers, built-in AML, KYC, and responsible gaming features, plus automated risk detection tools. Success requires localised content, with games tailored to regional preferences and flexible payment solutions like PIX in Brazil or UPI in India.

Platform scalability is essential, with cloud-based architecture to support growth and high-availability systems for areas with poor connectivity. Emerging markets have lower entry barriers but require navigating complex regulations and forming local partnerships. Digicode’s expertise ensures efficient scaling across diverse regions, adapting to both market infrastructure and compliance challenges.

NEXT: Tell us about some of the key challenges faced by operators in those regions.

Digicode: Operators in emerging iGaming markets face unique challenges that require a strategic approach, technological flexibility, and strong market knowledge. While each region is different, several common hurdles exist:

Regulatory Uncertainty & Compliance

Regulatory changes and evolving policies challenge operators, with some regions having clear licensing frameworks and others still developing them. Operators must stay adaptable to sudden legal and tax shifts.

Localisation of Content & Payments

Success requires regional customisation, such as tailoring games to local preferences like football betting in Latin America. Local payment methods, including mobile money, are essential in many markets.

Fraud Prevention & Risk Management

Emerging markets face high fraud risks, including chargebacks and identity verification challenges. Operators must implement AI-driven fraud detection and market-specific KYC processes.

Technology Scalability & Infrastructure Limitations

Operators need scalable platforms to handle peak traffic, optimised mobile experiences, and offline transaction capabilities, particularly in regions with inconsistent internet access.

High Acquisition Costs vs. Lower Player Value

Heavy marketing investment is required to enter new markets, and lower disposable incomes result in lower player lifetime value, making retention strategies crucial.

Digicode’s expertise in global iGaming solutions ensures that operators can navigate these obstacles and maximize their market potential.

NEXT: Why do payments continue to be an area of concern for so many in the iGaming sector?

Digicode: Payments remain one of the most complex aspects of iGaming, involving regulatory scrutiny, fraud risks, evolving player preferences, and technological barriers:

Regulatory & Compliance Challenges

iGaming operators must navigate strict AML and KYC regulations, which differ by market. Challenges include licensing in regulated markets like the UK, Germany, and the US, along with evolving regulations in emerging markets like Brazil and India. Banking restrictions, especially in the US, also complicate payment strategies, requiring operators to adapt frequently.

High Risk & Transaction Rejections

iGaming faces fraud, chargebacks, and money laundering risks. Many banks refuse to process payments or charge high fees, leading to transaction rejections, particularly with credit cards. Operators must integrate multiple payment gateways and work with gaming-friendly providers to ensure smooth transactions.

Localised Payment Solutions

Payment preferences vary across regions, requiring tailored solutions. Operators need to offer local options like PIX in Brazil, UPI and e-wallets in India, and M-Pesa in Africa, while also supporting cards, transfers, and e-wallets in Europe. A flexible platform integrating regional providers is crucial.

Fraud, Chargebacks & Responsible Gaming

Operators must address chargeback abuse, bonus fraud, and money laundering risks. Advanced fraud detection and AI-driven monitoring are essential to ensure secure, legitimate payments.

Fast & Reliable Withdrawals

Withdrawals remain challenging due to regulatory delays and banking restrictions. Operators need optimized solutions for fast, compliant payouts, including automated verification and partnerships with payment providers.

To stay competitive, operators need optimized payout solutions, automated verification systems, and partnerships with payment providers that support fast, compliant withdrawals.

NEXT: What regulatory barriers exist for those looking to enter attractive emerging markets?

Digicode: Operators looking to enter emerging iGaming markets face a range of regulatory barriers that vary significantly across regions. While growth potential is high, companies must navigate unclear legislation, complex licensing, compliance requirements, and financial hurdles:

Unstable or Undefined Legal Frameworks

 Many emerging markets have transitioning or unclear regulatory frameworks. For instance:

– Thailandhas banned most online gambling, though there are discussions about future regulation.

– Argentinahas a fragmented approach, with different provinces having varying laws.

– Ukrainere-legalised online gambling in 2020, but frequent regulatory changes complicate operations.

Operators must stay informed of shifts and work with local legal advisors to ensure compliance.

Complex Licensing & Market Entry Restrictions

Licensing varies by market. Some, like Vietnam, have restrictive systems, while others, like Mexico, require partnerships with local operators. Understanding each market’s structure is essential for successful entry.

Stringent Compliance & Data Protection Laws

Emerging markets impose strict AML, KYC, and responsible gaming laws. For example, Perunow mandates real-time tax reporting, and Georgiahas tightened gambling laws. Operators need to invest in advanced compliance technologies to meet these requirements.

Payment & Banking Restrictions

Many markets restrict gambling-related transactions. Operators must offer flexible, region-specific payment solutions like e-wallets, crypto, and direct banking to optimise transactions.

High Taxation & Financial Barriers

Aggressive tax rates and complex financial structures in some regions impact profitability. Operators need to evaluate tax structures carefully to assess market feasibility.

Limited Market Access & Licensing Caps

In some markets, limited licenses or preferential treatment for domestic operators restrict access. Understanding market entry caps is critical to securing approvals and achieving operational success.

NEXT: In the area of responsible gambling, how is the approach different in emerging markets compared to established ones?

Digicode: Responsible gambling (RG) is central to the iGaming industry, though regulations, enforcement, and player awareness vary between emerging and established markets. While mature markets have well-defined RG frameworks, many emerging regions are still in the early stages of implementation. Key factors to consider include:

Regulation and Enforcement

Mature markets like the UK, Sweden, and Germany enforce strict RG policies, including self-exclusion programs and real-time monitoring. Non-compliance results in severe penalties. Emerging markets, however, often lack such regulations, requiring operators to be proactive.

Player Awareness and Cultural Perception

In mature markets, RG awareness is high, with players familiar with tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits. In emerging markets, many players are new to gambling, and cultural attitudes vary. Operators must take the lead in educating players on RG.

Technology and RG Tools

Mature markets use advanced RG technology, including AI-driven tracking and affordability checks. In emerging markets, RG tools are still developing, with some regions lacking centralised systems. Early integration of RG technologies is crucial for operators.

While responsible gambling frameworks differ between emerging and established markets, the trend is clear — regulations are tightening everywhere. Operators that take a proactive, technology-driven approach will not only ensure compliance but also build trust and long-term player loyalty.

NEXT: What are your predictions for the growth of emerging iGaming markets in the future?

Digicode: The iGaming industry is rapidly expanding worldwide, with emerging markets expected to drive the next wave of growth over the coming years. As more regions regulate online gambling, advances in technology, infrastructure, and payment solutions will create new opportunities for operators, suppliers, and investors.

Acceleration of Regulation and Market Maturity

Emerging markets are adopting regulations for tax revenue and responsible gaming. Brazil, India, and the US are advancing in online gaming legislation. Operators preparing for these changes will gain a competitive edge.

Expansion of Local and Alternative Payment Solutions

With limited banking access, regions are relying on e-wallets, mobile money, and cryptocurrency. Brazil’s PIX, Africa’s M-Pesa, and Southeast Asia’s e-wallets are key players. Integrating these will boost conversion and retention.

Personalisation, Player Education, and Content Preferences

Operators must focus on player education through tutorials, onboarding, and localised support. Personalisation, powered by AI, will tailor content and promotions to regional preferences, enhancing engagement.

Increased Focus on Responsible Gambling and Compliance

As markets regulate, responsible gambling becomes a priority. Latin America is adopting European protection models. Early investment in RG tools will ensure success in emerging markets.

Technology, Scalability, and Infrastructure Readiness

Operators must use scalable tech, cloud platforms, and AI-driven systems to meet growing demand. Infrastructure improvements are needed to address connectivity and payment barriers, with increased focus on security.

Strategic Mergers, Partnerships, and Market Consolidation

Larger operators will acquire smaller brands for faster market entry. Collaborations with local partners and white-label solutions will speed up expansion in emerging regions.