Ice Barcelona aims for record 400 regulators as global industry unites against illegal gambling
Ice Barcelona has reinforced its commitment to supporting regulated gambling worldwide with the launch of an expanded Regulatory Programme designed to attract around 400 regulators to the January event—up from the record 300 who attended Ice Barcelona 2025. The announcement comes as new research from the European Casino Association highlights the scale of the challenge: illegal online gambling is estimated to cost EU member states €20 billion in lost tax revenues each year.
Margaret Dunn, Ice Portfolio Director, emphasised the urgency of a united response. “All of our conversations with international stakeholders confirm the importance they place on tackling the illegal market, which poses a significant threat to consumers, governments, and operators,” she said. “ICE has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry, and we’re using the power of the brand to accelerate a coordinated strategy against illegal gambling.”
THE BOARD – To advance this effort, organisers have created a Regulatory Advisory Board to guide the development of the enhanced programme. New features include exclusive access to the Ice World Gaming Gala, discounted attendance for regulators, closed-door meetings, working lunches and additional networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
“We are 100% committed to the growth of regulated gaming across all verticals and jurisdictions,” Dunn added. “As the only event that unites the entire global gaming ecosystem, Ice is uniquely placed to support meaningful change.”
For 2026, the World Regulatory Briefing—part of the Ice World Gaming Forum—will operate under Chatham House Rules from 11:00 a.m. onward, following its opening keynote and panel. The confidentiality framework is intended to encourage frank, solution-driven dialogue by allowing participants to use information shared in the room without disclosing the identity or affiliation of speakers.
Combatting the Illegal Market and Protecting Players will be among six core themes explored at the Ice World Gaming Forum. Discussions will examine the relationship between tightening gambling regulations—ranging from tax reforms to Aml requirements and advertising restrictions—and the parallel growth of illegal markets. The forum will also debate how to balance consumer protection with innovation to ensure regulated markets remain competitive.
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