As the global gaming sector adapts to swift technological advancements, regulatory inconsistencies, and new challenges, the significance of standards organizations has never been higher. In 2025, the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) broadened its influence, refining its membership framework and establishing actionable strategies designed to assist regulators and industry representatives around the globe.
In an exclusive discussion with Yogonet, Mark Pace, President of IGSA, shares insights on the association’s goals and achievements over the past year, covering topics from ethical AI to cybersecurity and payments. He also highlights pivotal matters that will influence IGSA’s agenda for 2026, such as illegal gaming, sports integrity, and geographical expansion, as the organization strives to alleviate barriers and foster uniformity within an increasingly intricate global gaming environment.
Reflecting on the feedback from IGSA members and your collaborations with other industry entities, how would you evaluate the past year? Which significant matters do you foresee as instrumental in crafting the 2026 agenda?
2025 proved to be a notable year for us. IGSA restructured our Membership Levels, decreasing fees and introducing more membership categories to foster inclusivity. Our new Committee Level membership has successfully enhanced involvement from the technology and payments sectors, which were previously less inclined toward IGSA membership. Our Operator Level has attracted operators eager for representation on the Board of Directors, joining Members from various other levels. These adaptations have expanded IGSA’s membership and significantly diversified the companies represented in the association.
On the Standards and Best Practices side, IGSA achieved numerous successes this year, thanks to active participation in the Ethical Use of AI, Cyber Resiliency, and Payments committees. We’ve also noted a revival in the adoption of our Gaming Device Standard (GDS), especially regarding its application with note acceptors in gaming devices, along with our Networked GAT Interface (NGI), which enables regulators to verify and authenticate essential software remotely. NGI is vital for ensuring that only authorized programs are utilized in sports betting and online casino gaming frameworks.
As we look toward 2026, Illegal Gaming, Sports Integrity, Emerging Technologies, and Responsible Gaming will be critical areas for IGSA to explore in relation to Standards or Best Practices. We will also continue to build on the initiatives of existing committees focused on Cyber Resiliency, AI, and Payments, whilst improving current Standards based on member input.
This year, IGSA unveiled Best Practices for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence. What triggered this initiative, and how is the association engaging in the broader dialogue within the industry? Do you expect AI to continue being a central focus for IGSA and the industry next year?
IGSA initiated the Ethical Use of AI committee in light of regulations emerging in Europe via the EU AI Act and the U.S. with Executive Order 14110. These federal measures established extensive regulations on AI usage, while recognizing that each industry must create specific Best Practices relevant to their contexts.
Given the fragmented nature of the gaming sector, where regulations vary widely between jurisdictions, IGSA identified the need to establish a set of practical Best Practices that could ease regulatory adoption across various areas. Reducing fragmentation is a goal of IGSA, and these Best Practices offer a framework conducive to minimizing barriers for companies operating across multiple jurisdictions.
AI’s application continues to expand, and many use cases could greatly benefit from its ethical and responsible usage. IGSA will persist in collaborating with the regulators in our Regulatory Committee and with regulatory bodies like NAGRA and IAGR to pinpoint issues and further refine Best Practices.
What are the primary challenges in establishing consistent standards and practices across the industry at present? In fields like AI and cybersecurity, do you perceive any progress toward harmonization or increased fragmentation?
The rapid pace of technology and innovation complicates the development of Standards or Best Practices before technologies are integrated into gaming products, and in some instances, even before deployment. This often results in fragmentation, as regulators aiming to support innovation must quickly adapt regulations within pre-existing legal frameworks. IGSA’s Emerging Technology committee is striving to identify emerging technology trends and proactively address them to mitigate the fragmentation that often accompanies technology essential to gaming products.
From input gathered from various regulatory agencies, we believe that the Best Practices IGSA developed for ethical AI usage could help reduce fragmentation. Many regulators are still working out how to formulate regulations regarding AI, and we are hopeful that our Best Practices will contribute to establishing a more uniform set of requirements.
Cyber resiliency is another domain where regulators encounter challenges in clearly defining what effective cybersecurity practices should entail. Some rely on penetration testing (PEN) and vulnerability assessments as safeguards; however, these are merely components of a comprehensive cyber resiliency strategy.
IGSA is crafting Best Practices that incorporate ‘Security by Design’ as a vital element of cyber resiliency. This means that all parties involved in developing gaming products must integrate security protocols throughout their development, quality assurance, manufacturing, and delivery processes. This integrated approach, along with the cybersecurity measures implemented by operators, guarantees that the entire ecosystem maintains a robust cyber resiliency framework.
Looking into 2026, what will be IGSA’s primary priorities? Are there specific objectives or milestones you aim to reach next year and beyond?
IGSA plans to inaugurate our newest office in Lagos State, Nigeria, towards the end of Q1 2026. This office will cater to the gaming industry in Western Africa, providing operators and suppliers the chance to join IGSA Africa, where they will adhere to local regulations, as opposed to those in countries where IGSA offices exist, such as those in Asia, Europe, or the United States. This represents a significant step for IGSA, given that gaming in this region is set for remarkable growth, with regulators eager to implement standards.
Additionally, we intend to establish committees aimed at developing Standards or Best Practices for Sports Risk and Illegal Gaming, alongside reactivating our Responsible Gaming committee, which will foster a collaborative coalition of organizations dedicated to making impactful contributions in this crucial area.
Lastly, we aim to create resources that will assist regulators in implementing IGSA Standards, enhancing data transparency, auditability, gaming product integrity, and safety.
Finally, we will focus on growing our membership, enhancing our partnerships with other gaming organizations, and continuing to deliver Standards and Best Practices for the advancement of our industry globally.