Next in the iGB-Pentasia Salary Survey, Brooke Petersen breaks down the iGaming recruitment trends shaping 2025, with a focus on retention and workforce priorities.

Retention over recruitment: Optimising internal talent

2025 has recorded the strongest wage growth in three years – up 4.09% on last year. This finding sits at the heart of iGB and Pentasia’s 2025 iGaming Salary Guide, which also examines how pay, hiring and retention strategies are evolving across the industry.

But rather than fuelling aggressive hiring, much of this growth reflects targeted investment in existing teams, reinforcing a clear shift in retention vs recruitment in iGaming.

Brooke petersen, chief marketing & Growth officer, The conexus Group

With succession planning and retention now critical priorities, many employers are focusing on developing internal capability through leadership coaching, organisational design and better onboarding, all of which are becoming central iGaming retention strategies in 2025.

At Conexus Human Capital, we’ve seen growing demand for services like RPO, L&D strategy and executive coaching, all aimed at future-proofing the workforce and improving long-term performance.

Tech and data hiring shifts to senior and AI-focused profiles

Entry-level roles are being deprioritised in favour of mid-to-senior hires with advanced skills, highlighting the growing AI impact on iGaming jobs. AI and machine learning are now expected in roles like BI Analyst and Data Scientist, while new job titles – such as AI Automation Engineer – are emerging. Some employers are sourcing talent from fintech and adjacent sectors.

AI governance is now a hiring issue

As AI adoption increases, so does the need for tighter oversight. Employers want candidates who can use AI effectively but within defined boundaries. Misuse during interview tasks is raising concerns, complicating skills verification and assessment. This is increasingly influencing iGaming hiring trends, particularly for technical and data-driven roles.

Marketing evolves through new market opportunities

Crypto casinos, sweepstakes and social gaming continue to grow, with marketing being a core focus of this trajectory.

Following the April 2025 Google algorithm update, affiliate consolidation has accelerated.

Marketing teams are increasingly AI-enabled, with lots of opportunities in the market to upskill. One of the highest demands is for specialists who understand the distinct behaviours of crypto vs. fiat users.

Increased fines and licence exits are driving caution in compliance hiring. Fractional roles are gaining popularity as a cost-effective way to maintain oversight. Gaps in AML automation remain, while demand grows for marketing compliance in smaller teams.

Senior talent on the move

Restructures and redundancies have released more senior professionals – particularly in commercial and country leadership – into the market. There’s a strong pool of experienced candidates in the £100K-£140K range, reshaping the senior iGaming talent market.

Work-life balance and benefits take centre stage

Mid-level professionals increasingly prioritise flexibility, family-focused benefits and work-life balance over bonus structures. These are now central to successful retention strategies.

Read the full iGB-Pentasia Salary Survey 2025 for deeper insights into iGaming recruitment trends in 2025.

iGB-Pentasia_Salary Survey 2025

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the main iGaming recruitment trends in 2025?+

In 2025, iGaming recruitment trends are being shaped by a stronger focus on retention, increased demand for senior and AI-enabled talent. It is also found that employers are prioritising internal development and targeted hiring over rapid team expansion.

How is AI changing hiring in the iGaming industry?+

AI is influencing iGaming hiring both through the creation of new job roles and the need for stronger governance. Employers are looking for candidates who can work effectively with AI while maintaining oversight, compliance and responsible use.

Why is retention more important than recruitment in iGaming in 2025?+

Retention has become a priority as salary growth stabilises and experienced talent becomes more mobile. Many operators are investing in leadership development, onboarding and benefits to retain key staff and reduce long-term hiring risk.

Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/people/recruitment/igb-pentasia-salary-survey-2025-2/