What is powering the growth of iGaming is access to new technologies and increasing user expectations. Startups are coming up with exciting innovations that range from the use of blockchain to more social gaming experiences. Certain iGaming platforms are worth watching in 2026, as they are pushing boundaries and moving into new territory.
Betr
This startup focuses on microbetting and fantasy sports. Its mobile-first design and intuitive interface are suited to a young audience, and the entry barrier for newcomers is lower. The fast moment-by-moment wagers align with the modern way users consume sports and bet on sports at mobile casinos.
The target audience is sports lovers and bettors who want to place bets during live sports events. This platform allows them to place in-game bets on specific moments in a game rather than on full match outcomes. The platform also offers interactive features and community engagement. Its emphasis on social interaction and quick bets is in line with growing trends in iGaming.
Papaya Gaming
This startup is known for its skill-based tournament games. Its target demographic includes casual gamers and individuals interested in competitive, skill-based mobile games. Some of the games it offers are Solitaire Cash and Bingo Cash, and players compete against each other for cash prizes. It is easy for players to track their performance. Skill-based matchmaking and anti-cheating systems ensure that outcomes depend on player ability rather than chance.
This model blurs the lines between mobile gaming and iGaming, which attracts many users who may never visit a traditional casino site. The company has become a global leader in the ‘soft iGaming’ space with the combination it offers of entertainment with real-world rewards.
Livespins
The streaming revolution has resulted in many startups, and Livespins combines streaming with social gaming and real-money casino play. Users don’t play alone but ‘bet behind’ streamers in real time. This means they join the same game session and win when the streamer wins. Players engage with the streamer and with other players.
Social gamified gambling experiences are one of the strongest shifts taking place in the iGaming industry today. Evolution AB has recently acquired Livespins, which has expanded the startup’s reach across casino operators.
SX Bet
This platform uses blockchain technology to create a transparent and user-driven wagering experience that challenges the assumption that platforms must always act as the house. It removes the house from the equation and operates a peer-to-peer exchange. The users set the odds and provide liquidity. This makes it closer to a marketplace than a traditional sports betting platform. Users keep control of their funds through crypto wallets, and all bets are recorded on-chain for security and transparency.
The tradeoff is more complexity, as it is hard to scale without good liquidity and familiarity with the platform. It does open the door to a new type of betting where control is distributed rather than centralized.
One Earth Rising
The current state of the startup economy is strong despite economic uncertainties. Startups like One Earth Rising are forging ahead. The asset-based approach of this startup has strong implications for the future of iGaming. By integrating with blockchain technology, it provides ‘Ownable Game Assets’ (OGAs). This means that players can own and trade assets. They can even carry their in-game characters and items to other platforms.
The target demographic includes game developers and gamers. The company aims to bridge the creator economy with gaming and real-world experiences. It is positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of digital economies owned by players.
