Demand for cross-skilled employees is rising across online gaming operations, according to the 2026 iGaming Talent Trends Report released by iGaming technology provider SOFTSWISS in partnership with recruitment consultancy Pentasia.
The report identifies an increased need for employees capable of handling multiple functions within teams, as companies seek to maintain operational flexibility. This trend appears alongside other developments affecting hiring strategies, including regulatory changes such as the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which will require greater transparency in compensation and influence employer positioning.
The 2026 iGaming Talent Trends Report provides an overview of the workforce landscape, reviewing hiring activity, talent availability, and market developments over the past year. It also outlines considerations for employers in the year ahead.
Findings are based on combined proprietary data from SOFTSWISS and Pentasia, including survey responses from more than 90 B2B and B2C industry executives, along with workforce data drawn from regulated markets.
The report notes that many iGaming companies transitioning from periods of rapid growth to more stable operations continue to rely on short-term hiring methods rather than structured workforce planning. This approach is associated with exposure to cost fluctuations and talent shortages.
“Three things for 2026: be clear – ambiguity is expensive. Move with intent – good candidates don’t wait forever. Treat hiring as a partnership, not a transaction,” said Natalia Perkowska, Deputy Chief HR Officer at SOFTSWISS. “And finally, the best candidates are not convinced by perfection. They’re convinced by honesty, competence, and leadership they can trust.”
The study is divided into five sections, each addressing a specific area of the talent market:
-
iGaming Talent Market Overview compares B2B and B2C hiring dynamics, compensation trends, and mobility patterns
-
7 Key Trends That Shape the Current Tech & iGaming Talent Market identifies structural developments such as AI integration in workflows, and evolving skill requirements
-
Candidate vs Employer Market analyses whether 2026 reflects a power shift toward employers or candidates, and their decision-making drivers.
-
Employer Branding in iGaming – More Important than Ever evaluates how brand positioning and transparency influence talent acquisition outcomes.
-
The Case Studies section provides practical frameworks for efficient hiring.
Alastair Cleland, Managing Director at Pentasia, said: “Experienced candidates choose where they can have a clear impact with strong alignment on compensation, flexibility, and growth.
Product-led environments appeal to those motivated by shaping roadmaps and solving complex problems. Brand-led teams attract marketers focused on acquisition and retention at pace. In both cases, transparent processes and trust in the employer’s approach influence decisions.”
The 2026 iGaming Talent Trends report is available for download on the SOFTSWISS website.
Insights from the report will be discussed during a LinkedIn Live session hosted by SOFTSWISS in partnership with Pentasia. Titled Stop Losing Talent: 7 Smart Steps for Hiring in 2026, the panel is scheduled for March 20 at 13:00 CEST as part of the SOFTSWISS LinkedIn Live Panel Series. Registration is now open here.
The report follows earlier analytical releases from the company, including the Sportsbook KPI guide and the 2026 iGaming Trends report, which covered AI adoption, responsible gambling, betting formats, and regulatory developments across global markets.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/03/19/118107-softswiss-and-pentasia-present-2026-igaming-talent-trends-report
