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ExCeL London hosted a high-energy opening day as iGB L!VE kicked off its first-ever UK edition, drawing thousands of professionals eager to explore the next frontier in iGaming.
After years in Amsterdam, iGB L!VE has officially landed in London, and it brought serious momentum with it. The shift in location sparked major interest, with pre-registrations jumping over 21% from 2024. That energy was on full display today as industry leaders, tech innovators, and affiliate powerhouses filled the ExCeL halls for a packed opening day.
iGB L!VE 2025: Day 1 – Big Themes, Bold Talks
This year’s schedule covers many topics, but Day 1 focused on three key areas: changes in iGaming and Sports Betting, the need for more responsible gambling, and what’s next for Marketing and Affiliates. Sessions looked at current challenges like stricter rules and new technology, while also sharing fresh ideas that could change the industry.
Claire Williams OBE Sets the Tone with Powerful Keynote
Claire Williams OBE opened the Pulse Theatre with a powerful talk, linking lessons from Formula 1 to the iGaming world. She spoke about how precision, teamwork, and data helped F1 teams pull off pit stops in under two seconds – and how those same principles can boost business performance.
She also shared personal stories, including the loss of a £20 million sponsor and the impact of Covid-19 on her family’s company, highlighting the value of resilience and people-first leadership during tough times.
On diversity, she was unwavering:
“Diversity and inclusion in this day and age, to me, is a non-negotiable.”
That statement drew strong applause, reinforcing the broader shift toward inclusion and ethics in both iGaming and sport.
Regulation Watch: UK Gambling Rules Under the Spotlight
Helen Rhodes of the UK Gambling Commission led a well-attended session focused on regulatory updates following the White Paper review. She broke down proposed changes to game design and speed, helping operators get ahead of compliance shifts that could influence player behavior in the UK market.
AI With a Conscience: Tools to Promote Safer Play
In another standout session, experts from Mindway AI and Midnite discussed how machine learning is being deployed to support safer gambling habits. AI can now flag high-risk behavior early, providing timely interventions and nudges before problems spiral, a key tool in the industry’s effort to balance growth with responsibility.
Streaming That Moves the Needle in Sports Betting
Tech innovation also took center stage. Bart Snoeks of Dolby OptiView presented how ultra-low latency streaming is transforming live betting, offering near-instant access to match data and video feeds. It’s a game-changer for real-time odds and engagement, though not without its technical headaches.
Sustainable Gambling: Practical Tools, Not Just Talk
The Sustainable Gambling Zone at iGB L!VE gave attendees a closer look at tools and strategies for safer play. Sessions like “Redefining Financial Risk Checks” and “The Black Market Paradox” showed how well-meaning rules can sometimes push players to risky, unlicensed sites.
Pitch Perfect: Startups Make Their Case
At the iGB Pitch, five new startups shared their ideas with a panel of investors. From smart data tools to creative game features, the session gave a glimpse of fresh innovations that could help shape the future of iGaming.
Connections That Matter
Networking was happening all around – during sessions, at booths, and even over coffee. Day 1 was full of energy and connections. With over 300 exhibitors and around 15,000 expected attendees, iGB L!VE 2025 is clearly becoming a key meeting point for the global gaming industry.
Looking Ahead: More to Come This Week
Happening alongside London iGaming Week, the next few days will bring more expert talks, workshops, social events, and the much-awaited iGB Affiliate Awards. After such a strong start, excitement is high, and the iGaming world is paying close attention.
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