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Interview With Co-Founder & CEO Léo Desrumaux About The At-Home Fitness Company  

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Growl is a company that recently launched out of stealth and built a gamified at-home fitness experience powered by AI and gaming tech. Today, the company announced a Kickstarter campaign for interested users to reserve a Growl at a discounted price. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Growl co-founder and CEO Léo Desrumaux to learn more about the company. 

Léo Desrumaux’s Background 

Léo Desrumaux

What is Léo Desrumaux’s background? Desrumaux said: 

“Moving to the US from France at 16 was difficult – I was a troubled teen who didn’t know a word of English and needed to acclimate to a new culture. Combat sports like wrestling, MMA, and boxing became a refuge for me and initially served as a way to immerse myself into American culture, but it became much more than an outlet to de-stress.” 

“I found myself through combat sports and boxing. Suddenly, I realized I wasn’t made out of glass – that I could take a punch but also hit back. I discovered my potential and, more importantly, learned the tools to execute on that potential—a very powerful gift to give to a young person. There’s a saying, ‘Once you’ve boxed, everything else in life is easy.’ That’s the power boxing gave me; and the power I needed to succeed.” 

“I continued combat sports in my spare time outside of university and business school before starting my career in mergers & acquisitions and eventually working for a private equity firm with a large VC fund, which is where I was first introduced to connected fitness.” 

Formation Of The Company 

How did the idea for the company come together? Desrumaux shared: 

“Wrestling, MMA, and boxing helped me find myself as a teen and learn perseverance, hard work, and determination. As I grew up, I continued to pursue combat sports as a hobby and apply those lessons to my career.” 

“Connected fitness started gaining more attention during my time working at Cathay Capital, a private equity firm that also had a significant VC fund. This is where I first heard of connected fitness and the potential it had to make exercise more accessible & powerful to a wide audience. As someone who regularly boxes, I quickly realized that there wasn’t a connected fitness product available that realized the full potential of boxing for everyone at home boxing. Thinking back on the impact combat sports have on me personally, I saw potential to create GROWL with the goal of bringing the power of boxing to everyone in their homes, offering people the same opportunity to build confidence, resilience, and unwavering focus in and out of their fitness journeys.” 

Favorite Memory 

What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Desrumaux reflected: 

“One of the most defining memories of the company was the very first time we were able to have our vision for the product come to life.” 

“It was the very first time we assembled the proof of concept. We were assembling an aluminum steel gauge that would hold the projection unit at the precise location where we needed it to be, combined with the punching bag we designed and put together ourselves. You could see the image being projected on the back and interact with it – it wasn’t ready for an actual punch just yet, but we could get close enough short of touching the bag to get a real feel for the experience. Seeing it work for the very first time and work very well as the coach moved from left to right throwing combinations gave us that realization that we were onto something. That was a Friday, and I know this by heart because on Monday, I quit my job.” 

Core Products 

What are the company’s core products and features? Desrumaux explained: 

“We built GROWL with the intent of building a fitness experience that keeps everyone in the family engaged and inspires them to gain confidence and motivation in addition to experiencing health benefits. From gamified content to a variety of exercise modalities users can try out either alone or with a friend, our core product features ensure adaptability for every mood, ambition, fitness goal, skill level, and age: 

— We turn the boxing bag into a life-sized interactive coach that gives users personalized guidance and motivation, similar to having a personal trainer right by their side 

— Using multi-camera 3D motion and edge-computing, we’re able to provide real-time, personalized insights to sharpen users’ form and technique with every round 

— Electrifying content developed in Unreal Engine creates an immersive gaming experience for users to lock in as they compete and fight in their workouts 

— Replicating the resistance of a traditional heavy bag enables users to harness the raw power of boxing for a full-body, high-intensity cardio and strength workout every time. 

— Our workouts are designed for everyone ages 10 and up, making it easier for kids, teens, and adults to train either solo or side-by-side 

— Offering a variety of workouts – yoga, flexibility, technical boxing, strength training – encourages users to discover new ways to stay active while making sure they get the most out of our product 

— The bag’s wall-mounted design makes it easy to put this in any room of the house with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life.” 

Challenges Faced 

What challenges have Desrumaux and the team faced in building the company? Desrumaux acknowledged: 

“Any founder of a tech company, consumer or hardware, will face serious challenges. Founders working on products that combine the two face a much more difficult set of challenges – the expectations are a lot higher because the difficulty of building a hardware product is more complex than building and iterating on pure software. Still, there’s beauty in serving consumers at such a large scale, and building a powerful, vertically integrated hardware experience – just look at Tesla and Apple, for instance.” 

“But one of the most difficult experiences for us was getting Growl off the ground – building the company and raising money at a time when a lot of people thought Peloton was about to go bankrupt and connected fitness was losing steam.” 

“Peloton was even doing super well before the company went through the roof during the pandemic, but its ambitions overshadowed its resources once the pandemic effects subsided. They were going full steam ahead with little room to adapt with changes in a post-pandemic world. At that point, it’s difficult to course correct, and there was a genuine risk of bankruptcy. Luckily for us, the connected fitness industry, and the 7 million people they serve, that didn’t happen because the team was not only able to course correct, but because they built such a powerful product and experience used daily by their userbase.” 

“This goes to show that the hardest part for us was trying to raise in this environment, but we learned that even though Peloton’s trajectory blew everything out of proportion, connected fitness is serving the needs of millions of people, keeping them happy and healthy with a powerful, accessible fitness experience for people in the comfort of their own home. Peloton even deserves more credit because if you speak to actual Peloton users, they would share their passion for the product and the experience, and the good both of these things do for them.” 

Evolution Of The Company’s Technology 

How has the company’s technology evolved since its launch? Desrumaux noted: 

“Taking a step back, the connected fitness market as a whole is still stuck in its Blackberry era. Devices available today are running on hardware from 2012-2016, and are not up to par with the AI-driven world we live in now.” 

“Since launching just last month, GROWL has set a new standard for the connected fitness market. GROWL fuses cutting-edge immersive projection, optic sensing, and edge-computing technologies to turn your home into a high-performance training space.” 

“Through those advanced technologies not seen in the devices available today – we’re able to correct your form down to the millimeter, offer a variety of modalities (fitness boxing, technical boxing, yoga, pilates, strength training), and transform your bag into a life-size coach to provide one-on-one motivation. Our focus now is refining that technology to provide a best-in-class experience that keeps users engaged while pushing them out of their comfort zones.” 

Significant Milestones 

What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Desrumaux cited: 

“Our most notable milestone so far is our launch in early December, where we introduced GROWL to the market and announced our seed funding round. We announced $4.75 million in funding, and the round was led by Skip Capital.” 

Customer Success Stories 

When asking Desrumaux about customer success stories, he highlighted: 

“One of our earliest investors is former UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane, who’s also a top contender for the UFC title.” 

“Cyril is a big gamer – he has a Twitch channel and he loves to play FIFA and Call of Duty, so fighting and gaming are two of his biggest hobbies. The first time he tried the product, it was an early version of the prototype, and he had a blast working on the coach. Then we demonstrated the gaming experience, which was a 5-minute song game where you are punching the bag to the beat of the music and objects appearing on the bag that you have to break, something we built over the course of a weekend we were trying out for the first time. He went all out on that game, punching with full power, full blast for the entire 5 minutes.” 

“At the end of the game, he looked at us and took a knee because he was completely out of breath. That’s when we saw that we had managed to win over a UFC heavyweight champion and saw the full potential of the platform, the product, and the engagement. The engagement was so strong that you just forget about everything else—even about your own capacity—and you push through your limits to the point where you have a really impactful workout.” 

Funding 

When asking Desrumaux about the company’s funding details, he revealed: 

“When we launched out of stealth in December, we also announced $4.75M in seed funding. The round was led by Skip Capital, with participation from other investors including Kima Ventures, Teampact Ventures, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane, and notable founders including Jonathan Cherki (Contentsquare), Charles Gorintin (Alan), Nicolas Béraud (BetClic), and Jean Lafleur (Airbyte).” 

Total Addressable Market 

What is the total addressable market for the company, Desrumaux emphasized: 

“In such a wide addressable market, Growl is capable of addressing a wide range of fitness needs and people. 

We’re equipped to address a wide array of consumers in the fitness world – whether it’s someone eager to try different fitness trends, someone who’s specifically into boxing, someone who’s also a gamer and wants to be engaged with their workout in a similar way, and people of all shapes and sizes, including young kids and even multiple family members at the same time.  

Our content is just as versatile when it comes to 1-on-1 fitness disciplines (yoga, pilates, meditation, stretching), thanks to the combination of life-size immersion and our 3D camera.

All of these give Growl the unique ability to address the needs of a large number of households and people in our target addressable market, further supported by the seamless ability for the product to fit on the wall of pretty much any room that has a ceiling height of at least 7 feet and 3 inches. 

All of that said, boxing has the potential to resonate and reach a far wider audience – it just needs to be made more accessible. Its popularity today is clearly a good proxy to size up the depth of Growl’s addressable market, but we believe that it has yet to reach its full potential when it comes to audience.

The awareness around the physical and psychological benefits associated with boxing is clearly growing. Yet, we’ve seen that boxing has been out of reach to most people. Traditional boxing is seen as too intimidating, too technical, and too dangerous to the point that trying a boxing class has not even occurred to the vast majority of people. 

On the other hand, fitness boxing, particularly with the launch of Rumble in 2017 (and many others since then), opened the market and improved accessibility to the sport by transforming the traditional, technical, and intimidating approach into an immensely powerful fitness experience everyone can enjoy. Today, Rumble boasts almost three times as many studio locations in the US as the iconic spinning-leader, SoulCycle.

Our intention with Growl is to open accessibility to boxing even more by bringing its full potential straight to your home at a fraction of the price. The question we’re now starting to ask is, “How far can boxing actually go in terms of audience once it is made into a universally accessible fitness discipline?”.

Differentiation From The Competition 

What differentiates the company from its competition? Desrumaux affirmed: 

“Experience is everything in connected fitness, but what most companies do is build the experience on top of existing hardware. The truth is, people couldn’t care less about your hardware. That’s why we turned the equation upside-down and bent the technology to fit the experience and the coach.” 

“The first thing we did was recreate a personal trainer as if they were physically right by the user’s side. We wanted to recreate that physical, 1-on-1 connection that will provide guidance and motivation while pushing users’ limits along the way. That’s the heart of the experience – not the design, not even the workout itself. Bringing in the presence of a coach will deliver the connection and engagement of a powerful connected fitness product.” 

“This goes hand in hand with another major differentiator: the adversarial pace. On every other connected fitness device, you set the pace, you are in control, and you follow your own rhythm. We created a coach to create an adversarial relationship – the coach sets the pace against you and you have no choice but to keep up and stay engaged. That’s exactly where you want to be: In an uncomfortable position where you have no choice but to rise above the fray to raise yourself, in both body and mind.” 

Future Company Goals 

What are some of the company’s future goals? Desrumaux emphasized: 

“We will be focusing on manufacturing efforts, and expect our first products to roll off the manufacturing line sometime within the first half of next year.” 

Additional Thoughts 

Any other topics you would like to discuss? Desrumaux concluded: 

“We’re offering so much more than a way for users to stay fit and get in the best shape of their lives. Our goal is to inspire confidence and determination, much like boxing has done for me. Combat sports have helped me develop critical traits that brought me to success, and we want to offer the same opportunity to everyone at home by helping them learn hard work and determination while reaching their fitness goals.”



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High-Performance Monitor Lineups : HKC Corporation

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HKC Corporation’s participation in CES 2026 centers on presenting a diversified portfolio of display technologies through its three distinct brands. Each model targets a specific segment of the high-performance monitor market.

HKC Corporation’s showcase is anchored by the introduction of several flagship products. The HKC M10 Ultra is promoted as the first monitor to utilize an RGB MiniLED backlight system for enhanced color and brightness control. It would appeal to professional graphic designers, video editors, and game developers. The KOORUI S4941XO is a large-format OLED screen with a high refresh rate aimed at immersive simulation gaming. Finally, the ANTGAMER ANT275PQ Ultra stands as an LCD monitor with an exceptionally high refresh rate for competitive esports.

Collectively, HKC Corporation’s display products demonstrate the company’s technical focus on advancements in panel construction, backlight engineering, and integrated image processing software.

Image Credit: HKC Corporation



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Innovative Gaming Peripheral Ecosystems : gaming peripheral

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The brand Akko is revealing a significant innovation in gaming peripherals at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This new ecosystem expands beyond Akko’s traditional keyboard focus to include a full suite of high-performance computer mice.

At CES 2026, Akko calls attention to three distinct series — the Nest, the Dash, and the Framer. The brand highlights the Dash as its “most advanced mouse to date.” This computer peripheral weighs just 39 grams and boasts the PixArt 3950 sensor for ro-grade precision and stability. Nest, on the other hand, is a right-hand ergonomic style, while the Framer is for entry-level gaming.

In addition to the high-performance computer mice, Akko is also highlighting new keyboards — including the aluminum rapid assembly magnetic-switch keyboard MOD007v5 HE and the Year of the Snake Keyboard — as well as the M1 V5 TMR technology by Akko’s sister brand MonsGeek.

Image Credit: Akko



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Gambling Industry Trends And Predictions For 2026

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Gambling Industry Trends and Predictions for 2026 - High-Stakes Forces Reshaping iGaming, Casinos, and Global Regulation
Gambling Industry Trends and Predictions for 2026 – High-Stakes Forces Reshaping iGaming, Casinos, and Global Regulation

Gambling Industry Trends and Predictions for 2026

The global gambling industry enters 2026 on a rapid growth trajectory and at the cusp of transformative change. After reaching an estimated $99 billion in 2024, the global betting and gaming market is projected to nearly double by 2033 (approaching $182 billion) as digital platforms, mobile betting, and AI-driven innovations reshape how people gamble. This boom is fueled not only by technological leaps, but also by evolving consumer behaviors and shifting regulatory landscapes. By 2026, the industry will be more connected, data-driven, and consumer-focused than ever, blurring the line between gambling and broader digital entertainment.

Global Focus, Local Moves: North America and Europe currently dominate gambling revenue (about three-quarters of the market), but Asia-Pacific and Latin America are emerging as the next frontiers. In particular, Asia-Pacific’s liberalizing regulations, rising incomes, and mobile adoption are accelerating participation across the region. At the same time, the United States – which ignited a sports betting boom after 2018 – continues to expand state-by-state. Meanwhile, Europe’s mature markets are prioritizing sustainability and responsibility, and Latin America and Africa are opening up new opportunities. Across the world, stakeholders are “going all-in” on innovation and expansion, while bracing for greater oversight to ensure gambling grows safely.

In this outlook for 2026, we highlight the key trends shaping the iGaming (online gambling) sector and its convergence with traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. From new markets and regulations to tech breakthroughs and changing player expectations, the year ahead promises high stakes and big opportunities.


New Markets and Regulatory Shifts on the Horizon

Legalization Wave Continues

The map of regulated gambling is set to expand further in 2026. Several countries and jurisdictions are transitioning from gray markets to fully legal, competitive industries. Notably, Brazil – long considered a “sleeping giant” of gaming – is rolling out regulations for online sports betting and casino gaming, creating one of the world’s largest new markets. In Europe, Finland has decided to end its state monopoly and move toward a competitive licensing model by 2026, opening its lucrative market to private iGaming operators. These moves follow the trend of governments seeking tax revenue and consumer protection through licensing rather than prohibition.

United States Focus

In the U.S., the sports betting frenzy that spread to 35+ states is settling into a mature phase, but there are still holdouts and new opportunities. Major states like Texas and California remain unresolved – Texas lawmakers are weighing another push for sportsbooks (though realistically not before 2027) and California’s tribal vs. commercial interests make legalization challenging. Still, the pressure is mounting as Americans in nearly every region have gained access to legal betting.

Meanwhile, online casino gaming (iGaming) – currently legal in only seven states – is gaining traction. In 2025, multiple U.S. states saw legislative efforts to legalize online casinos, eyeing the success of pioneers like New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The record-breaking revenues reported by existing iGaming states underscore the opportunity: several markets have posted all-time monthly records, and year-over-year growth in iGaming has significantly outpaced growth in brick-and-mortar casinos. This momentum is likely to push more U.S. states to consider regulating online casinos in 2026 and beyond, especially as they watch neighbors reap tax windfalls.

Stricter Rules and Compliance

As new markets open, regulators everywhere are also tightening the rules in existing markets. Governments in major jurisdictions are introducing tougher measures for consumer protection, anti-money-laundering (AML), and advertising. The United Kingdom’s regulatory overhaul is a prime example – from stricter ad guidelines to potential online slot stake limits and affordability checks, UK operators face a more controlled environment. Other countries have gone so far as to heavily restrict or ban gambling advertising. Across Europe, compliance is king: the era of “grey area” operations is fading as authorities push operators to either go fully legal or get out.

In the U.S., regulators are aggressively enforcing rules to ensure a safe market. Several states have intensified enforcement against unlicensed platforms, increased cease-and-desist activity, and introduced new rule updates emphasizing tighter licensing standards, identity verification, AML protocols, and mandatory responsible gambling tools. This reflects a broader North American trend: as the online market matures, regulators are shifting from simply enabling new industries to rigorously policing them for compliance and strengthening player protections.

Tax and Policy Changes

Policymakers are also adjusting the financial rules around gambling. In the U.S., a notable change takes effect in 2026: recreational gamblers will lose a portion of their tax deductions on losses, with federal law capping deductible losses at 90% of winnings (down from 100%). This tax tweak may discourage some high-volume bettors or at least complicate their accounting. At the same time, U.S. reporting thresholds for certain jackpots have been modernized in recent years, reflecting a slow but steady effort to update outdated compliance burdens.

Overall, 2026’s regulatory landscape will be defined by expansion paired with vigilance: more markets opening up and more scrutiny to ensure gambling growth comes with strong consumer safeguards. Next, we look at one of the most intriguing regulatory battles brewing – the clash between traditional gambling operators and a new breed of betting platform known as prediction markets.


A major storyline heading into 2026 is the rise of prediction markets and their collision with traditional sports betting. Once a niche idea, prediction markets allow users to wager on practically any real-world outcome – from elections and economic indicators to pop culture outcomes – treating events like stocks to be traded. In the past two years, this segment expanded rapidly in the United States, blurring the line between gambling and financial trading. A growing roster of platforms has launched or gone mainstream, and major sports and gaming brands are experimenting with prediction-style products.

This flurry of innovation points to demand for new forms of interactive wagering. Younger bettors especially enjoy the stock-market-like experience of trading event outcomes, and volumes have surged across several platforms. These numbers have not gone unnoticed by the traditional gaming industry – or by its regulators.

Regulatory Crossfire

Prediction markets currently operate in a legal gray area in the U.S., often falling under federal commodities oversight rather than state gambling law. This has triggered backlash from established gambling stakeholders who argue these products resemble sports betting without the same level of licensing, consumer protection, and responsible gaming guardrails.

On the other side, prediction market companies and allied fintech firms are organizing and pushing for clearer frameworks that legitimize these markets nationwide. They argue that the legal system hasn’t kept pace with modern products, and that a patchwork of rules will create confusion and drive demand to offshore alternatives. The stage is set for a significant confrontation in 2026: federal regulators vs. state gaming authorities, and innovative platforms vs. incumbent casino and sportsbook ecosystems.

Why This Matters in 2026

Whether prediction markets are integrated into the regulated gaming system, restricted, or forced into separate lanes will shape everything from taxation and consumer protections to how sportsbooks innovate. The industry may be moving toward a reality where traditional operators either (1) partner into this category, (2) fight it aggressively, or (3) watch parts of wagering demand shift outside classic sportsbook rails. The outcome won’t just impact the U.S.; it will influence global regulators as they face similar fintech-gambling convergence pressures.


The Great Convergence: Merging iGaming with Brick-and-Mortar Casinos

The year 2026 will also highlight the convergence between online and land-based gambling, often dubbed the “omnichannel” approach. While online iGaming is booming, traditional physical casinos are not standing idle – many are leveraging technology and cross-platform strategies to stay relevant and connected to digital audiences. The central question for casino operators has become: How can we integrate the on-site casino experience with online play?

Omnichannel Strategies

Some forward-thinking casino companies are embracing hybrid innovations that turn brick-and-mortar resorts into content engines for digital channels. New live dealer concepts, broadcast-style casino content, and in-property studios are becoming a real strategy: they extend a casino brand beyond physical walls while turning on-site foot traffic into marketing reach.

Another critical driver of convergence is the integration of loyalty programs and currencies across channels. Big operators are linking loyalty points so that players earn and spend rewards whether they’re at a slot machine in Vegas or betting on an app at home. Increasingly, these rewards behave more like digital ecosystems than simple points programs. Over time, this may evolve toward a portable digital identity where engagement across sportsbook, casino, social gaming, and entertainment can be recognized and rewarded holistically.

Physical Casinos Go Digital

Brick-and-mortar casinos are also adopting more digital infrastructure: cashless wagering options, mobile wallets, app-driven player experiences, and increasing experimentation with biometrics for identity and loyalty recognition. These upgrades align with younger customers’ expectations and help casinos enhance operational efficiency while reducing certain fraud and compliance risks.

It’s worth noting that not all casino operators are on board. Some U.S. regional casino companies and tribal stakeholders remain cautious, citing cannibalization concerns and social impacts. Still, the broader revenue picture continues to pressure the industry toward convergence, especially as online channels deliver faster growth and higher scalability.

The “Phygital” Casino Experience

In 2026, expect to see more crossover initiatives that make gambling an anytime, anywhere activity. The convergence is also evident in content: casino games increasingly borrow features from video games (missions, rewards loops, community events), while physical casinos adopt attractions influenced by digital culture. For operators, the strategic advantage goes to whoever can unify experiences across platforms while respecting the regulatory and responsible gaming frameworks required in each market.


Tech Innovations: AI, Apps, and Immersive Betting

Technology has always been a driving force in iGaming, but heading into 2026, it’s clear the industry is entering another innovation cycle. Several tech trends are set to redefine how gambling products are built and how players engage:

Mobile 2.0 – Faster and More Immersive

Mobile betting is the primary channel for many consumers, and in 2026 mobile platforms are leveling up. Expect smoother UX, deeper personalization, more embedded live content, and early-stage applications of AR to create more immersive experiences. The smartphone is not just a portal to betting anymore; it’s becoming the interface layer for entertainment, payments, community, and identity.

Artificial Intelligence Everywhere

AI has moved from experimentation to operational core. It is now embedded in risk management, fraud detection, dynamic promotions, personalization, customer support, and even content generation. The next stage in 2026 is “industrialized AI”: measurable ROI, tighter governance, and clearer outcomes. In regulated markets, AI will increasingly be paired with compliance expectations – including systems designed to detect problem gambling behaviors earlier and deliver better interventions.

Fintech and Payments Innovation

Payments are becoming a strategic battleground. Open banking capabilities, faster payouts, improved fraud detection, and easier onboarding are changing player expectations. In parallel, crypto rails remain relevant, especially for international markets and certain user segments. For regulated operators, the key is not crypto hype, but crypto’s utility: faster settlement, transparent transaction trails, and optionality for global payments where traditional banking remains restrictive.

New Game Formats – eSports, Virtuals, and Microbets

New formats continue to expand the addressable audience. eSports betting is growing, virtual sports offer always-on wagering, and micro-betting is becoming a major engagement driver as operators refine the latency, data feeds, and in-play UX that this product demands. Major global sporting events in 2026 will likely accelerate micro-betting adoption as consumers learn to treat a match not as one bet, but as dozens of moment-to-moment decision points.

Gamification and Social Play

Gamification is now a baseline expectation in modern apps: missions, rewards, leaderboards, community challenges, and social layers that borrow heavily from video games. Meanwhile, streaming culture continues to collide with iGaming, as content creators, live casino formats, and interactive “watch and play” mechanics become more common acquisition channels. As these experiences scale, expect regulators to sharpen the rules around marketing, affiliate behavior, and ensuring responsible gaming protections extend into creator-led environments.

Cybersecurity and Reliability

As platforms scale, cybersecurity becomes existential. Attacks, phishing, and platform reliability issues can quickly damage trust. In 2026, regulators and major partners will increasingly treat security readiness and resilience as non-negotiable. Operators will invest further in multi-cloud uptime strategies, monitoring, and stronger identity protections to ensure stable, compliant operations at scale.


Responsible Gambling and the Social License

Amid all the growth and innovation, the industry in 2026 is putting a sharper focus on responsible gambling (RG). As gambling becomes more accessible digitally, the expectations rise: operators must prevent harm, regulators must protect consumers, and stakeholders must prove that industry growth can be sustainable.

Real-Time Intervention

One of the most important evolutions is the use of AI and behavioral analytics to detect harmful patterns earlier. Instead of relying solely on players to self-report or set limits, modern systems can identify risk signals and trigger interventions such as dynamic messaging, cooling-off prompts, or structured friction in the user journey.

Mandatory Measures and Culture Change

More jurisdictions are tightening requirements: deposit and time limits, self-exclusion enforcement, clear loss/win displays, enhanced KYC checks, and more robust proof-of-source-of-funds rules in higher-risk cases. The direction is clear: responsible gambling is no longer optional, and the companies that build it into product design will find it easier to keep market access, maintain brand trust, and partner with mainstream institutions.

The challenge is that responsible gambling messaging must be effective, not performative. Generic slogans are losing impact. The next phase is more personalized, contextual, and integrated into product design without creating a punitive experience for recreational users.


Conclusion: 2026 and Beyond – A High-Tech, High-Responsibility Future

The year 2026 is poised to be a pivotal chapter for iGaming and the casino industry, marked by convergence and innovation on one hand, and heightened responsibility and regulation on the other. We will see new markets expand, the U.S. inch closer to broader iGaming adoption, and regulators increasingly demand stronger safeguards as online access becomes ubiquitous.



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Where Is India’s Gaming Industry Headed Next?

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India’s gaming industry is rapidly evolving into one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the world. Driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones, affordable internet, and a tech-savvy youth population, gaming is becoming a mainstream form of entertainment. With mobile gaming leading the charge, the India gaming market is also witnessing significant growth in esports, cloud gaming, and immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Unlocking New Realms: The Evolution and Key Opportunities in India’s Gaming Sector

The gaming sector is transitioning from a specialized sector to a dynamic and swiftly growing market, fueled by the rising use of smartphones, accessible internet, and a young, tech-oriented demographic. The rise of mobile gaming is at the heart of this transformation, with millions of people in India engaging in gaming on their smartphones daily. With the nation’s gaming industry growing, a variety of gamers, covering mobile, console, and PC platforms, are shaping the industry.‎ Quantifying this rapid expansion, the IMARC Group reported that the gaming market size in India reached USD 4.26 Billion in 2024.

The primary opportunities ahead are in the rising need for localized content, as developers are concentrating on designing games that connect with Indian cultural and regional tastes. This presents substantial potential to reach a broader audience, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Moreover, the growth of esports, cloud gaming, AR, and VR technologies offers new opportunities for expansion. With the growing investment and support from both the government and private sectors, there is significant potential to establish India as a worldwide center for gaming development and creativity.

With the market’s maturation, the advancement of monetization strategies, enhanced infrastructure, and stronger regulations will continue to contribute to the increase in India gaming market share, unlocking untapped potential and fostering global competitiveness.

India Gaming Market

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Game On: Current Trends and Market Drivers Shaping India’s Gaming Future

According to IMARC Group’s projections, the India gaming market is projected to grow at ‎a CAGR of around 15.2% from 2025 to 2033, reaching USD 15.19 Billion by 2033. The growth ‎will be supported by the following factors:‎

  • Smartphone and Internet Penetration

India’s increasing number of affordable smartphones, coupled with the expansion of high-speed internet access, is significantly broadening the market reach. As rural and non-metro areas gain improved connectivity, companies can target new user segments beyond urban centers. This growing accessibility enables casual, on-the-go gaming, contributing to a surge in user numbers and expanding the market. As of March 2024, India had 954.40 million total internet subscribers, with 398.35 million rural subscribers. Furthermore, by April 2024, 95.15% of India’s 644,131 villages were equipped with 3G/4G mobile connectivity, underscoring the increasing digital penetration across the country and creating vast opportunities for gaming expansion in rural areas.

  • Monetization Evolution: InApp, Subscription & Cloud

The monetization models in the gaming market in India are evolving beyond basic in-app purchases. Traditional in-app purchases are being complemented by subscription models, cloud streaming, and cross-platform play, providing new revenue streams and catering to players seeking more flexibility and value. This shift allows gaming companies to offer premium experiences while enhancing player lifetime value. A prime example of this trend is Nvidia’s announcement in 2025 that its GeForce NOW cloud gaming service will launch in India, offering high-end gaming experiences on various devices. Premium members can access over 4,500 games, including popular titles like Borderlands 4 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, solidifying cloud gaming’s potential in India.

  • Esports Partnerships and Innovation

A key factor driving the growth of the market is the increasing investment in esports partnerships and innovation. Realme’s collaboration with Krafton India as the official smartphone partner for the BattleGrounds Mobile Series (BGIS) 2025 and BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2025 highlights this trend. By using its GT 7 Pro for the tournaments, Realme is directly supporting both professional and grassroots players. This partnership not only boosts esports visibility but also strengthens the gaming ecosystem in India. As esports continues to gain traction, such collaborations enhance the gaming experience and contribute to market expansion.

  • Localized Product Offerings and Market Tailoring

The growing availability of localized products tailored to the needs of Indian gamers is positively influencing the market. Acer’s announcement in 2025 to launch “Make in India” gaming laptops is a prime example. By customizing its Aspire/ALG, Nitro, and Predator series for the Indian market, Acer is addressing the performance, pricing, and usage patterns unique to Indian gamers. This move not only supports the rising demand for gaming PCs across casual, competitive, and creator segments but also taps into the rising interest in AI-ready devices, contributing to the rapid expansion of India’s gaming ecosystem.

The rise of accelerator programs and funding initiatives is helping local developers access advanced technology, mentorship, and global networks. The adoption of AI tools is particularly transformative, enhancing game development, player experiences, and monetization strategies. These AI-driven innovations improve gameplay mechanics, automate processes, and offer personalized content, making Indian games more competitive globally. A prime example is Meta’s India-focused Gaming Accelerator, launched in 2025, which supports 20–30 emerging studios with AI tools like Llama, along with mentorship and investor access to scale their games for global markets.

The Game Plan: Conquering Challenges and Unlocking New Opportunities

The Indian gaming industry encounters challenges like regulatory ambiguity, with many states lacking clear rules for online gaming, creating confusion for developers and players. The country’s vast and diverse population also requires significant investment in localization and culturally relevant content. Additionally, piracy and data security concerns remain persistent threats.

Despite these obstacles, the rapid increase in internet access and smartphone adoption, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, presents a large untapped market. Mobile gaming is becoming popular because of affordable smartphones and data plans, while localization offers a chance to engage diverse user bases. The growing momentum of the India Mobile Gaming Market further highlights how digital engagement is expanding across demographic groups. Esports and online competitions are also gaining traction, creating new opportunities for competitive gaming and sponsorships.

Masters of the Game: Who’s Leading India’s Gaming Industry

Major figures in the market are progressively concentrating on broadening their reach and enhancing user interaction by utilizing mobile-first approaches and integrating localized content. These firms are focusing on creating games that align with local tastes, providing content in various languages and crafting gameplay that reflects India’s rich cultural diversity. Numerous developers are investigating fresh monetization strategies, such as in-app purchases, subscription models, and live events, while incorporating social and multiplayer elements to promote community engagement. To remain competitive, they are significantly investing in technology like AI and cloud gaming to improve user experiences and provide smooth cross-platform play. Directly illustrating the investment in technology like cloud gaming to improve user experiences and provide smooth cross-platform play, Xbox launched cloud gaming in India for Game Pass subscribers in 2025, allowing high-end games to stream on mobiles, tablets, and PCs.

The Game Changers: How Investment and Government Support Are Elevating the Gaming Sector

The gaming market in India is influenced by government-backed initiatives and a clear regulatory framework that foster innovation and growth. These programs support game design, development, and talent, attracting both local and global investments. The regulatory system ensures fair practices and transparency, building market trust and safeguarding user interests.

  • Government-backed programs are essential in driving innovation and creating a vibrant gaming ecosystem in India. By supporting game design, development, and talent nurturing, these initiatives provide infrastructure, networking, and industry collaboration that attract both local and global investments. They also focus on cultivating local talent, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness. The government’s commitment is evident in major initiatives like the Create in India Challenge and the AVGC-XR Mission, launched in 2025, which aim to foster original creation and collaboration across gaming, animation, VFX, and immersive technologies. These efforts strengthen India’s creative economy and position the country as a global hub for AVGC-XR innovation.
  • A coherent regulatory system is vital for driving the gaming market in India. By establishing clear rules and categories for different game types, such as esports and online gaming, the framework ensures transparency and fair practices, fostering trust among investors and participants. This organized approach enhances market security for both developers and users, promoting sustainable growth. In 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) addressed the need for such a framework with the release of the Draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules under the PROG Act. This created India’s first unified framework, with the Online Gaming Authority overseeing compliance, classification, and registration.

Leveling Up: IMARC’s Playbook for Navigating India’s Thriving Gaming Market

IMARC Group empowers stakeholders in India’s gaming industry with data-driven insights to succeed in one of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment markets. Our research and consulting services help clients identify untapped opportunities, navigate market uncertainties, and drive innovation in game design, marketing, and retail strategy.

  • Market Insights: Track trends shaping India’s gaming market, including the rise in mobile gaming, increasing demand for esports, and the growing popularity of educational and strategy-based games. We also explore the emergence of local developers and the expanding gaming ecosystem.
  • Strategic Forecasting: Predict future developments in the integration of digital and physical gaming experiences, the growth of online gaming platforms, evolving user preferences, and the impact of regional content and culturally relevant game narratives.
  • Competitive Intelligence: Analyze strategies and offerings from leading game publishers and emerging startups, including how they are redefining gaming experiences with local themes, storytelling, and sustainable production practices.
  • Policy and Regulatory Analysis: Understand trade regulations, intellectual property protection, licensing, and safety compliance standards crucial to the production and distribution of games in India.
  • Tailored Consulting Solutions: Benefit from customized advice on market entry strategies, distribution models, branding, and game localization. IMARC’s expertise supports businesses in developing scalable, client-centric growth strategies in an expanding gaming ecosystem.



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New Nevada Gaming Board Chairman Knows The Importance Of Getting Technology OK’d Quickly

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Square cover image for an article titled "New Nevada Gaming Board Chairman Knows the Importance of Getting Technology OK’d Quickly," featuring a modern casino background with slot machines, digital circuit overlays in the shape of Nevada, and bold, readable title text.
The importance of fast technology approvals by the New Nevada Gaming Board Chairman, set against a modern casino and digital technology backdrop.

The New Nevada Gaming Board Chairman knows the importance of getting technology OK’d quickly, signaling a clear focus on modernizing how gaming innovations move from development to casino floors. This approach reflects an understanding that technology now plays a central role in the gaming industry and that regulatory systems must evolve to keep Nevada competitive while maintaining its high standards.

New Chairman Knows the Importance of Approving Technology

Gaming technology is advancing at a rapid pace, from new slot machine platforms to cashless systems and enhanced security tools. When approvals take too long, Nevada risks seeing new products debut elsewhere first. The New Nevada Gaming Board Chairman knows the importance of getting technology approved quickly because delays can affect manufacturers, casino operators, and ultimately the state’s position as a leader in regulated gaming.

Industry Experience Shaping Regulatory Priorities

Leadership matters in regulatory agencies, especially in industries as complex as gaming. The new chairman brings experience that bridges regulation and technology, offering insight into how long approval timelines can impact innovation. This background helps explain why the New Nevada Gaming Board Chairman knows the importance of getting technology OK’d quickly, not as a shortcut, but as a way to make processes more efficient and predictable.

How Faster Approvals Benefit Nevada’s Gaming Industry

Timely technology approvals help casinos remain competitive and allow players to experience the latest advancements sooner. When Nevada can approve new gaming systems without unnecessary delays, it strengthens relationships with manufacturers and reinforces the state’s reputation as the global standard for gaming regulation.

Maintaining Integrity While Moving Faster

Speed does not mean sacrificing oversight. Nevada’s gaming regulators are still responsible for ensuring fairness, security, and compliance. The emphasis is on refining internal processes, improving communication, and reducing bottlenecks. This balanced approach explains why the Nevada Gaming Board Chairman knows the importance of getting technology approved quickly while continuing to uphold strict regulatory safeguards.

What This Means for the Future of Gaming Regulation

Looking ahead, a more responsive approval process could encourage greater innovation within Nevada’s gaming sector. Developers may be more inclined to launch new technologies in the state, and operators can adapt more quickly to player expectations.

By aligning regulatory efficiency with technological progress, Nevada positions itself to remain both a trusted regulator and an innovation-friendly environment in an increasingly competitive global gaming market.


Looking for Legal Guidance in Gaming?

If you follow SCCG content and have inquiries about your gaming business, connect with Lazarus Crystal Law Firm—formed by SCCG Management and Lazarus Legal to unite top-tier gaming law with commercialization and market-entry strategy.

Our Areas of Expertise Include:
•⁠ ⁠Nevada and multi-state gaming licensing
•⁠ ⁠Regulatory compliance and audit services
•⁠ ⁠International market entry and cross-border advisory
•⁠ ⁠Gaming M&A legal due diligence
•⁠ ⁠Tribal gaming legal and strategic support
•⁠ ⁠iGaming and sports betting regulatory guidance

Follow us on LinkedIn: Lazarus Crystal Law Firm



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